Last Post: Jim Opai

D39931 Sgt Jim Opai, RNZA, (ex 161 Bty SVN) passed away on 29 April at the Otago Community Hospice.
-----Jim was aged a mere 64 years, was the father of six and was Grandad to a number of mokopuna.
-----Jim's service is at noon on Saturday 3 May, at the Hope and Sons chapel on the corner of Andersons Bay and Hardy Street followed by a private cremation.

Go well, Jimbo.

Ubique

Pete Christian

ANZAC Day: 4 rounds gunfire!

Our 25-pr fired 4 rounds to a crowd of over 1000, toward the Skyline at the top of the Gondola. No windows broken, thank God. A real eye-opener to the local crowd, the first time a 25 pounder has fired in the Wakatipu area.

Click on image to enlarge

Lyall McGregor, Anzac day co-ordinator, Vice-Pres. Qtwn RSA

RNZA Band concert, 25 May 08, Orewa

Turn up to support our own Band!

Click on image to enlarge:

GSM (Vietnam) miniature will not be free

The GSM (Vietnam) miniature will cost $17, as originally advised. Although there have been isolated cases of justifiably free issues miniatures, veterans from the great majority of other conflicts have invariably paid for theirs.
-----After a lengthy and thorough examination of all the facts, and continuous consultation between NZDF, RNZRSA and EVSA, it was agreed that it would be inequitable to all other veterans if an exception were made for Vietnam vets.

Time to get over it and move right along.

Last Post: Ted Morrissey's funeral

From Don Donaldson:

Ted’s funeral is at 1100 hrs on Thursday at the Foxton RSA.
-----Just a small change to the info I sent you. His original number was 1750, as I advised previously, but his RNZ Artillery was 49163. He apparently changed numbers when he transferred to the 2nd Expeditionary Force.
-----I am still not sure whether he served with the 5th or 6th Field Regiments, but I do know he served with the 22nd battalion.

Tribute08: Registered to date

We have 150 men from 161 Bty now registered plus over 140 family and friends, so we're close to 300 already.

To see who has registered, go to www.tribute08.co.nz/registrations_to_date.php and click on '161 Battery' for a drop-down list of vets.

What can you do to increase the numbers?

Tribute08: Travel and Rendezvous

Travel

• Depending on levels of interest, Mayne Manson, bus operator and Vietnam Vet, will operate a coach service from Christchurch to Picton (and return) with Mainland Coaches. The coach fare will be based on the number of passengers travelling, and could be as little as $30 each way. Please ring Mayne on 03 386 1843 with expressions of interest. Mayne will make a decision on 9 May as to whether it is viable for him to provide a chartered coach.
• Russell Bennison, ex-Army and owner of About New Zealand Rental Cars, is offering a 20% discount on any rental vehicle when travelling to and from Tribute08. Make sure to quote ‘Tribute08’ when making a booking. Ring or go online for a quote. NZ Freephone 0800 455565.
• Because Vets living in the Wellington region aren’t eligible for the Travel Subsidy, we are instead providing them with a $50 Petrol Voucher. These will be sent to Wellington Vets once they register and those already registered will automatically receive one.
• The Travel Subsidy is issued by VANZ, with Veterans living in New Zealand receiving this payment by cheque, and those living overseas choosing to receive either a cheque or a direct credit into their bank account. Those who registered before the end of March will now be receiving their cheques or overseas direct credits. Later registrants will receive these in the next couple of weeks.
• The Tribute08 Travel Subsidy is specifically for NZ Vets only
• Vets who receive a War Pension travel assistance payment can nominate not to receive the one-off Travel Subsidy grant.
• There have been enquiries about the Travel Subsidy available to Vets living in New Plymouth and Wairarapa. To clarify – those in New Plymouth will receive $100, and in Wairarapa $70.

RVs for Saturday Afternoon

• 161 Battery: James Cook Hotel – level 16 (The Terrace)
• 173rd Ab Bde: James Cook Hotel – level 16 (The Terrace)

ANZAC stamps: L5 gun & crew - who is it?

From Frank Parry:

NZ Post has produced a set of ANZAC commemorative stamps, which are now on sale in both a 6-stamp block and as first day covers.
-----One stamp pictures an L5 and crew in sandbagged position. Can't identify gun crew.
-----Thought this may interest Association Members who may wish to purchase a set.
-----Would also be interesting to know names of crew and location.

Jock Fallon's final parade

Jock will be transferred to the big gun park on Tues 6 May 08, at 1100.

Tributes to:
Holy Cross Church
Cnr Anzac Ave and Chelsea St
Kippa-Ring, Qld. 4021

Jock's widow's address
Marina Fallon
2/10 Rosewood Crescent
MARGATE. Qld. 4019

Ubique
Neil Layton
Redcliffe VVAA

North Africa battlefield tours

This website www.western-desert.de may be of interest

Iraq: Brothers at War

Here is the link for an interesting website about an Iraq war documentary due to premiere on 16 May:

http://www.brothersatwarmovie.com/

Rick Williams does a Very Good Deed

Hello again Angela,
These photographs were taken [1 hour ago today] 25 April ANZAC DAY 2008 at Waukapuaka Cemetery, Nelson.
-----The headstone and gravesite were rededicated by Rev Trevor Squires, former RNZAF Anglican Chaplain. With me is Derek Nees, President of Nelson RSA, whose wife took the photos on a chilly but beautiful (again!) sunny Nelson morning after our traditional Dawn Service.
-----I do hope it brings joy to all your family, especially Dad. It has been a pleasure to have been able to bring closure for you.
With best wishes,
Rick

About Uncle Dick

Uncle Dick (John Edwards) was a WW 1 NZA gunner on Gallipoli and in France. He was later a master mariner and chose (for 28 inebriated reasons) to switch to Churchill's Naval Division in 1917.

-----He returned to Nelson, where he had enlisted, but sadly died from TB contracted en route in 1928. 'Old Comrades' buried him with no headstone, pre-dating NZPFOCA by several years.

-----The British family contacted us in Oct 2007 and we took it from there. Isn't that what we are all about?

Ubique, Rick

ANZAC Day: Pat Duggan parades at Long Tan . . .

. . . and visits the Grand Hotel.

Go to http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfcqmts6_3187fdnwdg for the text, and http://picasaweb.google.com/RNZA.Association/080425LongTan for the photos

Denis gives a heads-up for a Sky movie

The movie, 'Two Men Went to War', is on Sky tonight. It depicts in an enhanced fashion the exploits of Capt Peter King DSO MC (16 Fd Regt, Korea) while he was a Dental Tech in the UK during WW2. The movie takes some liberties and ages King somewhat but watch the credits at the end.

Denis Dwane

Death of 'Jock' Fallon

It is with deep regret that I advise you that an old NZ Gunner has passed on.

I have just been advised (12.15pm Brisbane time) that 41786 Sgt Joseph "Jock" Fallon has passed away.

I have no further details yet, but will advise ASAP any further info when it comes to hand.

Jock belonged to the Redcliffe (Qld) Sub Branch of the VVAA and was a very popular member. We will all miss him.

Neil Layton
Secretary
VVAA
Redcliffe Sub Branch

Obit: Ted Morrissey, from Don Donaldson

As advised in yesterday's post, Ted passed away at home on 25 April, after spending the day at the new Foxton RSA with friends and old comrades.

Read his interesting obituary at http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dfcqmts6_30gcdckhj8&hl=en

Last Post: Ted Morrissey

It is with sadness that I advise that one of our comrades, Ted Morrissey, passed away on ANZAC Day evening at his home, after spending the day at the new Foxton RSA among his friends and past comrades.

Condolences to Elsie Morrissey (widow), 74 Grey Street, Shannon, phone 06 362 7346.

No other details are available at this time.

Don Donaldson

KOREA, 23-28 April 1951: Battle of Kap 'Yong

Frank Hopkinson reminds us about the Battle of Kap 'Yong:

A description of this battle is in the booklet produced by 16th Field Regiment upon its withdrawal from Korea in November 1954, and it must have been a pretty hairy affair.
-----The guns withdrawing at night, no lights, down a winding valley road with the covering infantry of the Middlesex Battalion hanging on like grim death wherever they could get a foothold. One gun tractor towing a trailer and a gun had more than 20 aboard.
-----During the 30 hours preceding the dawn of Anzac Day the Regiment fired some 10,000 rounds at ranges which gradually reduced from 10,000 to 3,000 yards. Over the next four days the Regiment fired almost without pause until they were withdrawn on the night of the 28th.
-----For their deeds during this action, on 01 November 1951 the Regiment was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation from the President of the Republic of Korea, Syngman Rhee

Betty-May's funeral - Bryce Harrison reporting

Today, my wife and I attended Betty-May's funeral at Linton Camp.
-----The service was conducted by the Reverend Father Paul Darrock of Levin, and took place in the Camp Chapel. Hymns included The Lord is my Shepherd, and Abide With Me, with various readings from the Gospels by serving members of 16 Field Regiment.
-----The eulogy was given by the CO, Lt Col Nick Gillard. Col Gillard paid tribute to her generous and unwavering support to 161 Bty while we were serving in Vietnam. Also he told those assembled that that same support did not end with Vietnam, but continued during the Bty's commitments to other areas of conflict like East Timor and Bosnia.
-----His eulogy was delivered seriously, but also with lighthearted anecdotes which served to ease the solemnity of the occasion.
-----At the conclusion of the service, the pallbearer party made up of Sgts and Warrant Officers, placed the casket on the 25 Pdr gun carriage. The edge of the Parade Ground was lined by serving members of 16 Fd Regt (161 Bty), and the gun carriage was driven slowly around the Parade Ground, as a silent tribute to Betty-May.
-----This was followed by a 15 K drive to the Shannon Cemetary for the internment. A firing party was not provided. The internment was followed by a light luncheon at 16 fd Regt Hq.
-----All in all, it has to be said that Betty-May received an excellent send off, which I am sure we will all agree, was thoroughly deserved.
-----As a closing observation, I feel that tribute must be paid to 16 Fd Regt for the faultless organisation on the day, their splendid turnout, and their generous hospitality to all those attending.

Betty-May's military funeral: video clip, 2 mins

TV ONE and Freeview channel 7 have both shown coverage of Betty-May's funeral. The clip shows the service and features (apart from Betty-May), LtCol Nick Gillard giving the eulogy, Bryce Harrison and Col Don Kenning commenting on Betty-May's links to 161 Bty.

To view the clip, go to http://tvnz.co.nz/view/video_popup_windows_skin/1743516

Affiliation with RNZRSA

At the Special General Meeting today, 24 April, Rod Baldwin moved 'that the RNZA Association affliliate to RNZRSA'. The motion was seconded by Barry Dreyer.

In speaking to the motion, Rod covered a number of points in favour of the proposal:

• Participation in Affiliate forums and RNZRSA Council meetingss, so our interests are taken into account
• Consultation and input on legislative change, (such as rewriting the War Pensions Act), health and welfare
• Flow of info from RNZRSA to us on a wide range of subjects and issues
• Exchange views about matters and issues that affect us
• Better informed about general trends, allowing us to be prepared
• Mana as an affiliate of a respected organisation
• Raise our public profile

He added that in his 7-8 years as an EVSA delegate to RNZRSA, there had been no expectation that the affiliates would follow some line proposed by RNZRSA; rather, that the affiliates themselves influenced events.

The President invited other views or questions from the floor. There were none.

The motion was carried unanimously.

The Battle of Kap'Yong

Frank Hopkinson reminds us that 56 years ago today, 16th Field were starting their most famous battle in the Korean campaign, at Kap'Yong

Surveying Korea

Grant Mockler enquires from the UK:

My father served in Korea as an artillery surveyor, possibly 16th Field Regiment.
-----His name is Sidney John Richard Mockler, now mainly known as John Mockler.
-----He is British and was loaned/seconded somehow to the New Zealand regiment.

How can I search records/tales to find out more?

If you can help Grant, contact him at GMockler@cbmh.co.uk

News of Rusty Vail

Rusty recently spent 7 days in hospital after a heart attack, plus chest and lung problems. He says,
-----"They did a great job on me and I'm making progress. Very, very slowly at my age but I'm still on this side of the grass. Luckier than others.
-----"Had an accident at a round-about and messed up the right front of my car. Could be a write-off."

You can contact Rusty at rustyv@xtra.co.nz

John Bellamy's wife, Terri, has passed away

Catherine Therese (Terri) on April 22, 2008, at Mary Potter Hospice. Messages and tributes may be posted at www.tributes.co.nz or sent c/- 4 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Dr Taylor Terrace, Johnsonville, on Monday 28th April at 11.00am thereafter interment at Whenua Tapu cemetery. A Virgil service will be held on Sunday evening at the above church at 7.00pm.

More on Betty-May

I was the Chief Clerk of 161 Bty RNZA during my TOD, Vietnam 1966. Graham Cramp, Red Potts and I always had first read of Betty-May's letters, that was after we wrenched them off the BK.
-----I bet that I have read every one of them and I was left with a passion to want to meet this great writer and comforter as I felt, like every one else, she was writing to me.
-----My chance came at the 2005 161 Battery reunion held at Linton, when I was caught gazing at her photo in the 16 Field's HQ and Graham Cramp said to me,"Would you like to meet her, she is just next door".
-----The meeting was just going great until I told her my role in distributing her letters in 1966 and from them on it was as emotional as it gets.
-----I regret that I am unable to attend the services but on the day I will remember her just like I have done the last 40 years . . . farewell Betty-May . . . we will remember you.

Don Potter

Betty-May's funeral . . . medals

From the Regt Col: All mourners who have medals should wear them please

Need a ride from Kapiti to Betty-May's funeral?

David Bähler is going that way ~

If anyone is looking for transport from the Kapiti area to Betty-May’s funeral at Linton Camp on Thursday, please ring David Bahler (ex-Sgt 16 Fd Regt) on 027 280 7915, or at work on 04 902 9838 so that we can car pool. (I am quite happy to be the ‘safe’ driver!!)

Cheers

David Bähler

About Betty-May

Betty-May Browne has been a life long supporter of the RNZA since 161 Bty deployed to Vietnam in 1965.
-----It is fair to say she has dedicated her life to supporting serving and returned soldiers. Particularly at a time during the Vietnam conflict when such actions were not overly popular.
-----Her last letters were to the gunners deployed with the NZPRT in Bamyan Province.
-----She has been a legend among the gunners and every new soldier is taught about her on the regimental basic. The youngest gunner and GPO 161 Bty were despatched regularly to visit her in Levin.
-----She has no close family. It is our intent to give her the best send off possible. You are most welcome to attend.

Betty-May's funeral

From Lt Col Nick Gillard, CO, 16 Fd Regt RNZA ~

Further to my email of Sunday.

Betty-May's funeral service will be conducted at St Martin's Chapel, Linton Camp at 1000 hrs Thursday 24 April. Anyone wishing to attend should be assembled at the Chapel from 0930.

The service will be conducted by Father Paul Darrock of Levin.

Dress for military personnel is Service Dress with medals, Sam Brown and Mounted Rifles Hats.

The Order of Service will include a poem read by BC Kapyong Bty (as requested by Betty-May), a reading from the youngest gunner and the eulogy by CO 16 Fd Regt. Anyone else wishing to speak is most welcome.

The internment location is still being determined. As requested by Betty-May it will be the nearest public cemetery to Linton Camp. All are welcome at the internment.

The regiment and estate will be providing floral tributes.

A late morning tea will be held at Regimental Headquarters 16 Field Regiment after the internment. This will be at approximately 1230.

Please direct any questions to me (nicholas.gillard@nzdf.mil.nz) or the acting RSM, WO2 John Garton (john.garton@nzdf.mil.nz)

Found - one teak gun carriage

Olwyn, a Kiwi in Texas, sends us this item she discovered, from the Otago Witness, 19 February 1891, Page 15:

The Hinemoa returned to the Bluff at 7 a.m. on Saturday after a further search for the missing steamer Kakanui. The survey party, which has been down at the Snares surveying the site for a lighthouse, returned by the Hinemoa.
-----They discovered traces in a cove or cave on the west side of the Snares of a wreck having taken place there, whether recently or some years ago is a matter of conjecture.
-----A topsailyard, with halyards attached, and also the topmast of a ship were found in this cove, also a quantity of candles and a teak gun carriage. On part of this carriage are the letters MLSXH, but no clue to the identity of the vessel was found. Although the evidence is very slight, yet the lettering on the gun carriage mentioned above may serve as a clue to the identity of the vessel from which it came.
-----It is evident that some good ship has met her fate on the treacherous Snares, and this is only a further illustration of the urgent need for a lighthouse on these islands, situated as they are right in the track of ocean-going ships and exposed to all the storms that rage in the "roaring forties".
-----Three ships during the last 10 years, bound to this colony, which have never been heard of were the Knowsley Hall, which disappeared 10 years ago; the Min-y-Don, a vessel which left Newcastle for Lyttelton about seven years ago, and was never more heard of; and the Trevelyan, which left England for New Zealand about five years ago, and never reached the colony.

Betty-May

Betty May was a special person, some might describe her as mildly eccentric, but she had a heart of gold and an enormous capacity in sharing her thoughts with messages of support and sympathy to the wounded, sick and homesick. She would be in constant contact with 161 Bty especially during those times when it wasn't fashionable to support soldiers.

Ray Andrews

Sad news: Betty-May has passed away

From Lt Col Nick Gillard, CO 16 Fd Regt RNZA:

It is with much regret that I must inform you of the passing of Betty-May Brown in Levin yesterday. I was rung by her legal representative, Mrs Sheila Patterson, on Saturday afternoon.

Betty-May was always a great character and her association with 16 Field Regiment and 161 battery in particular has been a very special one.

I will be sending a representative from the regiment to Levin tomorrow to discuss funeral arrangements. Betty-May has left some very specific instructions regarding her funeral and we will be honouring them to the utmost. Being estranged from her family she was clear in her instructions that we, the regiment, were her family and she has requested our participation.

At this stage the funeral will be next week, probably Wednesday or Thursday. Certainly before ANZAC Day. Her wish is to be buried in the cemetery closest to Linton Camp with the regiment providing pall bearers. A military padre has been requested to conduct the service. The regiment will co-ordinate all details.

I will inform you all of the details as soon as we know.

Could everyone please pass on the message to any I may have missed on the address list.

Please feel free to pass any messages or Betty-May stories to me and I shall convey them.

All tanked up and ready to go

From Paddy Ryan:

WW-II Trophy tank
14 September 2000, a Komatsu D375A-2 pulled an abandoned tank from its archival tomb under the bottom of a lake near Johvi, Estonia. The Soviet-built T34/76A tank had been resting at the bottom of the lake for 56 years. According to its specifications, it's a 27-tonne machine with a top speed of 53km/h.

[Extract only. Go to http://www.mil.hiiumaa.ee/2000_09_14_kurtna_T-34-36/ to read the whole story and see the photos.]

Add VANZ in review order!

Cabinet has agreed to a proposal that will improve provision of services to veterans and increase efficiency.

• From 1 July 2008, War Disablement Pensions policy and service delivery will be the responsibility of Veterans Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) only, not split with the Ministry of Social Development.
• This decision recognises the Chief of Defence Force's responsibility to veterans throughout their lifetime.
• VANZ will continue to sit within the New Zealand Defence Force and will lose its semi-autonomous status.
• Two reviews of the current arrangements found that there were inefficiencies in the delivery of War Disablement Pensions.
• Whilst staff in both organisations work professionally to give as good a service as possible, the whole system is being re-engineered so that one agency is responsible for policy and practice.
• Veterans will be able to deal directly with one organisation for all enquires about entitlements and services. This is a significant change which will improve outcomes and support for veterans.
• You will have a single 0800 number to contact rather than two. The time taken to process War Disablement Pensions will reduce.
• Throughout the review of VANZ, veterans' groups such as the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association have been fully consulted.

Think of them on ANZAC Day

_
_
More than 600 New Zealand Defence personnel will be serving overseas on Anzac Day, in places such as Timor-Leste, the Solomon Islands, Afghanistan, and Lebanon, as part of New Zealand’s joint efforts overseas, not only with Australians, but with many other nations. Deployed New Zealanders and Defence Attaches will attend special commemorations on the day.
_____Send a message of recognition and support to our men and women to mark ANZAC Day. You can post a general message or a message to an individual service person. Messages will be delivered to the overseas missions on 26 April.

https://forms.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/dpru-anzac-contactform.asp

Tribute08 travel subsidy

--
Tribute08 Event Management is preparing a nominal roll for VANZ to mail out a travel subsidy cheque, to the value shown in the schedule issued earlier with 'SitRep' newspaper.
_____BUT if you live within NZ and are entitled to P23L travel allowance,you are likely to be worse off with the subsidy offered. You are entitled to the P23L rate if your War Disablement pension is over 100%.
_____IF you wish to claim the P23L rate, you MUST let Tribute08 EventManagement know NOW so they can remove your name from the VANZ list.

Email "Tribute08 Event Management" tribute08@fresco.co.nz

Tribute 08: Latest registration numbers

_____
As at today's date, we have 136 vets registered for the Tribute08 weekend, and 136 going with them, a promising total of 272 (just in case your maths are slow). Our target is a minimum of 400. The list of registrants isn't available yet but I'll post it as soon as it is.
_____Feedback to me shows that 161 Battery vets are warming to the event and are now seeing it less as a 'political stunt' and more as a chance for mates to get together, at probably the largest reunion we will ever have.
_____I want to remind you again that the government has absolutely no part in organising the weekend. It is being done entirely by veteran organisations. All politicians will be non-partisan - the formal apology will be given in Parliament, to ensure it is recorded in Hansard, and endorsed by all parties. And the whakanoa will take place there too, as our war dead are honoured in the presence of their next-of-kin.
_____We ought to put politics aside at this time so that we, too, honour the fallen, and enjoy the time with our old comrades.

Mike Dakin
Editor

Pat Duggan takes another tour of duty

As at 4.15 this afternoon my upcoming trip to Vietnam was pretty much in the bag. All I need now is for the film company to get the visas and the tickets. They have extended the dates from 23 April to 29 April so I will be in Vietnam on ANZAC Day. One can only hope I will be at the Long Tan memorial on that day, still that's up to the film company. I will have my travel details confirmed probably in the next 2 days.

Paul, old friend, it looks like a sure bet you will be the Parade Marshal for Christchurch City this year. Omnipresence is something I still haven't quite mastered. I'll keep you all posted.

Keep your powder dry
Pat

Hoorah! 'The Gunners' is coming! (Quite soon)

Brigadier Graham Birch advises that The Gunners is finally on its way to those who have ordered it. To read the full! convoluted! intriguing! and suspenseful! story, go to http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dfcqmts6_28htt3f5gs&hl=en

Then, watch your mailbox.

Roger Newth tells us the origin of a four-letter word

In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship and it was also before commercial fertilizer's invention, so large shipments of manure were common.
It was shipped dry because, in dry form, it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by-product is methane gas.
As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could (and did) happen. Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, KA-BOOOOM! Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was happening.
After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term 'Ship High In Transit' on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.
Thus evolved the term ' S.H.I.T ', (Ship High In Transport) which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.
You probably did not know the true history of this word. Neither did I. I had always thought it was a golf term.

Now, if you want to check that out, Graeme Black suggests you go to http://www.yourdictionary.com/shit

On the bandwagon: Clarence Ormsby vents . . .

I think it's pathetic to hear the NZ Government and its management has failed to have the RNZA Band attend Tribute08 because of funds. It’s a sad day for the soldier who won (sic) the Vietnam war. It will be a worse day for the politician who made that decision. What more insults can be awarded to NZ Vietnam veterans. What a bugger. If Tribute08 committee has Vietnam veterans at heart they would boycott or distance themselves from this political sham.

Clarence Ormsby
crimehurts@bigpond.com

Listen to the sound of silence

Penny whistles anyone? Or wait for another 'significant parade'?

"I’m sorry to inform you but the RNZA Band is no longer tasked with the Tribute 08 Parade on Saturday 31 May 08.

RNZAF aircraft were unavailable and the costs are too prohibitive via civilian airlines. Hopefully we can have more success for other significant parades in the future."

Leanne K Smith

Captain

Director of Music/Army Events

New Zealand Army Band

Billy Barnz new book

Voices from Vietnam by Billy Barnz, (Billy Barnes, GPO, 161 Bty 1970-71), is due to be launched at Tribute08, 1200 hours on Friday 30 May. The new book will be on sale throughout the weekend in Wellington, as will a special release of another Vietnam book The Goat Hunter, by the same author.

To read about the new book, go to

http://docs.google.com/Doc?tab=publish&docid=dfcqmts6_27fpr2r3gq&hl=en

[copy and paste into your browser address bar]

The latest on Joe Fallon

Last week Peter "Doggo" Downs and I visited Joe. He was very chirpy and always good for a laugh nothing has changed.

But the outlook is not good. If you wish to contact Joe, do it sooner rather later. I have forwarded some great emails to him and he really appreciates the calls.

We can ony wish Joe all the best for whatever time he has left.

UBIQUE

Brian Jerry Meyer

2010: The next 161 Battery Reunion

We're already thinking about the 45th anniversary of the Battery's arrival in Vietnam in 1965, and this seems like a good time to ask what you think about it too. The three main questions are:

1. Where do we go? To Palmerston North, as last time - or do we go South for a change? Or somewhere else?
2. When will it take place? Queen's Birthday Weekend has been suggested - any other options?
3. What  will be on the programme  - any ideas?

Your input will be welcomed.

Veterans' health management service

Auckland RSA's Margaret Burke runs a very informative and inclusive health and welfare clinic, once a month at the Ranfurly Vets Home. I went along on 3 May and came away very impressed. Margaret is clearly dedicated to identifying vets' needs and doing what's necessary to resolve them.

At yesterday's clinic she covered 'What happens when you die?' - funeral grants, Service cemeteries, memorial plaques and surviving spouse pensions. If you're not clued up on this, now is the time to find out; it will be too late when your eyes close for the last time. Stewart Harvey, Public Trust Area Manager, explained the real need for enduring power of attorney, if you are to have your wishes respected when you are unable to speak for yourself.

Margaret also spoke about the Veteran's Affairs Register, which should include every vet, whenever they served. You need to do this so VANZ can follow through with your entitlements, or those of your next of kin.

Have you taken care of all this business? If not, do it now!

Most of those present were Gunners, so I saw and chatted with many old comrades. A worthwhile exercise.

If you wish to go along to future clinics, contact Margaret on 09 624 0064