'A Bridge Over' - buy John Masters' book here

Audience of the Canadian Col.Commandant with HM The Queen

'A Bridge Over' - John Masters' book launch, 19 November, Papanui RSA

We will remember them

Last Post: Jim Morgan

42677 SSgt James Mita (Jim) MORGAN, RNZAC ex 161 Bty SVN 1969, passed away in Rotorua on Thursday, 5 November 2009, aged 60.
Jim's funeral is to be held at the Tarimano Marae, Awahou, Rotorua on Monday, 9 November 2009, at 1100hrs. Jim is lying in state at the Marae.
Communications to:

The Morgan Family,
C/- Secretary/Manager Rotorua RSA.
1072 Haupapa Street.
Rotorua 3010.

75th Anniversary & Reunion images, from John Osborne

At the 2009 Reunion, John Osborne became our official photographer. John is one of our new members, but already known to many as the Commandant of the NZ Armed Constabulary Forces Reenactment Society, which turned on a great vintage Armstrong cannon display at our 2007 Reunion in Taupo. John's presentations record a marvellous weekend:

• Passchendaele Exhibition
• North Head Battery
• 2009 Reunion Dinner
• Parade and Memorial Service 

Images from other cameras still to come.

Reunion: Passchendaele pictorial report by John Osborne

North Shore City news release - 75th Anniversary & Reunion

A week before the Battle of Passchendaele commenced

Immediately preceding 22 July, 1917, the New Zealand Divisional Artillery was engaged in a series of fire missions on the Western Front during the period of intense activity that took place between the commencement of the Battle of Messines (6 June) and the beginning of the Battle of Passchendaele (31 July).  Gun batteries were not normally exposed to direct small arms fire, although this was not impossible. However, numerous artillery personnel were also required in the infantry lines in a forward observing capacity and in the never ending task of repairing the telephone wires connecting the forward observers with their batteries. Many Gunner casualties were suffered as a direct result, either from shelling or because of enemy snipers.

Now, there's a point

Before a war military science seems a real science, like astronomy; but after a war it seems more like astrology.
  - Rebecca West

Auckland Harbour Bridge closure, Sunday 1 November

LTSA advises that the harbour bridge will be partially closed on Sunday 1 November during our reunion.
The central span will remain open, but the "clip-ons" will be closed from 0300 until about 1000hrs.

75th Anniversary Reunion - medals

• Dinner, Saturday night - miniatures to be worn
• Parade and Memorial Service, Sunday morning - full-sized medals to be worn
  

Well done, Bob Davis!

One of our members, Bob Davis, was recently elected as the International Chairman of the International Military Music Society (founded 1977). Bob holds office for two years from January 2010.

His election does him great credit as it's the first time the role has been held outside the USA or Europe.

Bob is well known for organizing Band concerts, and he is currently Secretary of the RNZA Band Assn.

Now THAT is a silencer!

Reunion 2009: Have you registered - and paid? Deadline coming up!

This is the year to be there!

Click to check the on-line register  

Click to register on-line

Click to pay on-line

Briefs from Day 1 of the RNZRSA National Conference, 12-14 Oct 09

HAVE YOU REGISTERED - AND PAID? The clock is ticking!

This is the year to be there! 

Click to check the on-line register  

Click to register on-line

Click to pay on-line

The reunion you'll regret missing if you're not there
Spend time with gunner comrades

Meet today's gunners of 11/4 Battery
Only $80.00 to register, two dinners included
Free visit to historic Fort Takapuna and the Passchendaele exhibition
75th Anniversary commemoration parade and service - with gunfire!
Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery playing
North Shore City, Auckland - 30 October to 1 November

Last Post: Allan Wilson, RNZA, 2 NZEF

WILSON 
Richard Allan (Allan). Lt Col (Retd) 2nd Expeditionary Force. Suddenly on 6 October 2009 in his 89th year. Loved husband of the late Patricia, loved father of Helen and Linda. Loved grandfather of Tony and Bronwyn, Diane and Simon. Loved greatgrandfather of Sasha, Finn, Levi and Jessica.

A service for Allan will be held at the North Shore Memorial Park Crematorium Chapel, 235 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany, Saturday 10 October at 1.00pm followed by a reception at the East Coast Bay RSA.

Farewell, Thelma Salt

Dear Family and Friends,
I am sad to inform you that Mum (Thelma Salt) passed away peacefully at 4pm this afternoon, 8 October 2009, at Valley Views Retirement Home in Gatton. Dad (Henry Salt) was with her. Mum had turned 90 in March this year.
Dad's details are: Henry Salt
                     Regis Valley Views
                     22 Dawson Drive
                     Gatton
                     Queensland 4343
                     Ph 0754620052
Kind regards, Wayne Salt 
Email Wayne Salt

75th Anniversary Reunion - REGISTER NOW!

     This is the year to be there!

• Click to check the on-line register
• Click to register on-line
  
• Click to pay on-line

The reunion you'll regret missing if you're not there

Spend time with gunner comrades
Meet today's gunners of 11/4 Battery
Only $80.00 to register, two dinners included
Free visit to historic Fort Takapuna and the Passchendaele exhibition
75th Anniversary commemoration parade and service - with gunfire!
Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery playing
North Shore City, Auckland - 30 October to 1 November

Christchurch RSA Golf Tournament, 29 October - click to view poster

Update from Roley & Gail Flutey . . . click

Reunion 30 October to 1 November - Register NOW! (money talks)

• Click to check the attendance register on-line
• Click to register on-line 
• Click to pay on-line-----

Last Post: Des Barkle

Barkle, Desmond Taylor (Des). Service no. 36854 - Vietnam. On October 1, 2009 aged 82 years. Loved husband of Avis. Loved by all his children and great grandchildren. A service to celebrate Des's life will be held at Te Aroha R.S.A clubrooms, Rewi St. Te Aroha on Monday October 5 at 11am followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations may be made at the service to Te Aroha District Community Hospital Trust Fund or post to 72 Stanley Avenue, Te Aroha. Broadway Funeral Home (Te Aroha) FDANZ

From Brian Jerry Meyer:
It is with deep regret I forward this posting of the passing of Des Barkle RNZA.
Des served in 161 Bty 68/69 as the BQMS.
He was the Dad of the late John Barkle RNZInf, who also served at the same time in SVN in W2/W3.

From Mike Dakin:
I remember Des well from our days at CD Trg Bty, under Dutch Holland and Spencer Cocks, where he was OR clerk. In the Instructors' Room, Des was the undisputed domino champ. One of the highlights of that time was the running banter of a war of (sometimes cutting) words between Des, Bill Giles and Icky Wright, a great introduction to gunner camaraderie.

Last Post: Jim McCaig

330023 James (Jim) McCAIG, Gunner RNZA, passed away at Northbridge Private Hospital, Auckland, on 30 September 2009, aged 76.
A Service for Jim was held at The Chapel of Faithful Funeral Services, 35 Red Beach Road, Hibiscus Coast today, Saturday 3 October 2009, followed by private cremation.
Unfortunately we have no details of Jim's military service, and it would be appreciated that, if confirmed details are known, this information is forwarded to the Association and to John and Annette Millar, the44millars@clear.net.nz .

ANZAC Defence Ministers meet

30 September 2009
The Minister for Defence, Hon. Dr Wayne Mapp, today met with his Australian counterpart, Senator John Faulkner, in Sydney to discuss a range of shared defence interests and security challenges.
While our two defence forces have always been close, successive deployments on combined and coalition operations have highlighted the importance of maximising our joint operational capabilities, interoperability and integration. These imperatives were reflected in the joint statement made by Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers on 20 August 2009.
Today the Ministers agreed that . . .

RNZA Association's profile updated

Read the Association's updated profile, right > > >

Viet Nam Veterans and Their Families Trust AGM

The AGM of the Viet Nam Veterans and Their Families Trust will be held at the Taradale RSA, Hawkes Bay, at 1.00 pm Monday 19 October 2009.
Read the Notice of Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RSVP required.

Enquiry: Gun Pit of Disappearing 6-inch Gun

Peter Gore, Treasurer of the Fort Lytton Historical Trust in Brisbane, asks:
Would it be possible for you to direct a query to whomever might have information about the Disappearing Gun at Fort Taiaroa? [Or Fort Takapuna as a comparison. Ed.]
Go here for the hard part . . .
Any assistance you could provide would be greatly appreciated and acknowledged in our museum and publications.
Many thanks
Peter Gore
Treasurer FLHA
Phone:  +61 (0)733577751
e:mail: flhaguides@gmail.com

Reunion 2009: Register on-line after 30 September

• On or after 30 September, you may register for the reunion on-line, by clicking here and returning the completed form by email. Pay on-line through Internet banking.
• When you pay to confirm your attendance, the colour-coded list will show your name in (pure) gold.
• Judging by estimates so far, we could have over 100 taking part in a great weekend: relaxed, meeting old and new mates, chatting - with an interesting and entertaining programme, too. Be there!
  

Progress on replacement of the War Pensions Act 1954

On 9 September, Sir Geoffrey Palmer spoke to the RNZRSA Affiliates' Forum - the first time our Association has been represented there. The text of his address - here - brings you up-to-date on progress with the new Act to replace the War Pensions Act 1954.

Parkinson's disease and chemical exposure

VANZ recently announced that Parkinson's disease is now on the 'presumptive' list for Viet Nam veterans, due to chemical exposure.
Thanks to Margaret Burke, Auckland RSA, for pointing us to an article that explains the science behind the decision. Read it here . . .

Christchurch RSA AGM: For Pete's sake!

The Christchurch RSA AGM will be held this Saturday 26/09/2009 at the clubrooms starting at 9:30am. Again this year there will be elections for all positions except for Treasurer where the incumbent John Collins is unopposed.

I am standing for election in both the position of Vice President and Executive.

I have attached a short bio for your consideration in the hope that you will support my candidacy in these positions as I believe that in my year on the executive I have managed to make a difference and that I can continue to do so at a time when our Association needs strong and experienced leadership to continue to take us forward to ensure the survival and prosperity of NZ's "parent RSA".

Hopefully I'll see most of you at the AGM on Saturday.

Cheers

Pete Dawson

Cactus Kate gets prickly on that RTNZ issue

What Cactus Kate wrote about 'the writing's on the bomb':

1. Crazy isn't it? Will RSA's around NZ put out a statement in support of these kids? I couldn't care less what they write on the side of a bomb. The job they do most of us don't want to do so least we support them.
2. Crazy is not harsh enough to describe this. Sent home and any thought of careers ruined. RSA's are unlikley to say anything public about it, but they are steaming inside. Quasi service sites can though - see [Muzzle Flashes].
3. Whaleoil and I love the gunners! . . . As I said, they do things we aren't prepared to front up to do necessarily. Anyone who criticises how they do their job who has not and never wishes to front up to do their job, needs to be silenced with a large blog spank. Least we can do.

[For the full picture, read the original story here, and the over-reaction.]

Back in the day - Viet Nam 1965

And I said to Wayne, “Don’t write on our thousandth round as we could get sent home.” 

He said “Don’t be stupid.”


Thanks to Denis Dwane for this.

A STUPID DECISION

From 'The Veteran', on the blogspot ,'No Minister' 
It is not of my nature to criticise command decisions of the service chiefs but today I make an exception.
The sending home from Afghanistan of the three soldiers who chalked a message on a 2,ooolb bomb and attached a drinks sticker to it is a sad one made by a PC cowered hierarchy from the safety of their desks back in Wellington.
They need reminding that loyalty goes two ways ... up and down ... and there is no sign of the 'down' bit there.
Ok, the world has moved on since the writer took the 'shilling' but some things don't change and I suggest the military will reap what they sow.
Like it or not they are breeding the initiative and individualism out of today's soldiers to the point they will think twice before they fart and three times before they shoot.
The only people breaking out the champagne today are the Keith Locke's of this world in celebration of another wound inflicted on military morale.
And it was a self inflicted wound by commanders who should have known better.

Looking for the survivor

My name is Ed Cowley, ex 161 Bty and W2 Coy RNZIR, and I was attached to A Coy 6RAR along with Capt Peter Williams during 1966-67. During that period we had numerous people come out on operations with us to gain experience.
On one of these occasions over the period 3-5 October 1966 whilst we were returning to Nui Dat we had to cross the Soui da Bang. At that time the river was running swiftly from the local rain storms. The river was deep and flowing very fast and a line consisting of toggle ropes attached to trees on either side was organised. We then proceeded to cross.
Unfortunately one of our FO party lost his grip and was dragged under by the weight of his pack and the radio he had in it. (Who was that?) At that time an Aussie by the name of P.C.Smith dived in and found our man and got him to the surface but both were being swept down stream.
PC (as he is known) some how got hold of an overhanging bush and held on until help arrived. PC was awarded the Queens Commendation (QC) for his action. (I am sure our man would have drowned).

At this time I am trying to find the name and whereabouts of our man, as every ANZAC Day PC asks me if I know how to get hold of him.
PC Smith lives here in South Australia and is now on the sick list with bone cancer. I thought it was about time I started to do some looking. Who can name the man that PC saved on that day?
Can anyone help? I can be reached by email to ecowley@bigpond.net.au

Joe feared his wife Peg wasn't hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her, he talked to the family Doctor to discuss the problem.
The Doctor told him there was a simple informal test the husband could perform to give the Doctor a better idea about her hearing loss.
'Here's what you do,' said the Doctor, 'stand about 40 feet away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response.'
That evening, Joe's wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he was in the den. He says to himself, 'I'm about 40 feet away, let's see what happens.' Then in a normal tone he asks, 'Honey, what's for dinner?'
No response.
So he moves closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife and repeats, 'Peg, what's for dinner?'
Still no response.
Next he moves into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asks, 'Honey, what's for dinner?'
Again he gets no response.
So, he walks up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away. 'Honey, what's for dinner?' Again there is no response.
So he walks right up behind her. 'Peg, what's for dinner?'
[I just love this]
'Joe, for the FIFTH bloody time, CHICKEN!'

Man fires cannon into neighbour's house

9:12AM Saturday Sep 05, 2009
PENNSYLVANIA, United States - A Pennsylvania history buff who recreates firearms from old wars accidentally fired a one kilogram cannonball through the wall of his neighbour's home.
William Maser (54), fired a cannonball Wednesday evening (local time) outside his home in Georges Township. About 5 centimetres in diameter, it ricocheted and hit a neighbour's house 365 metres away.
The cannonball, smashed through a window and a wall before landing in a closet. Authorities said nobody was hurt.
State police charged Maser with reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.
Maser told WPXI-TV that recreating 19th century cannons is a long-time hobby.
He also said he was sorry and he would stop shooting cannon's on his property.

Consultation on the future of Defence

The Government is keen to obtain New Zealanders’ views on defence and has organised public meetings to provide members of the public with a further opportunity to contribute to Defence Review 09. 14 public meetings in 12 locations around New Zealand will be held, commencing in Auckland on 5 September. 
Check the schedule here . . .

44602 Gunner Rodney James Rameka, 161 Battery & 1NZATTV

Gareth Phipps, Viet Nam Oral History project, has been contacted by the daughter of a Vietnam veteran looking for information about her father – 44602 Gunner Rodney James Rameka, 161 Battery & 1NZATTV. If anyone has any photos or other information related to Gnr Rameka could they please contact Gareth at info@vietnamwar.govt.nz

The Vung Tau Ferry

HMAS Sydney (III)

Type

Majestic Class Aircraft Carrier / Fast Troop Transport

Commissioned

16 December 1948

More information on HMAS Sydney (III)

in her configuration as a Fast Troop Transport undertook numerous voyages to Vietnam between 1965-1972. This short video records the voyage undertaken between 15 November 1969 - 12 December 1969, during which she carried members of 8 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) to Vung Tau before returning to Sydney with members of 9 Battalion, RAR.

VANZ: Mayne Manson speaks his mind

Greetings,
I read with mixed feelings, the article a couple of days ago, about the minister trumpeting about the newly improved service we get from VANZ. I tried, but failed, to reconcile her ravings to my recent (and on-going) experience.
Compare this set of circumstances to what she said :
2009. Feb. Notice problem with hip. X-ray-ed and advised to see surgeon.
March. Request for assistance from Claims Panel sent to VANZ.
07 May. Panel meets and declines assistance. Letter prepared but lost in system/mail.
28 May. See surgeon and letter from him sent to VANZ. Unaware they had already dealt with request.
18 June. I send email to VANZ, starting to get p....of with lack of action.
Late June. Receive copy of 07 May letter from case manager.
18 Aug. Appeal papers prepared and sent to VANZ.
29 Aug. Receive letter from National Review Officer saying they had received my appeal papers. Advising that they have a "significantly large number" of similar appeals and " will take several months to be determined" . . . "your patience is appreciated."
What patience, I'm reduced to hobbling around on crutches and not impressed at all.
I fail to understand why, if VANZ have a problem and a "bottleneck" has formed, why don't they sort that out rather than expecting us (Vets) to sit around while they watch the problem get bigger.
I live in hope for this so-called improved service to start.
Regards to all, Mayne MANSON
It won't happen overnight, but it will happen! Soon, hopefully.

Jim Elliot

Trevor Pilcher advises that Jim is seriously ill in Middlemore Hospital.
Any of his mates can visit him there.

Another dream shattered!

From Frank Parry:

At last, someone has managed to photograph

the pot at the end of the rainbow.

Wouldn't you know it?

Pretty in pink

Kerry Lee asks:

In my collection of poppies I have a plain pink one which came from Auckland RSA. Does anyone know which year they were used?

Border collie wobbles

This interesting YouTube video records a ceremony on the India-Pakistan border. The British set the borders of the two new nations in 1947. From the beginning, they were fierce rivals. Contested land coupled with religious and cultural disputes led to violence.
But not all differences are acted out with violence. The Wagah border is the only road linking the two countries. And every night, the border is closed with a fascinating ceremony.
Hundreds of citizens attend the ceremony on both sides. Soldiers put on an aggressive show. They strut and stomp and chant and yell. This show of force is entertaining and serious at the same time. But there is an undercurrent of respect and cooperation. The ceremony ends with a handshake across the border.

VANZ improving services to Veterans

The Minister of Veterans' Affairs, Hon Judith Collins, speaking to the National Executive Committee of the RNZRSA, outlined what Veterans' Affairs is doing to improve services provided to veterans, and to reduce waiting times when processing applications. Staff changes within Veterans Affairs are already paying dividends.
All calls now go through specifically trained staff who provide information about general inquiries, send out forms, applications, etc, and make appointments when necessary.
This service has already significantly reduced the number of calls being put through to Case Managers, who now concentrate on dealing with applications.
The Minister said there has to be a better understanding by Veterans of the services being provided by VANZ. Although staffing has not been reduced, the number of enquiries and applications has exceeded all predictions over the past two years. New systems will assist staff to respond more quickly.
The Minister iterated that the Government has not placed a ‘funding cap’ on the level of funds available for War Disablement Pension support. The Minister asked that this be passed on to Veterans to raise awareness.

The Conex, continued . . .

Barry Dreyer remembers the Conex:

The Conex was done in my time as GPO. I do not remember it storing weapons. It stored out of control soldiers.

It was built to give us some defensive height over the front of the gun position towards Hoa Long as our concertina wire continually bound up with weeds.

When we got our first Starlight Scope (in fact we got two - they were made for M16 Armalite fittings) we put an Armalite and Starlight Scope up there at night and this was about the time the Conex went up - late 1966. The other scope was zeroed for my Armalite as it was usually in or near the CP.

Certainly the Conex locked people up - I can name a few well known ones. I think we even had a cut-out barred window for ventilation and so BSM could see in the thing. But it was not used for field punishment, just securing soldiers for a short time - perhaps 24hrs. Hard to control drunks and the odd "nutter" when it was the only way to restrain them without using lots of manpower or tying them up. Field punishment men were shipped out, except on one occaision when we had to take a gunner on operations with us under field punishment as there were not enough troops back in our base to look after him. It was not a happy story however - and he eventually went out on a chopper in an olive green straight jacket to somewhere near Long Binh and a US secure hospital and then I think home.

The Roche Memorial

Learned Scribe Sir,
As your "Foreign Correspondent", warm greetings from this Forgotten Outpost of The Empire [he's in Cairns].
I have read Les Pye's comments about the "Watch Tower" erected sometime in late '68 at the Battery Home Base in RVN. [See 29 Aug,'What happened in there?']
This magnificent edifice was the brainchild of a certain popular young grinning man who acted as Architect, Clerk of Works, Slave Driver and provider of succour to the Askaris who built the momument. I was one, hence my knowledge of the construction. Hundreds of bloody sand bags from the French Fort went into its construction.
Yes, there were two 10ft Conexes in the base, one for small arms ammo and the other the Local "Lock Up'. Ventilation gaps were cut into the doors so that some air could get in. From memory it was only used during my time for the temporary incarceration of those who had over-indulged in more than their share of "Lunatic Soup".
The steps leading to the upper part of the Tower were the scene of many an accident to a certain BSM who shall remain nameless as he tried to catch those whose eyes were dulled by the lateness of the night.
Black Jack also has a collection of photos of a certain Rover going up in smoke. This was also the subject of a story of some amusement!
I remain Sir etc.
Brian R Edmonds
[President of the local Rover Club]

The Men's Health Challenge

The New Zealand Cancer Society will campaign on Men's Health issues throughout September, starting on Father's Day, 6 September. Here's some food for thought ~ Men v Women:

• Who dies younger?
• Who's more likely to be diagnosed with cancer?
• Who's more likely to die of cancer?
• Who's more likely to die of diabetes?
• Who's more likely to die of heart disease?
• And who puts off seeing the doctor, even when they are sick?
  

Is this a contest you want to win? Not me, either.
For an overview of the Men's Health Challenge, click here . . .
To see the Cancer Society's website for more information, click here . . .

PASSCHENDAELE : THE BELGIANS HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN

. . . but have the Kiwis?

The Passchendaele: The Belgians have not forgotten exhibition will be on show at Fort Takapuna, 170 Vauxhall Road, Devonport, from 4 October until 15 November 2009. Open from 10 am to 4 pm every day.

• Volunteers are required to man the site and exhibition.
• Volunteers are required to erect 5,000 white crosses, representing the Kiwi lives lost at the Western Front, in World War 1.

Contact Michael Pritchard, phone 445 1341, or email michaelpritchard@yahoo.co.nz

• Volunteers are required to act as road marshalls for the parade along Lake Road and the Strand, Takapuna, finishing at the offices of North Shore City Council. March time start 11 am finish 12 pm on Saturday 10 October 2009.

Contact Bob Davis, phone 413 5322, or email immsnz@clear.net.nz

• Volunteers are required to distribute posters and leaflets to their specific community.

Contact Iain MacKenzie, phone 575 6202, or email ismackenzie@xtra.co.nz

Auckland RSA's Vets' Health Management Forum

Margaret Burke has advised that the next meeting of the Veterans' Health Management Forum is on Thursday, 3 September at 1330hrs, in the Recreation Hall at Ranfurly Vets' Centre, Warren Ave entrance.

• Additions to VN presumptive lists (see post below this)
  
• New presumptive lists due for other vets
• Preventing/managing Type 2 diabetes - Bernadette Burkett RN

If you're new to the group, introduce yourself to our lovely Margaret.

Two more Viet Nam disabilities acceptable

Rick Ottaway, Secretary for War Pensions, has advised RNZRSA that Viet Nam vets may qualify for acceptance of either of two additional disabilities:
"On 24 July 2009, the Institute of Medicine released the report Veterans and Agent Orange: Update 2008. This report found that there was limited or suggestive evidence of an association between the chemicals of interest and two additional conditions, Parkinson's disease and ischaemic heart disease.
"I have now directed that with effect from 24 Jul 09, any veteran with war/emergency service in Viet Nam having medical evidence confirming that the veteran has one [or both? Ed] of the two additional following disabilities is deemed to be sufficient evidence that that disability is attributable to the veteran's service:

• Parkinson's disease
• Ischaemic heart disease."
  

"William Bogle late of the Armed Constabulary and now of Napier"

I am emailing you from London and my enquiry concerns my antecedent mentioned above who was resident in New Zealand in the latter part of the 19th century. In fact he was Stationmaster at Napier for some years.
My enquiry is prompted by a discussion with HE Derek Leask, the current NZ High Commissioner in London. Mr Leask tells me he has a map of one of the military installations in the Auckland/Waikato area during the Maori wars and its preparation is ascribed to "William Bogle late of the Armed Constabulary and now of Napier".
I think it is very likely that this is one and the same person as my great-uncle but I cannot find any reference in the family history to his having been a member of the Armed Constabulary, nor can I find on the Internet a list of members of the AC.
Does your organization have such a list - or, if not, are you able to point me in the right direction to locate the records? Mr Leask is just as interested as I am in establishing the identity of the map-maker.
Any help you can offer would be very much appreciated.
With kind regards, Neil Bogle
Email: Neil.Bogle@pinsentmasons.com

What happened 'in there'?

From Les Pye, on the Viet Nam oral history project:

Having last year forwarded my episode to Ian McGibbon, I received a question from him regarding the fortified conex at the Battery which I had described as the local defence control facility and the BSM's small arms storage.  I also had stuck in my mind that it held the odd Gunner under close arrest pending summary justice.   

The question "Was this just men that had to be constrained or did men sentenced to field punishment end up in the conex too?  Did the infantry companies have a similar conex?"   

In order to be sure I was not exaggerating, can anyone comment on this subject in order that I can give a response to Ian, belated as it will be.  Catch Les on dimpy@xtra.co.nz, cc Ian.McGibbon@mch.govt.nz

The Affair at Néry: Looking back 95 years

In 1914, L Battery rode into battle in support of 1st Cavalry Brigade as part of the British Expeditionary Force in the Great War. The greatest exploit in all its history was to occur during the famous "Retreat from Mons" when the battery took part in an action, referred to as "The Affair at Néry", which was believed by many to be the turning point of that part of the First World War. During the action at the village of Néry, about 33 miles north-east of Paris, L Battery suffered heavy losses but fought bravely until the last gun had expended all its ammunition and held the German 4th Cavalry Division at bay. Three Victoria Crosses were awarded to members of the battery for that action and the battery awarded the battle honour title Néry.
On the evening of 31 August 1914, . . . More

Brig Reginald Miles' medals gifted

The medals earned by one of New Zealand’s most decorated war heroes, Brigadier Reginald Miles, CBE, DSO and Bar, MC have been donated to the National Army Museum in Waiouru.
Brigadier Miles earned a total of 15 decorations and medals as well as two mentions in dispatches for service in both world wars.
A large group of Brigadier Miles’ extended family gathered at the museum on 13 August to donate the medal set.
Brigadier Miles served with the New Zealand Field Artillery in Egypt, at Gallipoli and in France.
He was awarded the Military Cross in December 1916 for distinguished and gallant service in the
Battle of the Somme. Five months later he was promoted to major and assumed control of his
battery.
In March 1918 he was transferred to command a Howitzer battery. Although recommended for
the award of the Victoria Cross, he was awarded the . . .
For more, go to Army News, Issue 401, page 7

Recent RNZA promotions

SGT DR COOTES 18-Mar-09 RNZA
BDR WB PUHA 17-Apr-09 RNZA
SGT IJ SUTTON 6-May-09 RNZA
MAJ MRB OTTAWAY 17-Jun-09 RNZA
LBDR MC F AIRBAIRN 18-Jun-09 RNZA
BDR HB HINGSTON 18-Jun-09 RNZA
LBDR WR IRWIN 18-Jun-09 RNZA
LBDR WD JOHNSON 18-Jun-09 RNZA
BDR MKS KERR 18-Jun-09 RNZA
SGT SM KAREKO 6-May-09 RNZA
SGT CD PARKER 6-May-09 RNZA
CAPT G.I MILLER 25-Jun-09 RNZA
Our congratulations go to each one.

Offensive Support Battle Lab

Army capability staff have just completed a programme of experimentation under the Army Innovation and Experimentation Programme (AIEP) aimed at enhancing the mobility, accuracy and range of the 105 mm Light Gun. The primary objective of the Offensive Support (OS) Battle Lab was to identify a system able to support current and future land operations pending Indirect Fire System (IFS) replacement. [The] Army now knows that, given minor capital expenditure to enhance the current platform, the Light Gun can support current and future land operations with accurate and responsive indirect fire.
To read about the Offensive Support Battle Lab, open Army News Issue 400, and go to page 14.
Browse the rest of the paper while you're there.

Cheap flights to the Reunion?

You may be interested in Jetstar's short-term sale offers, available until 28 August unless sold sooner.
The sale page is here . . .
Note that the fares are for carry-on bags only, you can check-in luggage by adding $10 to the fare at the time of purchase.

Enquiry: Brigadier A B Williams DSO, CRNZA

From researcher Steen Ammentorp:

I was wondering whether you might be able to assist me with the full name of Colonel (Later Brigadier) A.B. Williams, D.S.O., who was Commander RNZA 1939-1941.

Thank you in advance.

Click here to email Steen . . .

Vietnam Veteran's Day Address by BRIG (rtd) George Mansford

Courtesy of Kim McGrath:
George Mansford enlisted in the Australian Army in 1951. He served 40 years as an infantryman; most of that time in the Royal Australian Regiment. His service included Korea, the Malayan Emergency, Thai Border, Vietnam, New Guinea and Singapore. He was commissioned from the ranks in 1964. He raised and commanded the Army’s Battle School (which is now used by foreign military units including USA, and UK); 11 Infantry Brigade; and the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Force in Far North Queensland. George was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1975 for outstanding services and retired in 1990 as a Brigadier. He is the author of two books, Junior Leadership on the Battlefield and the best selling novel, The Mad Galahs.
Read his outstanding address here . . .

RNZA Band: Charity Brass in the City

The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery will perform at St Matthews-in-the-City, Auckland, at 2:00pm on Saturday, 22 August. 
Click here for details . . .

Congratulations!

Earlier this year, our President and Vice President, Frank Hopkinson and Barry Dreyer, were appointed as our representatives on the newly formed Auckland Coastal Defences Historical Trust.
We can all take pride in Barry's new appointment as Chairman of the Trust.
Well done, Barry, and congratulations.

Saturday, 15 August - Wargaming in Christchurch

The Wargaming Section at the Christchurch RSA introduces itself with a refight of the Battle of Waterloo on August 15, from 11am and continuing through the afternoon.

People wanting to see the game or join in for some of the day are welcome. Players will be on hand to help with the Age of Eagles rules that will be used for the game.

For details and contact, click here . . .

13 Bty in WW1 Thanks

Dear Kerry [Lee],

Many thanks for your prompt reply.

I Googled the book title, and found that Victoria University has posted in on an Electronic Library having converted the whole book into on-line text. Anyone can access it so long as the material is not sold. I will set to work and read it.

Your explanation of Cps RC was also helpful. The only RC on the military archives abbrev. List stands for, ‘Roman Catholic’ and this did not make sense. Our ancestor had been hospitalized at Le Treport and was returning to his unit so now it makes sense.

The story about the KIWI carving sounds so ’Kiwi” and makes one smile.

So all in all very helpful.

Sincerely appreciated,

Jan Scanlan

Cannonball Run

From Eldon Bryant, via Graeme Black:
Have a shot with the big SP cannon. 'Loads' of fun!

Maori Battalion website launched

The New Zealand Herald
2:07PM Thursday 6 Aug 2009
By Edward Gay
A website commemorating the 28 Maori Battalion has been launched.
The website includes archive photographs, video and an interactive map of the battles the battalion took part in during World War Two.
The site is also interactive and includes a function for families to add the experiences of veterans.
The site was officially launched today at a function at Parliament which 19 of the veterans attended.
Minister of Maori Affairs Pita Sharples said children today are still "overwhelmed with grief and with emotion, as they recognise the sacrifice of those who have gone before them."
"Today, those connections between the young soldiers of the 28th Maori Battalion and the young pioneers of this age, become even stronger."
The 28 Maori Battalion served in Greece, North Africa and Italy. Of the 3600 men, 649 were killed in action, 1712 were wounded and 237 were taken prisoner.
The website is a joint project between the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, National library, Ministry of Education, Te Puni Kokiri and the 28th Maori Battalion Association.
The website can be viewed here . . .

WW1: 13 Bty, NZFA

Kerry Lee responds to Jan Scanlan's request for help

I am a retired gunner with ancestors in the WW1 Field Artillery and read your note in our muzzle flashes with much interest. The following may help:

There is a very good reference called NZ Artillery in the Field by Lt J R Byrne NZFA. Published by Whitcombe and Tombs in1922 it has a lot of detail about what units were doing and where. Try for a library reference because my copy cost over $110 some years ago. It is still in some old books shops but rather rare.

13 Bty is listed in page 101 as one of the Batteries of 2nd Brigade .

From pp 304 on it is clear that all NZ artillery units were together in October and November 1918, so 13 Bty would have been on the march to Cologne to occupy that sector of Germany

From your notes [I take that to be a transcript of the microfiche] Cps RC would have been Corps Reserve Group. That was the training depot used by all NZA gunners before posting to [or back to] units in France. Cps RG was part of Sling Camp on the north edge of Salisbury Plain. It is still there and in use by British Army units today. The Kiwi soldiers carved a huge KIWI in the chalk hillside and the Brits have kept it tidy ever since. In late 1918 NZA gunners en route to units of the Divisional Artillery were posted through a base depot at Quievy in France. It is about 10km East of Cambrai.

As we say in the artillery

Ubique [we are everywhere]

Can you help Russell Pearse?

I’m gathering information about the 14^th Light Anti- Aircraft Regiment, 1941-44, which my father served with, and wonder if you may have access to any documents relating to them. The idea is to get as much detail as possible on which crew of which battery etc in order to better relate to references in a book by W E Murphy on 2^nd NZ divisional Artillery. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Regards,
Russell  Pearse 
Email . . .
P O Box 571, Ararat, Victoria 3377 Australia.

Ph +613 5352 5009

Can you help Jan Scanlan?

I am researching WW1 N.Z.F.A. for family history research.
I have received the NZDF Archives material for my Grandfather who was with the 28th Division and a gunner with the 13th Battery. He was in the field in 1918 in France.
I would like to know where this Battery was situated and what it was involved in?

• He started out at Etaples – General base camp.
• From there he went to 22 Cps R.C.??? 14 2 1918
• Then to RCNZ Div Wg. 15.2.18
• Marched out to Division. Field. 22.3.18
• Posted to 13th Battery. ?? Attached to General Base Depot?where ? 14.11.18
• Rejoined 13th Battery 12.11.18

I would appreciate some help with this information.
Thanks, Mrs Jan Scanlan - mjscanlan@orcon.net.nz

'Charity Brass in the City'

The RNZA Band will be performing a concert at the St-Matthews-in-the-City Church, Auckland, on Saturday the 22nd of August. The concert starts at 2pm with tickets available at the door. A discount is available for groups prebooked - for group bookings please contact Ross Andrews on 09 263 9631.

All proceeds in aid of the Ranfurly Trust Veterans' Home & Hospital, Auckland

Carol Abbott, Rotorua sent me these Stats. Cheers John Osborne:
Doctors
The number of physicians in the U.S. is 700,000
Accidental deaths caused by Physicians per year are 120,000
Accidental deaths per physician is 0.171
Guns
The number of gun owners in the U.S. 80 million
The number of accidental gun deaths per year, all age groups, is 1,500
The number of accidental deaths per gun owner is 0.000188

(Statistics courtesy of FBI)

FACT: NOT EVERYONE HAS A GUN, BUT ALMOST EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST ONE DOCTOR.
Out of concern for the public at large, Carol withheld the statistics on lawyers for fear the shock would cause people to panic and seek medical attention.

4 Fd Regt RNZA, deceased roll: Fitzgerald

I have been shown the list of 4Fd Regt deceased by my business partner, Barry Dreyer. Dad served in Egypt and Italy and fortunately returned. I am currently researching his movement through Italy as one of my sons who is in the UK wants to locate where he served between Cassino and Trieste.
The W E Murray Official History is very helpful but would be interested in any other maps etc that may be available. Dad died 7 June 2002 if you would like to record that.

If you have the book you will see that gunner F J Green was killed (page 719). Dad served with him and they were very close. His death and the nature of it caused Dad problems on his return and later in life.
He rarely spoke of the war and after his death my mother told me that a major anxiety he had was that he did not fulfil his commitment to visit Fred's wife on his return as they both agreed that, if something should happen, Fred would visit my grandparents. I am sure this pledge was made by many.

I have managed to track down Fred's remaining family and how that occurred and what happened afterward make for a good story which I am happy to convey if that is of interest.

I would also like to make contact with some 4 Fd Regt people who served in Italy.

Regards

Barry Fitzgerald
Fleet and Partners Ltd
Auckland
Email Barry: b.fitzgerald@fleetpartners.co.nz
DDI 09 3075694
Mob 0274 805503

Admitted: Rod Edwards

From Brian Jerry Meyer:
Have this evening been speaking to Dan Edwards V6
He informs me that Rod "Nine Lives" Edwards his brother has been admitted to ROTORUA Hospital
Sorry do not know which ward
It appears he has had a stroke

A soldier's lot

From Jeff Waters:
A revised version of Rudyard Kipling's poem, Tommy

In the Olden days . . .

Telling it like it was. (Don't forget to take the quiz at the end.)

Special ops report

Frank Hopkinson has been on a 'special operation', and sends this signal:
c/s 9 back at home location.

Position 20% vertical, 80% horizontal - gradual reversal to be expected over the forthcoming days.

Catering staff fully briefed with appropriate rats arriving on schedule.

Have decided to buy a pharmacy for supplies, although such a requirement is only expected for a limited period.
Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery, Frank.

Looking Forward Looking Back, a record of the Customs
and Traditions of the Australian Army since its creation until
now, is to be released in Australia on 12 August. The book has
been authored by one of our own an Artilleryman and veteran
with more than 30 years service in the Royal Australian Artillery.
Read an independent review . . .
Go to the Publisher's web site . . .

Lab test, bullet-proof glass

From Wayne Salt:
Check out the carefully controlled conditions and safety precautions for testing bullet-proof glass.

Cannon balls!! Did you know this?

For your edification, from Max Carpenter:

It was necessary to keep a good supply of cannon balls near the cannon on old war ships. But how to prevent them from rolling about the deck was the problem. The storage method devised was to stack them as a square based pyramid, with one ball on top, resting on four, resting on nine, which rested on sixteen.

Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the cannon. There was only one problem - how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding/rolling from under the others.

The solution was a metal plate with 16 round indentations, called, for reasons unknown, a Monkey. But if this plate were made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make them of brass - hence, Brass Monkeys.
Few landlubbers realize that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron when chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannon balls would come right off the monkey. Thus, it was quite literally, cold enough
'to freeze the balls off a brass monkey'.

And all this time, folk thought that was just a vulgar expression?

Roll of 4 Fd Regt RNZA deceased

Alex Dove has compiled a list of the names of known deceased members of World War 2's 4 Field Regiment, RNZA. Click here to access it, or go to "tinyurl.com/4Fd-deceased". This is not an official listing and there may be errors and omissions. If you are able to add to the roll or correct it, please contact Alex - F.A.D@xtra.co.nz.

Air OP history - now is the time

From the early 50s until late 70s a number of NZ Army officers trained as light aircraft and helicopter pilots. In the mid 60s a unit called the Light Aircraft Flight was established (as part of 3 BSS, RNZAF). The only reference to this rather unique band of aviators is a very short paragraph on AOP pilots in the history of the RNZA.

Unless something is done now this rather special bit of NZ Army’s history will be lost so I am trying to construct a roll of pilots (and the ground crew who supported them) as a first step to writing a brief history.

So, to any former pilots or ground crew out there: please email me your name, regimental number and dates you were posted to flying duties and, if appropriate, your attachment to 1 Light Aircraft Flight. If you can, please add the names of others who served with you (and their contact details if you have them). If you have any photos or other material you think might help please mail it to me at: 47 Simla Crescent, Khandallah, Wellington, 6035.

My email address is rojann@paradise.net.nz - Telephone: 04 970 2113.

This is a first step. Having a list of names I’ll be in touch to ferret out any anecdotes that could add interest.

Thanks, Roger Pearce

75th Anniversary & Reunion attendance

So far we have 52 likely 'reunionists', with many more on the way - check the roll in the right-hand column

LINKS >>>.

Can't find your name? That could be my oversight - or yours. Let's put it right, now.

Mechanised transport pre-WW1?

More on the Thorneycroft-mounted AA gun:
[The Army Museum has] no history of mechanised transport pre-WW1. Apparently the first trucks used by our forces were when based in Egypt. Up to that point it was all horse transport. I have however a photo of local troops using a solid rubber-tyred truck in the Wairarapa, moving troops but this could well be a local exercise as I've been told it was a locally owned truck.
I have a photo of the Duxford museum Thornycroft with the mounted gun. I have been in contact with the museum and have asked of the chassis design of this truck and its history. I'm also a member of the Thornycroft Register (UK) which has been a great help in piecing this together. About 7 years research to date.
My son also has a truck with military history, a Leyland of 1916 and again the search is on for parts to get it operational for 2014 [centenary] events.
Doug Wheeler

Health: Graham John Murray

Graham John Murray (Dozey), an Association member, has stage 3-4 Alzheimer's and has been placed in a home permanently at Selwyn Park Village in Whangarei. Mrs Murray (Earlene) can be contacted on 09 4373052 best time in the evening. Her address is 27 Beazley Cres Whangarei 0112. Whangarei RSA Welfare section is assisting her with his care.

Arthur Simeon

WW1: Thornycroft truck-mounted 13/16-pdr AA gun

I have found your web site a most interesting source historical information and now have a list of further places to visit about this country looking at areas an objects of our history.
 I have a particular interest in the history of the WW1 period, with particular interest in the vehicles used. This has been founded on having the remains of an early truck, and with much research it does appear to have been originally  war department  property (British).  Features of this truck (Thornycroft J) indicate it was designed to have a 13 or 16 pounder anti-aircraft gun mounted on it.
With the forthcoming centenary of WW1 I would like to be able to restore this vehicle back to this format.
Does any one know of  such a gun in NZ or Aus  as a display piece, or remains of one, or plans from which a replica/ mock up could be constructed.  The gun set up on the Thornycroft  at the Imperial War Museum. Duxford,  England is not original having being built up more recently on a Thornycroft standard chassis.
Any assistance appreciated.
Thanks
Doug Wheeler
Email Doug

VANZ statement on Travel Concessions

VANZ has released a statement on eligibility for, and calculation of, PL23 and related travel concessions. Any veteran who has a 100% or greater war disablement pension is entitled to this concession when they travel outside their defined home region.

There is a deal of confusion surrounding the calculation of reimbursements of travelling concessions under Regulation 43 of the War Pension Regulations.
The concession in the regulation relates to travel on either NZ Railways or NZ Railways Road Services. As most entitled veterans actually travel by private car they are reimbursed the equivalent fare.
The reimbursement is not based on the actual cost of travel by private car but the payment of the equivalent surface fare on public transport. More . . .

Survey end-date nears

This is a last minute flyer to remind you that the NZDF Medal Survey closes this Friday (23 July 2009) and we are still keen to ensure we have as wide a range of opinion as we can.

Ideally complete the survey online at New NZDF Medal - Have Your Say (until 23 July 2009):
https://forms.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/medallic-survey.asp.

Returns so far have been well worth the effort with lots of logical presentations and comments. Overall response has been positive and we are now well over 4,000 responses to date with the online surveys flowing in steadily.

With many thanks for your support to date

Cheers
Jack Hayes

ED FREEMAN, Medal of Honour

You're a 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray,  Vietnam ..
. . . . . . . . . . .
You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem . . . . .
Read about Ed Freeman's deed . . .

To Fight the Unbeatable Foe

Timur the Lame, or Tamberlane, was in fact lame. But that didn't stop him from conquering 'all the known world', including a swathe of India. He razed Delhi in 1398 after overcoming the formidable barriers of high alps and charging elephants. What does one do when faced with 120 chain-mailed, scimitar-tusked beasts in a roaring charge, and backed by massed infantry of a vastly superior number?
Read Timur's very creative solution here . . .

Problem solving

And, as Ambrose Bierce noted:
A cannon is a piece of equipment used to realign national boundaries.

<<< Click to enlarge

Travel concession entitlement & reimbursement

On 11 June, your Executive Committee wrote to Rick Ottoway, General Manager of Veteran's Affairs NZ, to convey members' concerns over the revised form for reimbursement of PL23 travel. You can read the 11 June letter and attachment here . . .. This concession is an entitlement, a right for veterans whose disabilities total 100% or more. Rick has undertaken to investigate our concerns and get back to us 'in due course'. Nothing has been received as at today's date.
We believe that the current form is badly flawed and an unwarranted intrusion into each vet's personal life. You cannot be required to inform VANZ about your accommodation, for example, unless you choose to verify your travel with a receipt from there. You are not obliged to have or give a reason for travel. You do not have to breach your own or another person's privacy by giving information about who you saw.
Because reimbursement for travel is a right, the only proof you need is proof of travel - tickets or fuel receipts are the strongest evidence.
In the meantime, VANZ has now added: 'Making a claim for travel concession reimbursement gives VANZ the right to contact the person or place where you stayed when you travelled, or a person who can confirm your travel in order to verify that you did travel as stated . . . '. This assertion has no substance - it can't happen, so don't give the information out - just mark the irrelevant boxes 'Personal & private'.

Your Committee cannot condone fraud, deceit or abuse of this valued concession, but the claims format used currently is unacceptable to the veteran community.

Dave Ashley?

Dave Ashley has closed his post box at Rotorua West and his copy of The New Zealand Gunner has been returned. Is anyone in contact with Dave? If you are, please ask him to update his address.

1941, Papakura and soccer . . .

Alison Roberts asks . . .
I have been looking to see if I can find a way to contact any men still living from a photo of the Papakura NZ Army Team (Soccer) 1941. They were winners of the inter-services competition.
The photo is named. My late father and one of his friends who has also died were in the team.
Can you give me any tips on how I might find the other team members. It is still just possible someone may still be around.
See the photo, contact Alison . . .

Behind the scenes shots of a space shuttle launch

These photos get even better as they go along . . .


To enlarge, click on the^"oblong-in-oblong" icon.

How shooting stars are formed

Somewhere, far out in Space . . .

So, what can you do - just you, all alone with your heart attack?

While there's life there's Hope. Do or die!
Here are the simple steps you can take to survive when it happens to you:

The Q Store will be closed from . . .

The Secretary, Treasurer, QM and Blogmaster are going to the UK together from 22 July to the end of August. Most things will continue at the level of service you've come to expect (sorry about that), except the Q Store can't deliver in the absence of this quartet (poor leave rostering).

You need to place an order not later than Friday 17 July if you want it delivered before trade is suspended.

This affects the 75th Anniversary mugs in particular. As well as moving quickly, they are a limited edition which will never be repeated - when they are gone, they're gone. Check them out again here . . .

She sears a path for the infantry

You can't describe the moral lift,
 when in the fight your spirit weary,

hears above the hostile fire

your own artillery.
Shells score the air like wavy hair
from a forward battery.
As regimental cannon crack
while from positions further back,
in bitter sweet song overhead
crashing discordantly
Division's pounding joins the attack;
Mother-like she belches shell;
Glorious it flies, and well,
As, with a hissing screaming squall,
A roaring furnace, giving all,
she sears a path for the infantry...."

Aleksandr Tvardovskiy, from the poem Vasily Tyorkin, 1943

Clear the pool!

From Frank Parry:
A life guard with a sense of humour. You'll need your speakers ON.

Now there's a thought

Think, or others will think for you.

F Scott Fitzgerald

If you're not scared or angry at the thought of a human brain
being controlled remotely, then it could be this prototype of
mine is finally starting to work.

John Alejandro King

MJ or the Soldier?

A young soldier's thoughts bring into focus the small world that exists in many people's minds, when they grieve the not unexpected demise of an entertainer while calmly accepting the almost daily loss of life of the men and women who sustain their freedom.
Read it here . . .

So, who will be there? First, the usual suspects

Thanks to those members who have been quick to respond to our call for an early indication of attendance. Equal first prize goes to Robert Smith and Neil Rhynd, who almost beat the starter's gun.
Keep track of who's doing what by checking here . . . and remember to have your own name added - please! - if you haven't already done so.

Help wanted - Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten

Passchendaele : The Belgians Have Not Forgotten is a public exhibition presented to the people of New Zealand in appreciation and memory of the thousands of Kiwis who lost their lives in the long-running battle of Passchendaele.
To make it a success during October-November, the organisers need 100-plus volunteers to cover 43 days of exhibition time.
There will be peaks when a school or a bus party arrives. The volunteers will be rostered on days they are available. They simply need to be on site, in the grounds or at the exhibition - telling people where to park, watching the stairs, where the toilets are, turning the music on. It would be great if medals were worn, and a service in honour of the fallen.
Now you've decided you could be there some of the time, contact Barry Dreyer - (b.dreyer@fleetpartners.co.nz)

The first Commando was . . .

The Commando knife post reminded Frank Hopkinson:

. . . from the store of useless information with which my brain is crammed in areas which I cannot access readily DID YOU REALISE------the first Commando was a "Gunner"!!!!! 

Following Dunkirk in 1940,, Durnford-Slater, (later Brigadier Durnford-Slater DSO and Bar) was the Adjutant of 23rd Medium and Heavy Training Regiment RA in Plymouth when volunteers were called for to raid the enemy coast.

After his CO's successful recommendation (written by the Adjutant) he was appointed to "Raise and Command Number 3 Commando in the Rank of Lieut. Colonel".

At this time, Numbers 1 and 2 Commandos did not yet exist so Durnford-Slater was the first Commando.

Demonstrating once again, of course, that where Gunners lead all the rest follow along.

Parliamentary inquiry: Prostate cancer

On 27 May 2009 the Health Committee initiated an inquiry into early detection and treatment of prostate cancer. The terms of reference for this inquiry are:

1. To seek a summary of . . .
2. To seek opinions from . . .
3. To seek best methods to . . .
4. To seek a cost benefit analysis . . .

The committee is now calling for submissions. The closing date for submissions is Friday 21 August 2009.

The detailed terms of reference and procedure for making submissions are here . . .
Any submissions from our Association will be forwarded to RNZRSA for inclusion as one.

Applying for a Heritage grant

Heritage Incorporated supports the children and grandchildren of eligible servicemen and women, where the child or grandchild needs that support to further their education or has a need related to their health, and would have difficulty without a Heritage grant.
Grants are generally in the range of $50-$1500, depending on assessment each applicant's situation. Heritage considers applications for grants once each year.
You can read the background and access an application form here . . .

RNZRSA: WW2 representative on Pensions & Welfare Committee

Mr Arthur Fletcher of 36 Towers Street, Paeroa (tel: 07-862 8116, e-mail: amfletcher@xtra.co.nz) has been appointed as the World War 2 Representative on the RNZRSA Pensions & Welfare Committee.
Arthur welcomes any information or questions from World War 2 veterans and their families that he can bring to the Committee.

(WW2) Notes for Beginners: No 1 - “THE GUNNERS”

The gunners (or artillery), so the rest of the Army avers, are of the opinion that they are the cream of all the arms. This opinion naturally enough, is not shared by the other arms.
The gunner is a strong fanatical man with staring eyes, who talks learnedly about fuzes, and “Overs”, and predicted shoots. He regards the evolution of the 25—pounder gun as the greatest single event in the history of warfare. He regards with contempt any projectile smaller than a 6-pounder anti—tank shell.
Read more . . .

Fiarbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger 2009

The Commandos were formed during 1940 at the strategic directive of Winston Churchill and, following a suggestion to the War Office by Captains W.E. Fairbairn & E.A. Sykes, they were equipped with a new style fighting knife in early 1941.
The modified design of the Third Pattern Commando Dagger introduced in 1943 has withstood the test of time and is still issued to British Royal Marine Commandos and other overseas Armed Forces to the present day. Read more . . .

Armed Constabulary Bowie knife replica

Made by George Wostenholm, Sheffield, England this I*XL 10''-blade, hand forged from 7/16'' best carbon steel is a large fighting Bowie with heavy brass cross guard and coffin head rosewood brass shimmed handle, markings on the right side of blade “N.Z. FOREST RANGERS 1863-1867” & the FR badge at either end of scroll, markings on the left side of blade“N.Z. ARMED CONSTBULARY 1867-1886” inside the scroll.
In 1867 many Forest Rangers transferred to the Armed Constabulary of which No 5 Division was commanded by Inspector (Major) G F von Tempsky who continued to encourage & train his men in the use of fighting knives. Read more . . .

173d Airborne Brigade National Memorial dedication

From Denis Dwane, President, Chapter 19, 173d Airborne Brigade Association:

Your name has been selected because you lost out in the draw to attend Michael's funeral.

Just a heads up if anyone is interested.  The 173d National Memorial is being dedicated at Columbus, Georgia, 1 Jun 2010.  Included on the memorial will be the names of Al Don and Jock White.  That being so, it would be pleasing if we could have some representation there.

It is also good to see that the date for this (1 Jun) is just before the 2010 Reunion at Myrtle Beach, Nth Carolina (2 – 6 Jun) neighbours with Georgia.   For those who have won lotto recently I see no problems but something to look into - possibly Veterans' Affairs could assist?

I would like to know if there are any starters for this reunion on a Yes/Maybe basis.  I plan to go but remind that this will clash with the EVSA 2010 Reunion in Wellington.

Let Denis know by email . . .

Travel claims

Terry Farrell wrote this in Contact, magazine of EVSA:
'. . . Travel, I have put a couple of suggestions to Rick Ottaway . . . I know this could help speed up things and save resources, . . . The new forms are a disaster, they are currently about 6 weeks behind. I ask what was wrong with the old forms, they just needed a bit of a tweak???? What about asking us who know rather than reinventing the wheel. (Dated April 2009)
Well said, Terry - and see the next post, below.

Unsatisfactory travel claims form

On 11 June, the Association wrote to the General Manager of VANZ, Rick Ottaway, and to the National President of RNZRSA, Robin Klitscher, to express members' concerns over the revised travel reimbursement form.
Rick Ottoway has replied that he is investigating our concerns.
You can read our submission here . . .

Dioxin kills - yeah, right

By BOB BROCKIE - WORLD OF SCIENCE - The Dominion Post

Last updated 13:27 06/07/2009

"OPINION: Those New Plymouth dioxin scaremongers are at it again despite endless surveys showing the stuff causes little harm. Just look at the facts..."

And when you've read that, you might wonder what he thinks(?) about the Holocaust, moon landings, UFOs and other conspiracies. I love the objective language he uses, 'scaremongers', 'endless surveys', 'causes little harm' and 'just look at the facts' - although I think he means 'factoids'.
Despite these petty quibbles, he has convinced me. Yeah, right.

This is an Incredible Story!

In 1986, Peter Davies was on holiday in Kenya after graduating from Northwestern University .
On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air.
The elephant seemed distressed, so Peter approached it very carefully.
He got down on one knee, inspected the elephant's foot, and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it.
As carefully and as gently as he could, Peter worked the wood out with his knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot.
The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments.
Peter stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled.
Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned, and walked away.
Peter never forgot that elephant or the events of that day.
Twenty years later, Peter was walking through Chicago Zoo with his teenaged son, Cameron.
As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Peter and Cameron were standing.
The large bull elephant stared at Peter, lifted its front foot off the ground, then put it down.
The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man.
Remembering the encounter in 1986, Peter could not help wondering if this was the same elephant.
Peter summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing, and made his way into the enclosure.
He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder.
The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of Peter leg and slammed him against the railing, killing him instantly.

Probably wasn't the same elephant.

This is for everyone who sends Frank Parry those heart-warming stories.