Fix bayonets!

Iraq 2004:
To read about the bold bayonet attack by the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders against a much superior force, and why it was so successful, click here . . .

34th anniversary of the fall of Saigon

Today marks the 34th anniversary of the fall of Saigon to the NVA and the end of the Indo-China War that had been waging since the end of WW-2. (Giải phóng miền Nam) as they called it.

The North achieved its political goal of reunification at considerable cost and has yet to recover economically from the devastation although some progress has been made. Whilst the US and the Free World military Forces including New Zealand and Australia, had withdrawn some 21 months prior and technically the NVA offensive of 1975 was a "new" war and a breach of the Paris Agreement. MORE . . .

ERMA hearing, control of explosives

From John Osborne:
The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) has arranged a hearing into proposed changes to the control of certain explosives.
Purpose: Modified reassessment of certain explosives. The addition of a control requiring persons in possession of certain explosives to hold a controlled substances licence. To obtain a licence, a person must be 'fit and proper'.
Hearing date: 12 May 2009
For more information, click here . . .

Calling Crete veterans

Could any surviving Crete veterans or even persons who know of veterans' families who may have an interest in this, please contact Murray Hoare who has been going to Crete since 1978 and is returning to Crete this May for 2 weeks for the commemorations. He would like to be able to talk to any survivors, as part of a small project, before he leaves on 15th May. His contacts are: 09-528 1057; 021-610625; murray@ovitech.co.nz.

Forgotten faces

Does anyone recognise this guy?
He may be called Pucky or Paki.
Free 12 months logon to Muzzle Flashes for the first to ID him!

This puts life into perspective

• Your cell phone is in your pocket.
• He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
• You talk trash about your 'buddies' who aren't with you.
• He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
• You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
• He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
• You complain about how hot it is.
• He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
• You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
• He doesn't get to eat today.
• Someone makes your bed and washes your clothes for you.
• He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
• You go to the mall and get your hair done.
• He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
• You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
• He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
• You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
• He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
• You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
• He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
• You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
• He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
• You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
• He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
• You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
• He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
• You see only what the media allows you to see.
• He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
• You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
• He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
• You stay at home and watch TV.
• He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
• You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
• He tries to sleep but he's kept awake by mortars and helicopters all night long.

If you support your troops, send this to everyone you know.

Mowing the grass

From Wayne Salt, in Victoria:
I hope the picture will go through for you - of this Australian Digger in Afghanistan with his tiny "plot" of grass in front of his tent. It's heartwarming!
Here is a soldier stationed in Afghanistan; posted to a big sand box. He asks his wife to send him dirt (Australian soil), fertilizer, and some grass seed so that he can smell the grass, and feel it grow beneath his feet. When the men of the squadron have a mission that they are going on, they take turns walking through the grass in Australian soil - to bring them good luck.
If you notice, he is even cutting the grass with a pair of a scissors. Sometimes we are in such a hurry that we don't stop and think about the little things that we take for granted.
Upon receiving this, please say a prayer for our soldiers that give and give (and give) so unselfishly for us.
You don't have to send this on, but gosh, who wouldn't?

Great guns!

Our website, thanks to the work of several people*, gets an accolade:

A couple of years ago I came across an old Russian cannon in the city park at Chelmsford, UK. The local historical group didn’t have any real background information about the piece; I’m interested in old artillery so I did some research. Your website was of great help in trying to interpret the markings on this remarkably well preserved piece. I’m attaching the results of my findings on the Chelmsford cannon if you’re interested. You have an excellent web site - very informative. Thanks, Gary Brown

Gary's article on the Chelmsford cannon can be read here . . .. You can also read about the New Zealand equivalents here . . .. Our website's layout and content are both complimented frequently; thanks in this case to Colin Andrews, Terry Transom and Wally Ruffell, whose work has been showcased by Angus and Catherine Rivers.

Aussie alert! Sinister ads from the ABC

You never know what they are planning on the West Island - but our Population Transfer Programme (aka migration) has been left out of their calculations, apparently. I mean, who do they think really runs Australia, anyhow? But check out their intentions here . . .
Thanks to our inside man, Ray Payne, for the tip-off.

Remembrance

16 Field Regiment RNZA

24 April: Today marks Kap'yong Day, a major event in 16 Field's record in the Korean War.

All's well with Wales & South Australia

From Tony Wales:

It all seems to work and I am well in touch with all that's happening - even up the back of Adelaide.  The blog is great.  Regards and best wishes to Barry Dreyer and all the team.  Was Graham [Williams] that much older than me? Oh well, I was 67 this year.  I am well but still pleased to greet each day.

Best wishes,

Ubique

M2A2 or M101A2?

Brian Edmonds asks:
Can you assist with a query about what guns we used? I sent some photos to the Viet Nam war site and to the best of my fading memory they were M2A2 of Canadian make. But I see them shown as M101A2.
Ah now, can you put me straight? I had put the photo of Jim Breen and me having a beer sent by Fred Smyth at Xmas 68 and already his son had commented.
Best Regards
Brian
Email Brian: brianedmonds1@dodo.com.au

Button up

Can anyone ID this (lapel or collar) button? It is fastened by a pin with a screw down holder. If you can help, please email Robert Smith: robals@kinect.co.nz

Ed: This particular 'crossed rifles' design has been used by the US Army, including General George Custer's 7th Cavalry, but without unit ID.

'Taps' from a talented 11-years-old

Look, and listen to talented 11 year old Melissa play her trumpet with Andre Rieu's orchestra: 'Il Silenzio'

Memorials of World War 1

The sands of time

Taliban fear the 'Dragon'

30 Mar 09
A 105mm L118 Light Gun is being used by British Gunners to such devastating effect against the Taliban that they have dubbed it the "Dragon".
The gun fired its first round in anger from a rocky outcrop above Musa Qaleh in January 2009 and has been busy ever since protecting coalition and Afghan forces and maintaining security in the area, thereby making it safer for civilians living in the town.
More . . . (Click on photos to enlarge)

Thanks to Kim McGrath

More bang for your buck . . .

. . . and more bang for your doe. But not if you like rabbits and other varmints.
Check out the Rodenator, here . . .

Quietly, now

The members of Sir Thomas Lunsford's Regiment of Foote, a unit of re-enacters from the English Civil War Society, were rather excited by the chance to give an Easter demonstration at Clarke Hall in West Yorkshire. But they were told that as explosions could shatter the old windows, they should shout 'bang' instead of firing their replica weapons. (Source: BBC.co.uk)

Late notice! Path of Remembrance unveiling, Christchurch, Monday 9am

Where: Cashel Street, near High Street, Hack Circle, eastern end of City Mall
When: 9am, Monday 20 April 2009
Christchurch's Path of Remembrance will be unveiled in a City Mall ceremony led by Mayor Bob Parker. The Path is a public artwork that pays tribute to the actions of New Zealand soldiers in active service around the world through a series of bronze plaques. Eventually, more than 100 plaques will be scattered amongst the new paving stones in City Mall creating a path to the Bridge of Remembrance. The Mayor will unveil the first plaque at the ceremony.
Medals will be worn!

The affair at Néry

'Gallant' is too weak a word. This stirring poem gives you the essence of the valour of Battery L.
For the full story of the action at Néry in World War I, go to . . .

Susan Boyle, a true talent

It's a bit off-topic, but treat yourself to Susan Boyle singing I dreamed a dream, from Les Miserables. Listen, hear . . .

Thanks to Frank Parry.

NZRU offer for ANZAC Weekend

As part of the ANZAC remembrance celebrations, the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Rebel Sport Super 14 franchises offer free entry for RSA Returned members to all Rebel Sport Super 14 matches held in New Zealand during ANZAC Weekend.

The three fixtures for the weekend of 24 and 25 April are:

Friday 24 April: Highlanders vs Stormers 7.35pm at Carisbrook, Dunedin.
Saturday 25 April: Blues vs Reds 5.30pm at North Harbour Stadium, Albany.

Saturday 25 April: Hurricanes vs Brumbies 7.35pm at Westpac Stadium.

If you want to be at one of these three matches, go to your local RSA where arrangements will be made for you.

A Set of Bagpipes

From Dave Collins:
I have a copy of a very good personal account by a member of 4th Field Reg during WWII. If you wish I can give you the contact of a member of the family who may arrange for you to have a copy. My own copy has a number of my notes added to explain some parts of it – should the family provide you with a copy I would be very happy for you to also have my additional notes.
This account is largely the story of a set of bagpipes that accompanied the author from when he joined the unit at Hopuhopu until a few years before his death. At the end of his account he relates how these bagpipes were to be presented a few days later to the Waiouru Museum – and his family “knows” that is what happened.
When I added to his account [I have used it in my family history because the two families were close neighbours and friends in the 1920s and early 30s, and the author taught my uncle to play the bagpipes] I decided to get a photo of the bagpipes. I visited Waiouru Museum and after a great deal of searching they said they did not have the bagpipes and there was no record of them.
I have recently asked the Auckland war Memorial Museum – they also know nothing of them.
Here is the last paragraph of the account:
The above was written in September, 1988. I was able to play the pipes a little till 1992, when I piped in the New Year at the age of 80. With my family’s consent, I offered the suggestion to the 4th Field Regiment Association, that the pipes be presented to the Waiouru Army Museum. This will be done on 27th April, 1994, together with the F Troop drum, and other mementos of the Association.
End.
J.R. Matheson,
One-time No 1921, Bombardier
F Troop
4th Field Regiment, N.Z.A.
Written 12 April 1994
Died July 2003.
So! Do you know anything more about this mystery? 

All I would really like is a photo or two of the bagpipes!
Regards and best wishes,
Dave Collins
Papakura
+64 (0)9 2986614

Gunners' Day Dinner, Papakura

Jeff Waters advises that the 14th annual Gunners' Day Ladies Dining-in will be at the Papakura RSAon Tuesday 26 May. Details of this very enjoyable night out are here.

Eileen Osmers, wife of the late Jack

OSMERS
Eileen Lillian. On 9 April 2009, peacefully at Mountain View Rest Home, in her 87th year. Dearly loved wife of the late Jack. Dearly loved Mum of Christine, Rhys and Ruth, and the late Anne-Marie. Loved nana of Bradley and Leah, Rhys, Jarrod and Daniel. Always in our hearts.

A service for Eileen will be held in the Maunu Crematorium Chapel, Cemetery Road, Maunu, Whangarei, on Wednesday 15 April 2009 at 11:30am. 

In lieu of flowers please send all donations to the Alzheimer's Society, PO Box 1179, Whangarei.

All communications to "The Osmers Family," C/- PO Box 5116, Whangarei.

Expert Panel appointed

On 8 April, the Minister of Veterans' Affairs, Judith Collins, announced the appointment of the Expert Panel required by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). For details on who has been appointed click here.

Malaya Veterans, Scrub Typhus & Dibutyl Phthalate

In SE Asia, scrub typhus is a disease caused by a mite, and Dibutyl Phthalate was used to try to stop the men posted to Malaya from getting the disease.
Malaya Veterans are seeking to have the health concerns raised by this chemical accepted for WDPs and assistance given in similar fashion to the MoU.

RNZRSA is preparing information to share with VANZ.
You can read the main story and connect to more background here.

News from the Aussie Gunners North

The latest edition of Gunner's Gossip - the newsletter of RAA Gunners North - is now available here . . . and includes worthy mentions of 161 Bty RNZA on Exercise Long Guns.

Javelin missile versus T-72 tank

No contest . . .

Click to enlarge

Red Fridays

Last week I was in Auckland attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer.
I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen. MORE . . . 

Together then, together now

On 11 March 2009 Alan Price received . . . . . . . via Bill Hardman, a former 4RAR member who is now a counselor with the NSW RSL. Ms Monique Farmer, the Associate Editor of the New Zealand Sunday Star–Times sent the original letter to Don Rowe, the President of the NSW RSL. Bill Hardman then MORE . . . 

Shooting stars

As long as there have been firearms, there have been exceptional marksmen to whom accurate shooting has become as instinctive as breathing. There were noted Indian fighters, scouts, buffalo hunters and gun fighters on both sides of the law who were almost unbelievably skillful. There were also sportsmen who gained uncanny finesse with their firearms and marksmen and trick shooters who made their livelihood giving awe-inspiring exhibitions. At about the same time that a lithe, willowy wisp of a girl, MORE . . . 

News: 11/4 Battery RNZA

James Mitchelson provided photos of the Charter Parade in Hamilton on 14 March 2009. Not many Gunners were on parade but at least our band was there and played our Regimental slow march during the inspection. The photos also show the CO 16 Fd Regt talking to 11/4 reps and the handing over of the Bty from Maj Ollie Te Ua to Capt Anthony Mitchelson.

In other news, Lt Col Chris Powell, CO 3 Auckland Northland Battalion Group, advises that from 1 July 2009 11/4 Battery returns to being under the command of 16 Field Regiment; but it will stay based at the Auckland Army Centre and remain a TF Battery.

Meanwhile, at the Front . . .

Possibly the best answer to a stupid question - ever

Katie Couric, while interviewing a Marine sniper, asked: 'What do you feel . . . when you shoot a Terrorist?'
The Marine shrugged and replied, 'A slight recoil.'

Globalisation? What's that?

FINALLY, a definition of globalisation that I can understand and relate to!
Click here . . . 

From David Weston:

I noted in the paper the other morning that Matt Te Pou had been involved in selecting the "best ever" Maori Rugby team (along with a couple of other well known rugby people).

Listed in the members of that team was Stan (Tiny) Hill - great recognition for a very good rugby player (and a Gunner!)

Also interesting that two former members of 161 Battery show up here - Tiny and Matt! Not bad for a small but select unit!