What a couple of mugs!

New to the Q Store!
Yes, it's our Association's 75th anniversary year, and your committee has acquired a limited quantity of badged coffee mugs - take a look at them here.
The cobalt blue mugs have a matt gold RNZA Association badge over

75th Anniversary
2009

You can have yours for $16 each, or $54.00 for a set of four.
Postage within NZ: single mugs, $6.00 each; set of four, $12.50.

Gunners' Day at Papakura, 2009

On the 293rd birthday of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, 115 or so of us sat down to a delightful dinner at the Papakura RSA. The diners included old comrades and young, familiar faces and new; and the Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery provided enjoyable background music. The whole evening was relaxed and convivial, with a well-delivered toast to the Regiment by LtCol Chris Powell, RNZInf, CO 3 Auck North Bn Gp. Read the Toast . . .

After the meal and the Toasts were over, the Colonel Commandant, Brig Graham Birch MBE, presented six trophies to members of 11/4 Bty - the list of trophies and recipients is here . . .

Photos taken during the evening may be seen here . . . then click Slideshow

Everything was perfectly organised, prepared and executed, a tribute to everyone involved in making it happen, but especially Jeff Waters who has excelled at organising this event for fourteen years. And Jeff is thinking ahead to our 21st dinner in 2016, on the Regiment's 300th birthday - I wonder if one can buy a card for a 300th?

Our New Zealand roots

Greetings to all Members, Friends & Associates

Gunners Day 26 May 2009

New Zealand Armed Constabulary Force Artillery Unit of No 1 Division raised in Napier, with their 6 pounder Armstrong Field Guns, c1869. Courtesy Alexander Turnbull Library.

Best wishes & regards

John Osborne

Commandant NZACFRS Inc.

Gunners' Day, 2009

On 26 May, this Gunners' Day, salutations to one and all gunner comrades around the world.

Ubique

The President and Committee
The Royal New Zealand Artillery Association (Incorporated)

Viet Nam: Operation Merino in July 68 in Phuoc Tuy Province

From David Weston:
In response to John Allen's Blog of 24 May, I recall the situation he described.
Both 3 RAR and 4 RAR had deployed to the east of the Long Binh-Bien Hoa complex - a major US base area covering a large area with the Bien Hoa airbase, and the Long Binh and Plantation army logistic bases. This deployment was to deny the VC/ NVA forces close access to these key areas. After about 2 weeks in the area, we were warned to deploy south back towards Nui Dat.
At the time I was a Gun Line Section Commander with 161 Battery (Left Section)and we (161 Bty) deployed in Direct Support of 3 RAR to the area of the border between Bien Hoa and Phouc Tuy provinces, just to the east of Route 15 between Vung Tau, Baria and Saigon. 4 RAR (ANZAC) were deployed south of the 3 RAR area and I recall hearing over the Regimental net one afternoon that V Coy had been involved in a contact within a bunkered camp.
That night we fired a series of H&I tasks (Harassing and Interdiction) in preparation for a Battalion attack planned by 4 RAR (ANZAC) the next morning. The next morning, I think, we were placed "at priority call" to the BC 104 Battery RAA to support this attack, and then fired a fire plan as the attack was mounted. I don't remember hearing at the time what the outcome of the attack was, but I do remember quite a spirit of "oneness" with V Coy while the Battery was firing to support them.
Over the next few days, as a result of some slack staff work at Arty Tac/ RCP, 161 Bty ammunition holdings fell to about 10-15 rounds per gun (normal 1st line holdings were something close to 100 rpg!) and we then received a priority re-supply from 2 Skycrane helicopters each carrying 12 A22 containers with a total of 480 rounds per aircraft. This brought us back up to a reasonable holding of ammunition.

Not in a lifetime!

A smile from Frank Hopkinson: Go to . . .

11/4 Battery RNZA news

Anthony Mitchelson took over command of 11/4 Bty from Maj Olly Te Ua on 14 March 2009 at the Hamilton Charter Parade. Anthony was promoted to substantive Major on 3 April 2009. Olly, after working very hard for the Bty, deployed to Afghanistan in late March 2009 for six months with the International Stabilisation Force (ISAF) and is working out of ISAF HQ in Kabul.
11/4 Bty is coming back under command of 16 Fd Regt on 1 July 2009 and they are currently working through the move away from 3 Bn back to 16 Fd Regt. They are looking forward to moving back to Regt as they have been acting as an independent Bty for the last eight years and have suffered some skills fade from not regularly working in a Regt environment – so no doubt it will be a busy year.

Viet Nam: Operation Merino in July 68 in Phuoc Tuy Province

From John Allen, Secretary 12 Field Regiment [RAA] (Vietnam) Association:
I am on the NZ Government's Viet Nam veterans' website telling of my experience as FO Ack for 2 Pl V3 Coy 4 RAR (c/s 25A) at Operation Merino in July 68 in Phuoc Tuy Province (after we had returned from Bien Hoa - V3 Coy's first Op in Vietnam if I remember correctly). I understand this action is widely known as the three day war which is actually incorrect. It was only two days and I was there for all of it from the first contact. While 161 was not involved on Day 1 (104/12 in support of 4 RAR), they MAY have been involved in the bombardment which took place on the morning of Day 2 prior to a 4 Battalion assault.
I would be interested in any history that your members might have. Also, you will know that the NZ Govt has commissioned an official history of NZ troops in Vietnam (all Corps) by Ian McGibbon [Ian.McGibbon@mch.govt.nz]. He has also sought some info on 161 at Coral, so you might like to give him a call if you have not already done so. Regards, John (jallen@datamasteranz.com)

Looking sheepish

Brilliant! From Frank Parry, one that finally gets past the censor.
Have you ever wondered where old phones go once they've been "retired from service"? Check here . . .

DVD: The Battle of FSB 'Coral', Viet Nam 1968

The 12 Field Regiment (Vietnam) Association and the University of Southern Queensland launched a documentary DVD on Thursday 14 May, to record the events at Fire Support Base Coral in May 1968. Use this order form to obtain your copy.
161 Bty RNZA is mentioned in inter- views on the DVD. 161 was dropped first and 102 ended up 1500 metres away but still part of FSB Coral. 161 fired in support of 102 and 1 RAR. Must have been heaps of charge bags left over!!!

Enquiry: Help needed with 105 gunpit

G'day
I hope that I may be able to obtain info on the types of emplacements used in Vietnam for the Pack 105. In particular detailed construction drawings and any info/help on the 105.
The reason I'm after this info is because I have recently been given the green light from Motat to construct a permanent pit for their 105 to be displayed on open days.
Any help is most appreciated
Kind regards, James Hebden (j_hebden@hotmail.com)

Army News

The May 2009 issue of Army News is here . . .. You'll find plenty of interest in its pages, but scroll through the pages to pick out gunner points, including the promotions of Bdr J W T Mapson, Maj Anthony Mitchelson, LBdr J W T Rippingale and Bdr T N Lasike (page 7), ANZAC Day in Raglan* (page 16) and an article on the flexible training schedule of today's 16 Field Regiment (page 20).
*Note: The Raglan article says, rather inaccurately, that 161 Bty was awarded the Freedom of Raglan. The Charter was actually granted by the County of Raglan to 16 Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery, on 24 March 1969. At that time, the Battery was serving in Viet Nam and the Regiment, based in Papakura, maintained liaison with the county and town. Read the County Council resolution . . .

Royal Artillery items online

Interested in purchasing Royal Artillery items online? Graeme Black has forwarded a link that takes you to a wide variety of Gunner bits and pieces: click here . . .

Lost: Hugh McKinney

I am contacting you in the hope that you can help in my research to trace my father's tour of duty World War 2. I contacted the NZDF Archives & his records of his overseas service were purged along with many other NZ soldiers. The information I have is:

Hugh McKinney

Joined the NZ Army in 1940; he was a Sergeant

He was in the 9th Heavy Regiment based at North Head Auckland; he is recorded as being a Bombardier & Gunner

He had an accident at North Head & was put on the X (ii) List on medical grounds

It is at this point that we lose him

He was sent overseas on 12th of OCTOBER 1942

He returned to New Zealand on the 26th of NOVEMBER 1943

We do not know where he was sent

He was discharged from the NZ Army on the 5th APRIL 1946

His medals were lost so we can not trace his movements through them, do you have any idea if names & recipients of medals were recorded?

We would be grateful for any help or direction that you can give us

Ngaire McCarthy (nee McKinney)

3 Makora Ave

Waiheke Island

((09) 372 3322

ngaire.mcc@xtra.co.nz

At a guess, given the dates and length of overseas posting, it's possible that he went from 9th Hvy Regiment to 150th Hvy Battery of 33 Hvy Regiment, 3 NZ Div Arty. Go to 33 Hvy Regt to read Chapter Six of an informal unit history. The timings and outline of events seem to fit this guess best, but if anyone else can throw some light on this toughy I'm sure Ngaire will appreciate it.

1920, Howitzer and gunners

From Lloyd Klee, whose grandfather George Klee is sitting beneath the barrel.
Click on the photo to enlarge it.

On leave

Our President, Frank Hopkinson, is on medical leave of absence until 31 October. Vice-President Barry Dreyer stands in for Frank until then.

We all wish Frank a quick recovery to full health.

GUNNERS' DAY IN WELLINGTON

A Gunners' Day service will be held at 3pm on Tuesday 26th May 2009 in the Hall of Memories at the National War Memorial in Wellington.  The Army's Principal Chaplain has agreed to officiate, and a fellow Gunner will also be speaking.  It is intended to follow the service with a less formal catch up and drink afterwards at Molly Malone's on Courtney Place, so anyone still serving may wish to opt for jacket and regimental tie.

Regards,

Major Shay Bassett

Iris Alison ROWNTREE

Iris passed away peacefully at Te Mana Hospital on Friday 8 May 2009, in her 93rd year. Loved wife of the late Ian, mother of Gordon and Ellen and the late Pat, Kevin and Faye, and Carol-Anne Henderson, grandmother of Sheron, Niel, Allison, Kim and Michelle; Denese, Brett and Cara; Briar, Naomi, and Gavin, and greatgrandma of 17.

A Service for Iris will be held at the Romaleigh Funeral Home, 31 Ocean View Road, Northcote at 11am on Thursday 14 May to be followed by private cremation.

Iris was a Life Member of the Association and a keen participant in its activities. She will be remembered for her warmth and friendship. Any members who are able to are asked to attend her funeral.

Going along for the ride?

The New Zealand Herald, 11 May 2009

An Easily Understood Explanation of Derivative Markets

Heidi is the proprietor of a bar in Detroit. She realizes that virtually all of her customers are unemployed alcoholics and, as such, can no longer afford to patronize her bar. To solve this problem, she comes up with a new marketing plan that allows her customers to drink now, but pay later. She keeps track of the drinks consumed on a ledger (thereby granting the customers loans).

Word gets around about Heidi's "drinks now pay later" marketing strategy and, as a result, increasing numbers of customers flood into Heidi's bar. Soon she has the largest sales volume for any bar in Detroit. More . . .

Gunners' Day 2009, Ladies' Formal Dining at Papakura

Past and present gunners, attached personnel, and partners are once again
invited to attend this year's celebration of Gunners' Day, which will be
the 14th Anniversary of our dinner. It will be
held once again in the Monte Casino

Lounge, Papakura RSA
Tuesday, 26 May 2009

at 1830 for 1900
The dinner is $55.00 per person

payable when you notify your attendance.

Excellent food, excellent music, excellent service

For more information, click here . . .

The outlook is grim

When you walk out the door in the morning and see this in the sky . . .

. . . just go back in the house, pour another cup of coffee, and stay there. It probably isn't going to be a good day.

Gift memorial: A touching work of art

The future for NZ Defence?

Articles of interest from The New Zealand Herald:
Closer relationship for NZ and Aust militaries (Click)

New Zealand and Australia will draw into a much closer defence relationship in a bid to deal with emerging crises in the Pacific. Areas of co-operation include:

* Transport and logistics.
* Operational planning and communications.
* Capability development and buying equipment.
* Ultimately developing an ANZAC task force for rapid deployment.

Military buildup alarms Chinese (Click)

Australia's plan to extend its strategic striking power with a fleet of long-range silent submarines equipped with cruise missiles has raised concerns in China and sparked fears of a new arms race in Asia.

WW2, Pacific: Wallace Ralph Gordon, RNZA

I am writing seeking information on my grandfather, Wallace Ralph Gordon, who served with the 3rd Div in the Pacific in World War Two before before released to Essential Industry.

From the war records I have been able to get ahold of, he attained the rank of Sergeant (originally Technical Lance Sergeant) in the 53rd Anti Tank Battery, before being transferred to the 144th Independent Battery in April 1944.

I am interested to find out where he was, and whether he saw any engagement at all. I know he was in Noumea, but I note the website contains engagements for both the 53rd and the 144th. My grandfather brought back a few nick knacks including an old Imperial Japanese Navy chart of the Currents of the North Pacific with an admiral's name scrawled on the back, and I would like to find where he may have picked it up, and whether the name on the back is indeed legitimate!

Tim will be grateful for any feedback on the units he has mentioned - Tim.Walls@abmm.co.nz
I have referred him to NZDF personnel records.

WW2: Robert Menzies Robertson, 6 Fd Regt,, KIA?

George Mailer enquires:

I have recently been made aware of a relative of mine who apparently served in the RNZA in WW2. His name was Robert Menzies Robertson and before the war he was a dairy farmer in North Queensland; as such he was knocked back for military service by virtue of being in a reserved occupation. Until now I have always believed that he was killed in1944 in a logging accident near Atherton, Nth Queensland.

I have now been told by a previously unknown relative that he was in fact a member of the 2^nd NZ Expeditionary Force and was a Gunner in 6 Field Regt. Reputedly, he was killed on active service while serving with this unit and his name appears on a Roll of Honour somewhere in NZ. Read more . . .

Crete 1941: Les Livingston, KIA,

My name is Nathan Laing, I am a 23 year old full time Law student on the Gold Coast, Australia - my family immigrated here approximately 10 years ago. My mother's maiden name is Livingston. I was told as a child of "my uncle Les" who had served during the Second World War, however my grandfather - Francis Livingston - spoke little of the memory of my great uncle.
The two had been close brothers, until Leslie joined with the New Zealand Artillery. I was simply told he was killed, there exist basically no photos, no memories, a truly sad state of affairs.
For more about Les Livingston click here. And if you can help Nathan with any information at all, contact him at nathanlaing@hotmail.com

Is someone telling porkies?

From David Lackey:
An interesting story in the UK Telegraph about medal citations being overstated. The award of Afghan medals could be reviewed after allegations that citations were incorrect. One arrest so far, read on . . .