75th Anniversary & 2009 Reunion

As you might know, the 2009 Reunion will be our one opportunity to celebrate our Association's 75th Anniversary year. It was formed at the Masonic Hotel, Devonport, Auckland, on 10 July 1934. Our reunion will take place over the weekend 30 October to 1 November, centred on East Coast Bays RSA in Browns Bay.

• You need to think about being there, now, if you want the best air travel deals, and to book into the recommended accommodation, North Shore Motels and Holiday Park.
  
• The Park is only ten minutes from Browns Bay and transport will be available to and from ECB RSA events. Booking your travel and accommodation is in your hands - do it now!
• Registration is $80, which covers the buffet meal on Friday and the formal dinner on Saturday. (If you won't be eating at Friday's buffet, deduct $20.) Don't pay until asked in September.
  
• The early signs are that this will be a bumper reunion, with members coming in from overseas as well as from all corners of NZ. Don't miss out!

Would you please let Mike know how many will be there with you, as we need to estimate transport and catering quantities.

Funeral arrangements, Ian Hitchiner

Salutations to All

I wish to advise that the Funeral for Ian "Hitch" will take place at the PAPAKURA RSA at 1000hrs (10 00am) on Thur 2nd Jul 09

Medals to be worn

FORTES FORTUNA JUVAT
UBIQUE

Brian Jerry Meyer

VANZ: An overview

Margaret Burke, Manager Support Services, Auckland RSA, has kindly provided notes from a recent presentation and forum in Wellington. You can have an overview of VANZ here . . .

Royal NZ Artillery Band Association AGM & election of committee

The AGM of the RNZA Band Association will be held in early July. Nominations are called for the Committee.
If you enjoy committee work and can make a contribution, get in touch with Barry Dreyer, the Band Association's President ASAP. B.Dreyer@clear.net.nz. (You may need to cut and paste the email address.)

Passchendaele - The Belgians Have Not Forgotten: Sponsorship opportunity

At Historic Fort Takapuna, Vauxhall Road, Devonport
From 4 October to 15 November 2009

$ 5,000 Sponsorship Opportunities

• The Organisers of this not-for-profit exhibition offer Sponsors an opportunity to be associated with the commemoration of the most significant event in New Zealand’s military history and in doing so involve up to 100 of the sponsors clients and customers by inviting them to an evening reception which would culminate in a tour of the exhibition in historic Fort Takapuna.
• The catering arrangements would be the sponsor’s responsibility and the $5,000 sponsorship fee would be used to attract visitors to the exhibition through publicity and advertising.
• The format for the evening is flexible but could include sponsor’s information to their clients, a twenty minute presentation on the lead up to and the Battle of Passchendaele on 12 October 1917 and then a tour of the exhibition which focuses on how memories of New Zealanders live on in Flanders and Belgium today - 92 years after the conflict.
• These memories follow the journey of New Zealand soldiers from Gallipoli through Flanders to Passchendaele and are brought to life through award winning photographs, images, information, artefacts and music.

Contact:Iain Mackenzie, Honorary Consul of Belgium (2001-2009)
Passchendaele : The Belgians Have Not Forgotten
Phone +64 9 575 6202 Mobile +64 27 495 5226
Postal: PO Box 9786, Newmarket, Auckland 1149, New Zealand

Honours and promotions

Our congratulations to:
Col (Rtd) Graeme R Williams, now a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Maj B W Ngata RNZA, promoted 30 Apr 09
Maj K M Dunne RNZA, promoted 22 May 09
Lt S L R Lodge RNZA, promoted 27 May 09
Gnr Amber Shine RNZA, Top student award for Recruits All Arms Course 352

Read NZ Army News here . . .

Last Post: Ian 'Hitch' Hitchener

From Jeff Waters:
Ian Hitchener (Hitch) passed away suddenly at his residence this morning.
Details for his funeral will be posted when we have them.

Hitch marched into Andrews VC class, RF Cadets, in January 1966 and graduated to RNZA May 1967. He served in Viet Nam with 161 Bty for 12 months from October 1969, during which time he was attached to D Coy 9RAR FO Party. After Viet Nam, Hitch was posted to 1 Loc Tp, 161 Training Wing Papakura, and 28 ANZUK Fd Regt in Singapore.

What can you add, to mark Hitch's sudden passing?

The Cab Ride

Lord, it's two almost in a row from Frank Parry - I was blindsided by his unexpected sentimentality. See what you think of The Cab Ride

Naval Gunners' Reunion 2010

Jim Senton wants all RNZN naval gunners to be at their first (and possibly last) reunion, Easter 2010.
For details including contact and registration, click here . . .

Auckland Coast Defences Historic Trust

The Auckland Coast Defence Historic Charitable Trust was registered on Gunners' Day, 26 May 2009.
Amongst others things its aim is to preserve and promote the historical coast artillery defensive sites in the Hauraki Gulf and in particular at Forts Takapuna and North Head. We are represented on the Trust by Frank Hopkinson and Barry Dreyer.
The Trust has prepared its concession application to the Department of Conservation which owns the sites. This has been accepted by the Department and the Trust is about to go into negotiations to agree on all aspects of the concession from the Department.
It is fair to say that the Department is enthusiastic on the proposals from the Trust and will support and enhance the Trust's activities as much as they can.
From a Gunner aspect we are very keen to develop the sites as major tourist attractions for local and offshore visitors.

Thanks to the Veteran!

It's the VETERAN not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It's the VETERAN not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It's the VETERAN not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It's  the VETERAN not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

It's the VETERAN who salutes the Flag,

It's the VETERAN who serves under the Flag, 

We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.

Bless them all!!

Christmas in Alaska

After 351 attempts, Frank Parry finally gets one published:

Tom had been in Police work for 25 years. Finally sick of the stress, he quits his job and buys 50 acres of land in Alaska as far from humanity as possible. He sees the postman once a week and gets groceries once a month. Otherwise it's total peace and quiet.

After six months or so of almost total isolation, someone knocks on his door. He opens it and a huge, bearded man is standing there.

'Name's Cliff, your neighbor from forty miles up the road. Having a Christmas party Friday night. Thought you might like to come at about 5:00...'

'Great', says Tom, 'after six months out here I'm ready to meet some local folks. Thank you.'

As Cliff is leaving, he stops. 'Gotta warn you. Be some drinking'.'

'Not a problem' says Tom. 'After 25 years in the business, I can drink with the best of 'em'.

Again, the big man starts to leave and stops. 'More 'n' likely gonna be some fighting' too.'

'Well, I get along with people, I'll be all right! I'll be there. Thanks again.'

'More'n likely be some wild sex, too,'

'Now that's really not a problem' says Tom, warming to the idea. 'I've been all alone for six months! I'll definitely be there. By the way, what should I wear?'

'Don't much matter. Just gonna be the two of us.'

The Battle of Passchendaele exhibition

The Battle of Passchendaele exhibition features photographs, images, information and artefacts highlighting the memories of New Zealanders which live on in Belgium today………” the order was given to attack before daybreak on 12 October 1917 and so began the most tragic day in New Zealand’s history…..the German machine guns mowed down the Kiwis as they advanced through the barbed wire, some of them up to their hips in mud….eight hundred and forty five young Kiwis were killed in the first two hours and the death toll at the preludes to and the Battle of Passchendaele was eventually to exceed two thousand seven hundred…….it took two days to clear the battlefield of the dead and the injured…..by the time they were finally withdrawn fom Flanders in February 1918 the New Zealand Division had suffered more than 18, 000 casualties including 5.000 deaths….more than double the number killed at Gallipoli”.
Click here to read more . . .
You will be able to visit the exhibition at Fort Takapuna while you are at the 75th Anniversary Reunion, Browns Bay, on the morning of Saturday 31 October.

16-18 June, in Wellington, . . .

. . . I was at an excellent pensions and welfare workshop and forum, arranged by RNZRSA. Almost 60 delegates attended and heard presentations from VANZ, Ministry of Social Development, Age Concern, the District Health Board and, of course, RNZRSA. It was extremely well done and of great value to us as an association, a benefit of our affiliating with RNZRSA last year.
There were contentious moments and not everyone was happy with VANZ' changed approach. But VANZ is not entirely wrong in what is perceived by many as an unjustified clamp-down on claims. There has been a tightening of scrutiny in recent months, with a difference of opinion about what is right and wrong in making the changes. This will be resolved.
Gunners were well represented, with Rick Williams, Lindsay Skinner, Alan Strang and yours truly in attendance. I for one have a better understanding of the claims process, and the welfare support that is available. Your first port of call is your RSA but, if you want to discuss any issues, email me.
Cheers, Mike

New Defence Force medal planned

The Government is to introduce a new Defence Force medal for non-operational military service, meeting a campaign commitment to recognise service in the Defence Force by New Zealanders. “The RSA had proposed such a medal for a number of years. Fulfilling this commitment will enable New Zealanders who have served to receive recognition similar to that of Australia,” Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said.
To read more, and respond to the survey, click here . . .

'Boyd' massacre and subsequent events - Anniversary book

From John Osborne:
As the Boyd Remembrances draw nearer researchers are busy gathering information to piece together the many reports, articles and books to put before the public.
Kaeo and Whangaroa residents plan to remember those who died in the December 1809 sacking of the merchant ship Boyd in Whangaroa Harbour at a memorial service on December 4, 5 and 6.
A second remembrance event will be held in March 2010 to acknowledge Te Pahi and his people who were supposedly killed for their alleged involvement in the sacking.
Boyd Remembrance Committee chairman and Te Pahi descendant Terry Smith says the two events are part of a reconciliation process for the descendants of those involved in the incident.
"The circumstances leading up to the sacking of the Boyd, the killing of nearly all its crew and the ‘reprisal killing’ of innocent people the following year are still the subject of much debate and discussion today," says Mr Smith.
I have attached extracts from Dr Robert McNab's book From Tasman To Marsden: A History of Northern New Zealand from 1642 to 1818 including the Boyd Massacre, By Dr. Robert McNab. Published by Wilkie & Company, 1914, Dunedin, it makes interesting reading.
Best regards
John Osborne
Arms of the Boyd

Tomorrow

Muzzle Flashes has been offline for several days due to a fly strike. We resume our normal room-for-improvement service on 19 June, if I remember.
In the meantime: I've gone into hundreds of fortune-teller's parlours, and I have been told thousands of things, but nobody ever told me I was a policewoman getting ready to arrest her.

New York City detective

Are we getting a fair deal?

The current War Pensions Act will be with us for some time yet, so we need to be sure we are getting a fair deal from its provisions. Sadly, current feedback is that cases are now being rejected on weak grounds. On examination, these grounds seem to be less than valid; this may be due to newly introduced panellists not quite understanding what the Act provides. Or Adam Smith's 'Invisible Hand' may be getting some help from those 'Purchasing Advisors'.
It's a bit of a nuisance that veterans have a set back of this kind after the promises of Tribute 08, but it will come right!
So that you are in the picture, you can see the key points from the WPA's key sections, 17 and 18, when you go here.

Feedback to Mike Dakin, Secretary

Last Post: Ken 'Padre' Deacon

From Wanda Deacon:
I have to let you know Ken passed away this morning [Tuesday, 9 June]. I do not have any funeral details as yet as there has to be a post mortem so could be a week away. Could you let the others know over there. I know he wanted his ashes to be taken back to N.Z that will be done later.
Will keep you informed.
Wanda

And - Kenneth Milton Deacon born 30-8-1940 in New Plymouth New Zealand.
Joined the NZ Army Sept 1964 served in Sth Vietnam July 65 until Nov 66 discharged from NZ Army Aug 1969. Joined Aust Army Feb 1970 served Sth Vietnam June to Nov 71.

From Denis Dwane:
Ken Padre Deacon was originally RNZASC coming into the Gunners with the initial deployment of 161 Bty to SVN. He was a Driver/Gun Number for Arthur Simeon’s Gun Crew and aspired to driving our US Deuce and a half (Ammo Truck) called Sorrow on the Rocks. In 1970 he joined the Australian Army (Corps of Transport) as an Air Despatcher and served in SVN in that role in 1971. He remained in the Air Despatch role until he retired as a WO2 in 1995.
Ken was a good natured guy who got on well with everyone. He always said that the best period of his life in the Army was with 161 Bty in Vietnam. He always looked forward to coming from Sydney to Papakura on ANZAC Days and reunions associated with 173d Airborne Brigade (US). He will be sadly missed by those Gunners who knew him.

CMT // Reunion, September

CMT & NS Association
COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING / / NATIONAL SERVICE
60th Anniversary CMT ACT 1949-2009
100th Anniversary Defence Act 1909-2009
Combined celebrations at the  New Lynn RSA, Auckland, 4-6 September 2009
Contacts for further information –

Frank Beare – 09 818 5753 – beare@icon.co.nz or  Charles Cramond – 09 837 4808 – chasbo@xtra.co.nz

How Frank and Pat spend their day

Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their days interesting.

Well for example, the other day my wife and I went into town and went into a shop.
We were only in there about 5 minutes.
When we came out, there was a cop writing a parking ticket.
We went up to him and I said, "Come on man, how about giving a senior citizen a break?"
He ignored us and continued writing the ticket, I called him a moron.
He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn tires.
So Pat called him an idiot.
He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first.
Then he started writing a third ticket.
This went on for about 20 minutes. The more we abused him the more tickets he wrote.
Then our bus arrived.

We try to have a little fun each day now that we're retired. It's important at our age.
Frank Hopkinson

Wannabes: A cautionary tale

Bill Godfrey gives an interesting account of the outing of a wannabe in Oz here . . .

Sick or sin?

The search for Pucky's ID (below) brought these thoughts from David Lackey, and he refers us to a relevant story:

My reaction towards these 'wannabes' tends more towards pity than contempt and I was surprised, while living in Canberra, at the hard line, indeed venom, shown towards them by the Aussie Vets - which has translated into in heavy penalties for such imposters.

By coincidence there was a particularly sad, but very interesting and multi-layered, case in yesterday's New York Times.

Can you ID 'Pucky'?

On 28 April, we asked if you could ID 'Pucky' (or Paki), but without telling you why. We now have more details for you. Pucky turns up at ANZAC Day and other events in Melbourne, claiming to be ex-16 Field. His ribbons look impressive at first glance but they are somewhat doubtful. Starting from top left:

1. Multinational Force & Observers Medal UN

2. NZ Armed Forces Award

3. Army 150 Anniversary (tin) made by The Military Store

4. Possible Order of Merit (Part ribbon only can be seen and that is the only match.)

5. NZ Fire Brigade LS & GC medal

6. Order of St John Service Medal

7. NZ Regular Force Cadets (tin) made by English Tie Coy.

He may be the genuine article but we won't know until someone can ID him.

Anyone?

Tips for surviving abduction

Practical and useful ideas for safety and survival, via Graeme Black (but see the disclaimer at the end).

The state of the economy

It is definitely getting very bad!

Cats are so dramatic!!