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.

Boat Launching Procedures

So here it is.
I bought a new boat and decided to take her for the maiden voyage this past weekend.
This is my first boat and I wasn't quite sure of the exact Standard Operating Procedures for launching it off a ramp, but I figured it couldn't be too hard.
I consulted my local boat dealer for advice, but they just said "don't let the trailer get too deep when you are trying to launch the boat".
Well, I don't know what they meant by that as I could barely get the trailer in the water at all!
Anyhow, here's a picture of what I did . . . where am I going wrong?
Another episode from the life of Frank Hopkinson.

BAND OF THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF NEW ZEALAND ARTILLERY

Our Band has its 144th Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 14th July at 8:30pm in the Band Rooms, corner of Morrin and Homestead Roads, Panmure.

The Band will be playing a selection of music from 7:30pm in the evening. All gunners and wives/partners are welcome, and the RNZA Association would certainly like to see as many Gunners as possible there to support our excellent Band.

The Band would also very much appreciate any support that Gunner Muzzle Flashes readers may like to give by way of membership to the Band Association Committee, which meets monthly and acts as an interface between members and the Band itself.

Although the Band is a Reserve Force unit and MORE . . .

An Aussie enquiry (about an Enquiry)

Searching for 311513 Maj Gordon G Pound and 1202112 Pte Robert "Bob" J Enright

G'day all.......
As we enter the final phases of the 2nd D&E Platoon matter, it is interesting to note a few aspects in recent weeks:
- first, there has been little or no comment from the cavalry mob concerning Trooper Allan Stanton's substantiation of the matters that occurred on May 29th 1969 (Stanton was Capt Tom Arowsmith's APC driver)
- Stanton confirms that bodies were blown up in a 'sapper's burial' and that three bodies were strapped up to Arrowsmith's own APC (this was deleted from "The War Within" because we couldn't confirm it at the time)
- the Government and the Dept of Defence have resisted our calls for either an enquiry or a Royal Commission
- the AWM cannot locate any paperwork concerning Captain Pound's 'enquiry' of 1976 (where no one was called to give evidence)
Consequently, we are asking the veteran network to chase down two individuals to assist in clearing this matter up, so that Ashley Ekins' 'official histories' are absolutely accurate..
1. Does anyone know the whereabouts of Pte Bob Enright (he is the man who first made the matter of body destruction at Thua Tich, public, in 1976
2. And does anyone know the whereabouts of the Major Pound who conducted that 'enquiry' (he was posted to Darwin at the time...1976)

Regards
Don Tate

Would you stop to help at a crash scene?

This a serious question, and you might want think again after you view this . . .