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 . . .