North Shore City news release - 75th Anniversary & Reunion

A week before the Battle of Passchendaele commenced

Immediately preceding 22 July, 1917, the New Zealand Divisional Artillery was engaged in a series of fire missions on the Western Front during the period of intense activity that took place between the commencement of the Battle of Messines (6 June) and the beginning of the Battle of Passchendaele (31 July).  Gun batteries were not normally exposed to direct small arms fire, although this was not impossible. However, numerous artillery personnel were also required in the infantry lines in a forward observing capacity and in the never ending task of repairing the telephone wires connecting the forward observers with their batteries. Many Gunner casualties were suffered as a direct result, either from shelling or because of enemy snipers.

Now, there's a point

Before a war military science seems a real science, like astronomy; but after a war it seems more like astrology.
  - Rebecca West

Auckland Harbour Bridge closure, Sunday 1 November

LTSA advises that the harbour bridge will be partially closed on Sunday 1 November during our reunion.
The central span will remain open, but the "clip-ons" will be closed from 0300 until about 1000hrs.

75th Anniversary Reunion - medals

• Dinner, Saturday night - miniatures to be worn
• Parade and Memorial Service, Sunday morning - full-sized medals to be worn
  

Well done, Bob Davis!

One of our members, Bob Davis, was recently elected as the International Chairman of the International Military Music Society (founded 1977). Bob holds office for two years from January 2010.

His election does him great credit as it's the first time the role has been held outside the USA or Europe.

Bob is well known for organizing Band concerts, and he is currently Secretary of the RNZA Band Assn.

Now THAT is a silencer!

Reunion 2009: Have you registered - and paid? Deadline coming up!

This is the year to be there!

Click to check the on-line register  

Click to register on-line

Click to pay on-line

Briefs from Day 1 of the RNZRSA National Conference, 12-14 Oct 09

HAVE YOU REGISTERED - AND PAID? The clock is ticking!

This is the year to be there! 

Click to check the on-line register  

Click to register on-line

Click to pay on-line

The reunion you'll regret missing if you're not there
Spend time with gunner comrades

Meet today's gunners of 11/4 Battery
Only $80.00 to register, two dinners included
Free visit to historic Fort Takapuna and the Passchendaele exhibition
75th Anniversary commemoration parade and service - with gunfire!
Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery playing
North Shore City, Auckland - 30 October to 1 November

Last Post: Allan Wilson, RNZA, 2 NZEF

WILSON 
Richard Allan (Allan). Lt Col (Retd) 2nd Expeditionary Force. Suddenly on 6 October 2009 in his 89th year. Loved husband of the late Patricia, loved father of Helen and Linda. Loved grandfather of Tony and Bronwyn, Diane and Simon. Loved greatgrandfather of Sasha, Finn, Levi and Jessica.

A service for Allan will be held at the North Shore Memorial Park Crematorium Chapel, 235 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany, Saturday 10 October at 1.00pm followed by a reception at the East Coast Bay RSA.

Farewell, Thelma Salt

Dear Family and Friends,
I am sad to inform you that Mum (Thelma Salt) passed away peacefully at 4pm this afternoon, 8 October 2009, at Valley Views Retirement Home in Gatton. Dad (Henry Salt) was with her. Mum had turned 90 in March this year.
Dad's details are: Henry Salt
                     Regis Valley Views
                     22 Dawson Drive
                     Gatton
                     Queensland 4343
                     Ph 0754620052
Kind regards, Wayne Salt 
Email Wayne Salt

75th Anniversary Reunion - REGISTER NOW!

     This is the year to be there!

• Click to check the on-line register
• Click to register on-line
  
• Click to pay on-line

The reunion you'll regret missing if you're not there

Spend time with gunner comrades
Meet today's gunners of 11/4 Battery
Only $80.00 to register, two dinners included
Free visit to historic Fort Takapuna and the Passchendaele exhibition
75th Anniversary commemoration parade and service - with gunfire!
Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery playing
North Shore City, Auckland - 30 October to 1 November

Christchurch RSA Golf Tournament, 29 October - click to view poster

Update from Roley & Gail Flutey . . . click

Reunion 30 October to 1 November - Register NOW! (money talks)

• Click to check the attendance register on-line
• Click to register on-line 
• Click to pay on-line-----

Last Post: Des Barkle

Barkle, Desmond Taylor (Des). Service no. 36854 - Vietnam. On October 1, 2009 aged 82 years. Loved husband of Avis. Loved by all his children and great grandchildren. A service to celebrate Des's life will be held at Te Aroha R.S.A clubrooms, Rewi St. Te Aroha on Monday October 5 at 11am followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations may be made at the service to Te Aroha District Community Hospital Trust Fund or post to 72 Stanley Avenue, Te Aroha. Broadway Funeral Home (Te Aroha) FDANZ

From Brian Jerry Meyer:
It is with deep regret I forward this posting of the passing of Des Barkle RNZA.
Des served in 161 Bty 68/69 as the BQMS.
He was the Dad of the late John Barkle RNZInf, who also served at the same time in SVN in W2/W3.

From Mike Dakin:
I remember Des well from our days at CD Trg Bty, under Dutch Holland and Spencer Cocks, where he was OR clerk. In the Instructors' Room, Des was the undisputed domino champ. One of the highlights of that time was the running banter of a war of (sometimes cutting) words between Des, Bill Giles and Icky Wright, a great introduction to gunner camaraderie.

Last Post: Jim McCaig

330023 James (Jim) McCAIG, Gunner RNZA, passed away at Northbridge Private Hospital, Auckland, on 30 September 2009, aged 76.
A Service for Jim was held at The Chapel of Faithful Funeral Services, 35 Red Beach Road, Hibiscus Coast today, Saturday 3 October 2009, followed by private cremation.
Unfortunately we have no details of Jim's military service, and it would be appreciated that, if confirmed details are known, this information is forwarded to the Association and to John and Annette Millar, the44millars@clear.net.nz .