Greetings from the Royal Artillery

Lt Col Nick Gillard, CO 16 Field Regt RNZA advises that he has received a fax from Lt Col John Boswell at NZ High Commission that reads:

The Master Gunner St James's Park, Director Royal Artillery and all ranks of the Royal Regiment of Artillery.Best wishes and fraternal greetings on the occasion of Saint Barbara's Day 2008 to the Colonel Commandant, Director and all ranks of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery.

Ubique.

Greetings from Timor Leste

WO2 John Garton, from Timor Leste:

A Happy St Barbara’s Day from the Gunners currently deployed to Timor Leste.
---The association may not be aware that over 80 personnel from 16 Fd Regt deployed to Timor over the period 20–27 Nov for a six month tour. They have been rounded out to a Infantry Coy size group by territorial personnel from throughout the North Island. We are operating as Infantry platoons patrolling around the capital city Dili. 
---We will be celebrating with the Aussie Air Defence Bty (here as Infantry too) deployed with 5 RAR, the current Battle Group HQ. Col Graeme Williams RNZA will be joining us. He is currently the Chief Military Observer in Timor.

Thanks for keeping us up-to-date with news of the day, John. Our best wishes to you guys too. Any photos will be very welcome!

Graham Williams

I visited Graham and Hazel today to see how he is getting on - not at all well. He is noticeably worse than when I saw him in June, when he had tumour removed from his throat. 

---He thought then that it was all clear but, after radiation, it spread to his right lymph nodes and into his lungs. He has a prominent lymphoedema on his left cheek and jaw. Graham is unable to have further surgery or radiation and, I'm sad to say, his condition is terminal.

---He can't speak and communicates by writing, but doesn't have a lot of strength for that. I asked him if he is OK to receive text messages but that's too painful to manage. Hazel said he has been really pleased to have cards and letters, so do a good deed: 68 Archers Road, Glenfield, North Shore 0629.

---He said he would be glad to see close friends for short visits, but phone Hazel first - 09 418 4548.

---Graham was 161 Bty's first GPO on deployment in Viet Nam in 1965, and he is in his 15th year as President of the Birkenhead RSA.

Rod Baldwin & Neil Bradley: Coral & Balmoral 40th

Gareth Phipps, Viet Nam Oral History Project, Ministry of Culture & Heritage, advises that Rod Baldwin's and Neil Bradley’s  reports on the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Battles of Coral and Balmoral are now available on-line.

5.5" BL gun rescue

Warwick Thorpe is setting out to rescue a 5.5 from the elements. It's in private hands but sat in a paddock so it needs help to avoid decay. He will appreciate any technical material anyone is willing to share. Copies are fine as he wants them for practical rather than collector purposes.

---He writes: 'The picture is myself and compadre on the L5, Armistice Day at Cambridge, doing Vietnam tribute battle. The light gun crews watching were jealous of our blanks apparently - well, we just hoped any vets watching appreciated seeing the L5 in action again.' 

---Can you help? Email Warwick at wakazz@paradise.net.nz

Amazing technology from Japan . . .

From Alan Taylor:
You will not know what's ahead of you until you have seen at least four pictures and read the explanation of what they are. Incredible! 

Well, yes, it's gawping good, but the dratted link failed. If  you would like to see a huge technology leap, send an email and I'll return Alan's original to you.

The price of progress

If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get a million miles per gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside.--------- Robert Cringely