LT COL Ron Hamlyn (Retd) Phone: (02) 9387 1409

Gary Townsend Phone: 07 5594 4780 Mobile: 0412 767 975 Address: 82 Lake Hills, 117 Palm Meadows Dve, CARRARA QLD 4211

Ted Harrison Phone: 03 9762 4283 Mobile: 0403 907 775 Address: PO Box 201 The Basin VIC 3154

POSTED  10 FEBRUARY 2012

Trojan's Treck is a unique program designed to assist veterans who are suffering with military induced stress illness return to a normal life.

5RAR Veterans play a big role in the running of this program:

Director: Lt Col Moose Dunlop (retd) OAM, a 5RAR Veteran 2ndTour
Senior Facilitator: Robert 'Dogs' Kearney, a 5RAR Veteran 1st Tour
Support Staff: Colin Cogswell MM, a 5RAR Veteran 1st Tour

This 12 minute video is about a group of Aussie veterans helping Aussie veterans. an very effective initiative

3786995 Peter Reginald Duell
19 February 1942 - 28 January 2012

Doug Bishop wrote:

Peter Duell was a National Serviceman that served as the Platoon Signaller with 6 Platoon, B Company,
5RAR on their first tour of Vietnam from 12 May 1966 to 12 May 1967.

This morning I spoke with Elizabeth Duell and can now advise that Peter’s funeral service will be held on Friday, 3rd February at 1430 hrs. The service will be conducted at St Georges Anglican Church, 301 Glenferrie Road, Malvern (Melways Ref. Map 57, C7 about 200 metres North of the High Street intersection). It would be appropriate for medals to be worn.

At the conclusion of the service, at a hall nearby Peter’s family have invited attendees to join them in some alcohol free refreshments for an hour or so, to celebrate and acknowledge the passing of a very good man, before his time.


To: Victorian members of the 5 RAR Association,

Peter Duell was the Platoon Sig for 6 Platoon on 5 RAR's first tour of Vietnam.
Last year he was diagnosed with a particularly virulent form of Motor Neurone Disease. He passed away on Saturday, 28 January 2012. (Melways Ref. Map 57, C7).  Where applicable, medals should be worn. There will be non-alcoholic refreshments for an hour or so after the service.

For those who knew Peter and are unable to attend the funeral, you may wish to send his wife Elizabeth a Sympathy Card, or letter to:

Mrs Elizabeth Duell
P O Box 174
BRIGHTON VIC 3186

My apologies for the short notice.

Doug Bishop
5RAR Association
Victorian Representative.
03 9744 5035
0437 653 577

Rest in peace Peter

Dedication of Plaque

(My apologies goes to Kerry for overlooking this most important event)

for a larger version on the image

Saturday 29 October was the anniversary of the dedication of the Canungra Vietnam Memorial, which is situated at Land Warfare Centre (LWC) or Jungle Training Centre (JTC) as we knew it. The date was marked with installation of a plaque to commemorate the members of 5 RAR who have been killed or wounded in theatres of operations around the world.

The ceremony was at 1100 hours and was followed by lunch and drinks at the Canungra RSL Club.

Where did the plaque come from: The manufacturer produced two plaques for our 45th anniversary. The second is identical to the one dedicated at Twin Towns at the reunion last year and it was decided to place the second plaque at Canungra with other Association plaques in recognition of the training that was undertaken at Canungra prior to operational deployment.

The 30 who attended included Ian Clarke, 87, from Wyong in NSW who served with the 2/5th in World War Two.

(If anyone wants to visit they should be aware that security at Canungra base is usually tight. It would be best to check with the memorial committee, c/- RSL Canungra (07) 5543 5524, well in advance.

Gary Townsend among others put a lot of effort into the event.

Regards

Kerry White

Qld Rep 5RAR Association.

2791611 Kenneth Thomas Black
25 March 1949 - 18 January 2012

Don Harrod wrote:
 
 I am sorry to have to advise that Ken Black, a member of 8Pl C Company  (2nd tour) passed away yesterday, 18th January 2012.
 
 From available information, we think that Ken had volunteered for National Service, as he only 20 when he was sent to Vietnam. He was posted from 1ARU to C Company 5RAR in September 1969. Ken was wounded in February 1970 on Operation Bondi near Xuyen Moc, and returned to Australia with the main body on HMAS Sydney.
 
  After he returned to Australia, Ken seemed to have disappeared off the map. Bob Hooper met up with Ken in 2008, where it was revealed that Ken had spent some twenty years living in a tent in the bush. He was not aware of available entitlements at that time. We know that Ken had two sisters and a brother.
 
 Ken was the sort of bloke that the Australian Army is all about. He was a digger, pretty laid back, did his job, and didn’t attract a lot of attention. Perhaps he was typical of the diggers that we hear about  when it’s too late – the diggers that Australia didn’t want to know.
 
 Alan Riley, Ken's section 2 I/C, said the following: “Kenny carried the M79 for us (6 Section) he liked the idea of just it and a 9mm pistol. He did change his ideas on that after a contact up in the Nui Dinh Mountains but not sure if he did go back to carrying a SLR. Kenny was, if I recall correctly slightly built – wiry probably more like - and very likable. Got on with things, did his job, didn’t bitch and minded his own business. A sad day.”
 
  Rest in Peace old mate – you have attended your last parade.

Funeral details are:

Date: Wednesday 25th January 2012.
Time: 1030 hours
Place: Mary Mother of Mercy Chapel and Crematorium, Rookwood Cemetery.

B Company 1st Tour Get Together

   A very informal reunion will be held at the Breakfast Creek hotel, Brisbane on 24th April, the day before Anzac day 2012.
   They serve lunch between 11.30 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. Arrive at your leisure.
   I advise you to make accommodation and \ or travel plans sooner than later with Anzac day so close.

   Please advise John O’Callaghan a.s.a.p if attending at:

(The e-mail address is in image format to prevent spamming. Copy the address into the head of your e-mail client)

Tuesday, 10 January 2012 VA003

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

ANZAC CENTENARY ‘BRANDING’

    Australia is preparing to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac from 2014 to 2018, marking 100 years since our nation’s involvement in the First World War.
    Over this period we will remember not only the Anzacs who served at Gallipoli and the Western Front, but all Australian servicemen and women who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
    The media reporting suggesting there would be branding of Anzac Day is wrong. There is no such plan for 25 April 2015 or any other year.
    What is being developed is a specific motif for the centenary program similar to the way a motif was developed for the highly acclaimed Australia Remembers - created to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
    The final motif will convey to the Australian community the overall theme for the four year centenary program.
    The Anzac Centenary Advisory Board, which includes many eminent Australians and is chaired by the former Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC (Ret’d), supports the development of the motif.
    It is unfortunate that the public has been mislead by inaccurate media reporting on this subject.
The sanctity of Anzac Day will always be protected.


The Hon Warren Snowdon MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac

To visit the ANZAC Centenary website: »Click Here

Received this from a member and have placed this on the notice board in good faith. If you are intending to sail with the cruise companies named below, check for yourself.
Webmaster.

On Board Cruising Bonus for Veterans!

Hello Everyone,

Pat and I have just returned from circumnavigating NZ aboard the Sun Princess and were made aware of a $250 on board credit available to returned servicemen, when the normal Princess on board credit amounts to $150 per stateroom, or $75 per passenger. The existence of this bonus is not advertised, but may be granted on application through travel agents, provided the application is made more than two weeks before sailing date. The bonus is applicable only to the applicant; the amount of on board credit offered to spouses depends on the generosity of the company at the time of booking a cruise. We understand that the bonus is available to all ships operated by Carnival Cruises but have been unable to verify this. I was able to verify the existence of the bonus with a Princess Cruises representative.

Our informant advised that one should provide the travel agent with a copy of the relevant page of the Record of Service that documents postings to be forwarded to the company as proof of eligibility. A second informant advised that a copy of a Discharge Certificate was acceptable, but I was unable to confirm this.

You may wish to avail yourself of this offer when and if you book a cruise with a Carnival company. Those of you who have ex-military contacts not on this email address list also may like to pass on this information so that as many ex servicemen as possible get to know about it.

- you might like to put this out on your nets?

And a Happy New Year to you all.

Visitors
     We deliberately held off releasing the next video from AVM Peter Criss while Sue’s Story was doing the rounds and receiving such good feedback. Sue’s moving story has had more than 1700 views on YouTube and the number continues to grow, and hundreds more have viewed it via a direct link. This is a good result, but we can and must do better.
     It is very likely that there are some that don’t share our concerns about fair indexation of military super, and they are choosing not to pass information on, thereby denying the opportunity for the videos to be viewed by all of our supporters. We find this both disappointing and frustrating. We ask everyone, whether they are personally affected or not, to support their military brothers and sisters and ensure that all ADSO emails and video links are distributed to their email contact lists.
     This week, Pete returns with the next video #7 in his series on Fair Go Issues - Is it Restoration or an Upgrade?
     Through statements made in Parliament and in its ill-informed ‘Fact’ Sheet, the Government has attempted to misinform the public by suggesting that we can’t have the fair indexation we seek because it would be a retrospective upgrade to our conditions of service. Nothing has angered our supporters more than this deliberately misleading tactic to deny fair indexation to military superannuants.
     In this video, Pete exposes the truth about this issue in his usual forthright style.
You can watch the video here: Fair Go!
     And while on the site, you will also be able to view other videos in the series you might have missed previously.
    Please help to keep this viral activity going. Don’t just pass this video link on to your friends and contacts: ask them to support the campaign, by passing the link on to their social networks, including their family and friends and all of their contacts, both military and civilian, and adding the link to their facebook page where they have one.
     In this way we can achieve the wider public awareness and support necessary to influence all MPs and Senators for a change in Government policy.

And thanks for your continued support.

Ted Chitham
Public Officer and Director

Stay current with the Campaign at www.standto.org
 

POSTED 28 NOVEMBER 2011

ADSO 2012-2013 BUDGET SUBMISSION

The formation of the Alliance of Defence Service organisations (ADSO) of which the RAR Corporation (RARC) is a member. As the 5RAR Association is a member of the RARC, we are therefore linked to ADSO. However, given that link, it changes very little in the way we operate.

I have forwarded the attached document because it provides a very good summary of why ADSO was formed and what it is trying to achieve on behalf of the ADF serving and veteran community. It includes proposals for the next federal budget which impact on serving and former members of the ADF, including most members of the 5RAR Association.

Note also the statement at the end of the document on the “Unique Nature of Military Service”. This is an explanation as to why service in the ADF is so different to other forms of employment in our community. This statement has been widely promulgated and it is interesting to see that many politicians are now quoting from it when it suits a particular agenda.

To view the document

Roger Wainwright
President
5RAR Association.
 

POSTED 8 OCTOBER 2011

THE VIET CONG D445 BATTALION - THEIR STORY

Dear 5RAR Association Secretary,

A Vietnam veteran, I have just written and privately-published a “non-commercial” (ie not for sale) and “limited edition” book that would be of interest to veterans who served in Phuoc Tuy Province: “The Viet Cong D445 Battalion – Their Story.” Complimentary copies of the book are with departments and agencies in Canberra (Defence, Army, DVA etc) and with several libraries.

However, I have also placed the text of the book on the Internet as “free-to-read” – http://www.scribd.com/doc/62621973/The-Viet-Cong-D445-Battalion-Their-Story ... Interested readers will probably find it more convenient to access the copy on the Internet. To reduce the “file size” on the Internet, I have not uploaded the many annexes (ie A to N), but I am happy to answer any queries on that detail. You might wish to include a short note advising the above on your website or in the next edition of your Association’s newsletter.

Of course, one of 5RAR’s major encounters was at Binh Ba in early June 1969. While D445 was not involved, I have included coverage of the Battle at page 69 in extensive footnotes. Writing discretely on 33 NVA Regiment has not been easy. However, as you would know, in recent years the 33rd has established a museum and memorial/stela at Binh Ba, and several media articles (in Vietnamese) allude to the Binh Ba engagement - ie citing 33’s casualties: as "over 50 casualties" and "53 in the June 1969 battle.” Last week, I at last acquired a seven-page “summary history” of the 33rd Regiment which I am currently translating – regrettably, it only mentions Binh Ba very briefly. I also have “in the mail” from the US, a copy of the Chau Duc District History – which might have information on the Battle of Binh Ba.

Regarding my background – I’m a retired 36-year Army veteran (including two tours in Vietnam and two years in Cambodia – a Vietnamese and Khmer linguist) and an RSL member. I served in Phuoc Tuy in 1969 with 1 TALU as the intelligence liaison officer – ie together with 5RAR’s MATT team members Captain Jim Wieland and Lieutenant Steve Stinson, and joined both on night ambushes. In early June 1969, I interrogated VC prisoners in the Hoa Long area – ie the minor attack associated with the Binh Ba engagement.

Regards, Ernie Chamberlain – Point Lonsdale (VIC)
 

POSTED 16 JUNE 2011

Free Road-Trip for Vietnam Vets From Wicked Campers

Wicked Campers is currently offering all Vietnam Vets a FREE road trip. This special entitles each Vietnam Veteran to a complimentary rental for five days.

POSTED 9 FEBRUARY 2011

RECORD OF SERVICE PLAQUE

Your members may be interested in this new project available to members for their service or family members This has become very popular by our Victorian members. Order form is attached.

Warmest regards,
Bob Richardson
Hon. Secretary
RAR Association (Victoria Branch)
 

POSTED 14 DECEMBER 2010

TRAVEL VACCINATIONS

    “Earlier this year after submissions had been made to me at an AVADSC meeting in Brisbane I approached the Deputy Commissioner in the Queensland Consultative Forum regarding Gold Card holders being required to pay for Medical Vaccinations prior to overseas travel, I have now received a positive outcome.
     Prior to 1st Aug 2010 DVA has not provided coverage for medical vaccinations for DVA clients travelling overseas, the approach was that these were privately incurred expenses.
     DVA has now released a new Business Line where in it now states that as from the 1st Aug 2010 all GOLD CARD holders are eligible for all required vaccinations to be covered under the Gold Card arrangements.
     Any Gold Card holders that may have incurred charges from 1st August 2010 are able to seek reimbursement via DVA. I would expect a fact sheet covering this to be issued shortly.
     I ask that you make this information widely available to your friends and association membership, I will send you a copy of the DVA Fact Sheet once it becomes available."
   If you or anyone else has any questions ask them to contact their nearest DVA VAN office.

Regards

Gordon Blake
Chairman
QLD State Advisory Council
Australian Veterans’ & Defence Services Council”

POSTED 22 OCTOBER 2010

The Gold Card and Surviving Spouse

This article from Ralph Thompson was published in the August edition of Tiger Tales and has been placed here for those who may not have read it.

 

POSTED 28 JUNE 2010

"MEMORIES OF SOUTH VIETNAM" DVD

The photo slideshow that was shown, on the video screens, during the 45th Anniversary Dinner at the Cold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre is now available for purchase.

Titled, “Memories of South Vietnam”, the over 400 photos were gathered from as wide as possible range of members and sub-units of the Battalion’s two Tours of Duty in South Vietnam. The DVD will play through your DVD player and TV, runs for approximately 1 hour and a soundtrack of various musical hits of the era has been added.

“Memories of South Vietnam” will be produced individually, on an ‘as needed’ basis for members wishing to purchase it. It can be ordered by contacting Gary Townsend via E-Mail, or phoning (07) 5572-5935 (0412) 767-975 for payment and delivery details. (Note: Gary's E-Mail address is at top of this page)

The cost of this DVD is AU$10.00 which includes producing, packaging and postage to any address in Australia. Any money over and above the production and postage costs will be forwarded to The Treasurer of the 5RAR Association.
 

POSTED 22 SEPTEMBER 2009

CAN YOU ID THESE MEN?

 The Australian War Memorial have asked if any of our members can identify the men on the truck. Some names we have, but your input would be appreciated
 

Fore More

POSTED 29 NOVEMBER 2008

BATTLE WING INGLEBURN 1965

We are endeavouring to put  names to the many faces in the above photograph. How many served with 5RAR? To see a larger image.

 

POSTED 2 MAY 2007

C Company Members 1st Tour

Roger Wainwright and Gary Townsend are trying to put 'names to faces' on a photograph of
C Company that was taken at Nui Dat in February 1967. At this point we believe that we have named 35 out of the 94 in the line up and it would be great to get as many as we can. If any one feels that they can help, or thinks they would like to, please contact Gary and if needed, a photo and list of names will be emailed to them. We know that our memories are not as good as they were but even if we get a contribution of only one new name from each member it is possible that we could succeed and preserve some history of C Company 1966-67"

E-mail Gary at:

 

POSTED 2 MAY 2007

Gary Townsend Asks:

 I am trying to compile a DVD of photos and film of 7 Platoon 1st tour and am looking for any items from members of 7 Platoon with names if possible. I am happy to convert slides to JPG's and all items will be returned to the members in the same condition as received but with a CD of computer images included. Also any one who contributes and any members or families of deceased members will receive the DVD, if they would like a copy, when it is completed. This will not be a commercial project, just something that I would like to do after all these years.

E-mail Gary at:

BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE