Apr `10 - 4RAR Association (NSW)

THE FIGHTING FOURTH
Malaysia, Borneo, South Vietnam, east
Timor, Timor Leste, Iraq, Afghanistan
April 2010
4 RAR, 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC), 2/4 RAR, 4 RAR (Cdo)
(Cdo)
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE COMBINED
FOURTH BATTALION, THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT ASSOCIATIONS OF AUSTRALIA
Inside this issue:
2
NEW FACE FOR THE RAR ASSOCIATION’S NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
Vale
3
GSM Korea
(B.W. {Hori) Howard, AO, MC, ESM. Major General (Retd) Colonel Commandant and
National President of the RAR Association.)
3
Qld Report
4
NSW Report
5
Emu Bob
6
Curley’s Diary
7
Vic/WA Report
9
The 4 RAR Family
SA Report
10
RO PT 3
11
PENSIONS
When
the
the
Government in 1997
ignored the indexation
method to add a wages
based element (CPI or
MTAWE whichever is
the greater) it left military
indexation tied to the
CPI. The Government
has chosen to ignore the
recommendations of five
Senate enquiries for a
wages based indexation
formula for us. The RAR
Association, the DFWA
and
all Battalion
Associations
are
presently fighting for you
tooth and nail but write
to your local federal MP
and politely request that
the ind exatio n b e
corrected.
At the November meeting of the RAR Association in Adelaide, attended by all State,
Territory and Battalion Associations (Buck Buckingham President, 4 RAR Assoc, SA represented our associations), a new structure was agreed for the National Headquarters,
which will see a formal national structure established for the first time. Most delegates
saw this as being well overdue, and supported the proposal enthusiastically. This is not to
imply that the current system is not working, but we saw the need to put in place a modern
structure which will allow the Association to raise funds, accept tax deductable donations,
gain tax free status, and obtain DVA grants. Very importantly we need to establish a
structure which will allow us to contribute positively to veterans’ policy issues via the new
ESO structure, and in particularly our seat at the ESO Round Table and membership of the
Operational and Emerging Issues Working Groups.
In order to achieve these changes, we need to form a company. This involves having an
elected Board of Directors. While this sounds simple, we must also retain our special relationship with the serving members of the Regiment, which we have currently through the
Colonel Commandant, who is our National President. Thanks to the legal expertise of
Alexander Bates, we were able to draft a Constitution, which will soon be circulated for
comment. The special relationship with the Regiment will be retained, with the Colonel
Commandant being the Colonel Commandant of both the RAR and of the Association. He
will not be burdened with the day to day management of the Association, as this will be
undertaken by the Board, and particularly its elected Chairman. However, he will remain
as the titular head. The other major development has been the establishment of a formal
alliance with the Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA), at national level and hopefully at State and Territory level as well. Over the years we have found that our respective
agendas coincide almost exactly, and in the new ESO environment, strategic alliances are
the way to go. David Jamison, the President of DFWA, attended our Adelaide meeting and
gave us a thorough briefing on the main ESO issues which we will be pursuing together.
We don’t see the National Headquarters moving from Enoggera, as the facilities provided
by Army are just what we require, and most members will see little change at their level.
However, we will be in a much stronger position as a National Association to meet the
challenges of the future. Duty First. This article is reproduced by kind permission of the
RAR Association.(See www.rar.org.au)
This newsletter is issued in April, August and December by the 4 RAR Association, Qld on
behalf of all 4 RAR State Associations. Articles for publication should be directed to Alan Price, The Editor, 4 RAR
Assoc, Qld, no later than one month prior to the month of publication. We welcome your stories, reminiscences and
comments.
Tel: (07) 3273 7973
Email: [email protected].
www.4rarassociationsaustralia.com
THE 4 RAR FAMILY
From Lieutenant General K.M.
Gillespie, AO, DSC, CSM. Acting
CDF and CA.
As the Christmas and New Year season for 2009/10 draws to a conclusion,
I would like to take this opportunity,
on behalf of the CDF, to offer our sincere appreciation to the hundreds of
families and individuals who have
taken the time, effort and expense to
support ADF troops currently serving
in operational theatres across the
world.
The Christmas and New Year period
can be a difficult time for deployed
forces and their families as they celebrate these special occasions, removed
from the usual comforts of home and
the gatherings of families, friends and
loved ones. The large number of heartfelt letters, messages and care packs
that have been sent to our deployed
forces from all over Australia have
assisted in a very personal and meaningful way to bring the spirit of Christmas, and the support of their fellow
Australians, to the approximately 4000
troops currently serving on operations.
Our appreciation is also extended to
the media and communications organisations who supported the transmission
of messages to and from the troops.
Your services are very much appreciated.
We are enormously proud of the significant operational achievements of
our troops serving overseas and on our
borders. The wonderful support offered to our troops over the past few
weeks confirms for me that this pride
is felt just as strongly throughout the
Australian community. Thank you to
everyone who made the effort to bring
the spirit of Christmas to our deployed
forces in 2009.
Lieutenant General K.J. Gillespie AO,
DSC, CSM. Acting CDF and CA.
Ladies and gentlemen of the 4 RAR
family, your families and friends,
You may recall that prior to the
Christmas period a memo was distributed by Army Public Relations Office
that care packs should not be sent to
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our troops overseas during the Christmas period because it would place
too much of a strain on the logistics
system serving our troops overseas. I
recoiled at this stated nonsense, and
the 4 RAR Association, Qld replied
in no uncertain terms to those responsible for the release of the memo. It
then happened that the other 4 RAR
associations, the RAR Associations
and other military associations supported and agreed with my actions, as
did many higher and lower ranks
within the Army, many individual
civilians and civilian organisations
including the SES, Ambulance services, TAFE colleges, schools and
many others.
Three new Military Post Offices
were subsequently opened to handle
the expected influx of care packages
expected to be sent overseas. I am
proud to say that the response from
all concerned was overwhelming and
totally unexpected. I do not know
how many Christmas care packages
were finally sent to our troops but I
am sure that there were many, perhaps hundreds. Thank you all from
the bottom of my heart and also
please accept the thanks of the 4
RAR Association, Qld for your most
welcome contribution to the welfare
and well being of those serving overseas who received your care packages. Some may receive personal
thanks from our soldiers in reply
while many, who gave anonymously,
may not. May I be so presumptuous
as to, on behalf of all those soldiers,
thank you and offer you the highest
praise that one warrior may give to
another; Well Done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You made someone’s Christmas in a
combat zone a much better time than
they may have had. You also showed
that the Australian people acknowledge and support our troops. You
made a difference. Remember, as I
am sure you do, that soldiers merely
follow the orders of their government. Soldiers do not start or indeed,
finish wars, they merely fight the bat-
tle and our soldiers do it so well!
Excerpts From Letters Received
Dear Derek
,,
I received the parcel yesterday
which made it feel like Christmas,
I wanted to send this email to let
you know it did arrive safely, just a
little later then you hoped. No
doubt it is sooner and quicker than
anything you would have had the
luxury of in your time. As fate
would have it I share a room with
another girl who was lucky enough
to receive another of your great
parcels. The parcel, with the support you received from the locals,
was very useful and very much
appreciated. The support from the
Australian people and businesses is
appreciated. As you would know, it
is the little things that make it
worthwhile.
Dear Derek,
I was the lucky recipient of your
Christmas parcel and would like to
thank you for taking the time to do
such a lovely and much appreciated gesture. It is always a morale
boost to receive something from
home, but there is something very
special about a stranger taking the
time to think of you. There was a
parcel for each soldier!
Dear Derek,
Thank you very much for going
to the trouble of preparing and
sending off this care package for
me. What a morale boost! I am
now into my fifth month of deployment here. The efforts that you and
many other people have gone to is
very heart warming. Please send
my thanks to the local community
workers who have supported your
work.
Note: The identity of the letter
writers has been suppressed for
security reasons but these letters
are indicative of all those received
from many soldiers.
Duty First
Editor
The Fighting Fourth
VALE
AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING,
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
Once again we honour all those who have gone before us.
In this brief moment of our time may we consider the stress and strain these men must have passed
through before laying down their crosses of life. Enable us, their friends to be worthy of the trust they
have imparted unto us on their passing; for theirs was an honourable and noble life. May God grant unto
their families His peace.
We only hope that there are none recently which we should have reported
We sincerely apologise if we have been remiss.
Brian Price 19 February 2010
Eddie Lazars 21 January 2010
Phillip Pascoe 18 January 2010
Ben Rawari 13 January 2010
Bill Temple OAM (Hon Member) 09 January 2010
Kevin Burton 26 December 2009
Ken Swincer 08 December 2009
To all that have passed in the service of
4 RAR, 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC), 2/4 RAR and 4 RAR (Cdo)
Well done, thou good and noble warriors, we will never forget!
LEST WE FORGET.
The Award of the Australian General Service Medal for Korea
It was announced recently that Her Majesty the Queen of Australia has approved the official regulations and
design for the award of the Australian General Service Medal for Korea. The Australian General Service Medal for
Korea is being struck to recognise former Defence Force personnel who completed 30 days participating in
operations in South Korea. This includes any location within 161 kilometres seaward from the coast of South Korea
during the post-armistice period from 28 July 1953 to 19 April 1956. It is expected that the medal will be available
for dispatch to some eligible recipients before ANZAC Day 2010. Former Defence Force personnel who served in
South Korea during the post-armistice period are encouraged to submit their application to the following address:
Directorate of Honours and Awards
Department of Defence
PO Box 7952
CANBERRA BC ACT 2610
Those who have previously applied for the award do not need to reapply but should contact the Directorate of
Honours and Awards if their address details have changed since applying.
There is no information available to show the proposed design of the medal.
Further Information:
Call the Directorate of Honours and Awards on 1800 111 321 (toll free within Australia) or +612 6266 1050 (from
outside Australia), or visit http://www.defence.gov.au/medals/
The medal may also be applied for posthumously. If you wish assistance in claiming the medal please contact your
state secretary.
The Fighting Fourth
Page 3
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE 4RAR ASSOCIATION, QLD
The Battalion birthday was celebrated on Saturday 30 January 2010
at the RAR National Memorial
Walk with a commemorative service
with over 40 in attendance. We
changed the style of service to a less
formally structured one but still included the laying of flowers at the
name plaques for all our KIA. We
then assembled at the nearby Diggers Rest, an area set aside within
the Memorial Walk for less formal
get-to-gethers, for a BBQ. The RAR
Association provided and manned
the BBQ and drinks stand and it
proved a successful venture and we
thank the RAR Association for their
gracious assistance. We will look at
conducting the Battalion birthday in
2012 in the same manner.
It was rightly suggested by Noel
Kelly, our vice president that we
were not doing enough for our widows. This has been addressed by Joe
Dvoracsek and Derek Firth. Joe
found an excellent venue in the
Brisbane CBD for us to provide a
luncheon for all of our ladies. Our
widows will be invited as guests of
the Association. Men are banned but
may drop and pick up their ladies.
Unfortunately due to circumstances
beyond our control, the date for the
dinner has been changed from April
to Tuesday 14 June 2010. Those
with email have been advised but
for all ladies desirous of attending,
the details are:
Where: The KOTAH Restaurant,
The Southbank Institute of Technology, 66 Ernest St, South Brisbane
(just a short walk from rail and bus
stations)
When: Tuesday 14 June 2010
Timings: 12.00MD to 2.00PM
Cost: Our widows; complimentary.
Other ladies; $15 per head, Pay on
arrival. RSVP: Derek 31 May 2010.
(07) 3488 0890 or
[email protected]
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ANZAC DAY
0500: Dawn Service at the RAR
NMW Gallipoli Barracks Lloyd St
Enoggera.
0630 - 0930: Breakfast; location to be
advised.
1100: Brisbane City March
Full details of the march assembly
points and timings etc will be provided when confirmed but work on
assembly at 11.00am in Charlotte St
facing George St. If we cannot be
found, ask one of the many marshals.
The RAR Association regrets to
advise that it will NOT be hosting a
Combined RAR re-union this year
because of the closure of unit messes
and their consolidation into one centralised mess. The RAR Association
has considered other locations both on
and off the base but none have suitable facilities for the purpose. Accordingly, the RAR Assoc has requested
that Unit Associations make their own
arrangements. There will be no arrangement for bus transport return
from the march to Enoggera.
The 4 RAR Association, Qld are
requested to gather after the march
at the Irish Murphy’s Hotel
(Formerly The Treasury Hotel for
those that can remember)
175 George Street Cnr Elizabeth St.
The hotel will be open from
11.00am but a sit down meal must be
purchased to satisfy Qld law, before
the hotel officially opens at 1.00PM.
Both before 11.00am and afterwards,
meal platters are available for $85
each which are comprised of an assortment of finger foods and each tray
will satisfy 15 people as a light snack.
It will also satisfy Qld law as a sit
down meal. The cost per 15 people is
approx $6.65 per head and for ten
people $8.50 per head under own arrangements. All country and interstate member visitors on the day are
cordially invited to join us.
It seemed appropriate to gather at
the old Treasury as it was the 4 RAR
pub back in the early days.
As a result of a directive by the
ANZAC Day Organising Committee, it is requested that veterans and
widows march in the main 4 RAR
contingent. Those marching on behalf of a deceased veteran and wearing their veteran’s medals on the
right breast, are requested to march
with the 4 RAR Honour Contingent
under their own banner immediately
behind but included within, the
main 4 RAR contingent.
A carer of course, may march with
a severely disabled veteran eg wheel
chair or vehicle. If anyone desires a
taxi directly from home, to march,
to home and those veterans wishing
to ride vehicles within the march are
to contact Alan on (07) 32737973.
Many interstate and country veterans will be marching with us. We
sincerely hope that you have an
enjoyable day.
It was distressing to learn of the
sudden death of Ken Swincer just
prior to Christmas. Ken was the
stalwart and the leading light in the
formation of the 4 RAR Association, Victoria. Ken had done some
wonderful and very professional
ground work leading up to the formation of the new association in
October 2009. he will be sadly
missed by his family, especially his
wife Marie and the members of his
new association. Jim Flower has
taken Ken’s role as President, rather
reluctantly considering the circumstances but we are sure the Jim will
carry on the aims and objectives of
the association with the same professionalism as Ken. Congratulations and thank you Jim for stepping
up. Jim, we wish you, your members and the association as a whole,
good luck and good fortune.
Duty First
Alan Price
The Fighting Fourth
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE 4RAR/4 RAR (Cdo) ASSOCIATION, NSW
Dear members,
On 20 January, the soldiers of 3
RAR and 2 Cdo Regt hosted a visit
from Prince William at Holsworthy
Barracks during which the heir to
the throne showed his prowess with
the Steyr and the Minimi. The older
fellows amongst us might remember
the visit by the Duke of Gloucester
during our tour of Malaysia.
Ten of us gathered at rather short
notice to celebrate the 46th birthday
of the battalion. A good time was
shared and we toasted the battalion
and paid our respects to those former 4 RAR warriors who now serve
with 2 Cdo Regt. We wished them
God speed and good soldiering. We
also remembered our fallen and departed comrades with respect.
Dear Garry,
A unit capability is founded on its
people. Those who previously served
in the unit lay the foundations for its
continued evolution and development. That evolution is not without
its sacrifices, and we reflect upon
those during the Battalion birthday
on the 1st February 2010.
From my perspective, history
strengthens, and the generation of
the Commando capability has been
well laid by members of 4RAR
(Cdo). To the Associations, thankyou for your support. I look forward to the continued maintenance
of lineage. Yours Sincerely,
C.D. SHORTT
Lieutenant Colonel
some exciting news shortly.
As you are aware, I will be standing down as president and secretary
as from the AGM on ANZAC Day
eve. Daryl Green has stated his intention to nominate for the position
of secretary but we still require a
president to step forward. All the
hard work has been done over the
past years and the nominees will
only be required to maintain the momentum. It would be desirable of
course, to fill the vacancy from
someone who is not already wearing
ten hats.
As was reported some time ago,
the split of Regimental Funds on the
raising of 2 Cdo Regt was 60% to 2
Cdo Regt and 40% to 4 RAR to be
held in trust. The final figure after
audit and double checking, supervised by General Hughes is that $42,
243.24 is to be held in trust on behalf
of 4 RAR. That money is to be held
by the RAR Foundation and entered
into interest bearing deposits. It is
hoped that when 4 RAR is re-raised
the money held in trust will produce
a share equal to the 60% of 2 Cdo
Regt.
Sadly, this will be my last newsletter
report as President but I must take
this opportunity to thank the myriad
of people ho have assisted me during
my time as president. Firstly, Brian
Morris and my committee and their
ladies; the successive COs and
RSMs of both 4 RAR (Cdo) and 2
Cdo Regt. What a team!
It was pleasing to receive a telephone call from the new CO of 2
Cdo on the day in which he stated
that the 1st of February was an important day and that he is a big believer in history being strengthened
and wished 4 RAR a happy birthday. He is keen to maintain the liaison and linkage between 4 RAR and
2 Cdo Regt. I later received a letter
from him that read:
The Fighting Fourth
I thought that a very nice letter
from a very busy man.
I hope other members around the
State had the opportunity to celebrate the Battalions birthday.
2 Cdo Regt has a new RSM as well
and he is WO1 Ken Lloyd and we
wish him good soldiering as well.
David Morris has had some talks
with Col Shortt about the development of the 4RAR/4RAR(Cdo) History Room Inc and we should have
The enjoyment that I received from
working with and for former members of 4 RAR and the serving members was immense and I shall miss it
as I will miss the camaraderie of The
Association of Fourth Battalions but
it is time for me to go. I enjoyed my
time and the hard yakka produced
some good results for our members
both individually and collectively
and I am very proud and thankful for
all that assisted to achieve those results.
Duty First
Page 5
EMU BOB
THE FIGHTING FOURTH
THE GOLD COAST WAR MUSEUM
Unfortunately production and distribution costs of the
Fighting Fourth, the national newsletter have caught up
with us. This will definitely be the last newsletter able to be
distributed to all those who appear on the national nominal
roll. Not all who appear on the nominal roll are financial
members except in NSW where for the time being at least,
annual membership fees are not charged. It was only this
year that the Qld association was reluctantly compelled to
impose fees after 24 years.
The Gold Coast War Museum continues to grow
and improve with each passing day as more
exhibits are received and displayed. 180 students
from the St Michaels school on the Gold Coast
visited recently and the excitement and interest
shown by the students was overwhelming. Four
old diggers could not answer questions fast
enough to satisfy them as they completed their
work sheets. It has been suggested that Bob
Meehan change the name of the museum to the 4
RAR And Others Museum. It has a great display
of 4 RAR memorabilia from Borneo to the
modern wars and that of the RAR but the museum
encompasses all wars, arms and services from the
Maori Wars onwards and includes uniforms,
weapons, armoured vehicles, aeroplanes and even
a honey pot being used within a Support Base.
After this issue of The Fighting Fourth, only fully paid up
financial members in each state will receive The Fighting
Fourth by either email or snail mail. Included on the
distribution list will of course be honorary and associate
members or equivalent from each state. The Fighting Fourth
will continue to appear on the national web site at
www.4rarassociationsaustralia.com. So, it will still be
accessible to all with computers. Copies will also be sent to
members of 2 Cdo Regt serving overseas and to local
schools.
To be fair, we will not be running a national raffle any
more but will leave state associations to conduct their own
independent raffles and to reap any rewards. State
secretaries are requested to continue updating the national
nominal role on a regular basis so that details of members
may be kept up to date. Thank you for your past support of
the newsletter, the raffle and of course the many donations
received. They helped us along greatly.
Page 6
The Fighting Fourth
CURLEY’S DIARY
The Diary of 43266 Pte Ian (Curley) Henshall 6 Section, 11 Platoon, D Coy, 4RAR
We left Curley and 11 Platoon on
top of the Gunong Raya on the Sarawak and Indonesian border with two
sections in ambush and Curley’s section providing protection for platoon
headquarters. They had captured a
turtle and after severe interrogation,
finding that it had no worthwhile intelligence to give, ate it.
Thursday 21 July 1966.
I went on a short patrol this morning to
retrieve some radio batteries we had
stashed at Red 552. The rest of the platoon was getting ready to move back to
Stass. Our section was staying until
call sign 21 (4 Platoon, B Company)
replaced us as we couldn’t leave the
FOO (Forward Observation Officer)
who was joining them, until they arrived. Anyway the rest of the sections
before leaving, gave us their spare rations as we expected to be going back
later than them. As it turned out they
had to wait further along the ridge. We
had all the eats and weren’t they cursing.
Around 2pm, after being relieved, we
started down the Raya and headed for
Stass. All went well until we reached
the lalang. Then the sun got at a few.
The CSM (Company Sergeant Major)
who was with us on this patrol went
down but he couldn’t really help it as
he had just came back from hospital.
Saturday 23 July 1966.
Listened to Maggie Wood on ra- Of all the people to jump out of the
dio ABC this morning. It’s a pity it chopper when it landed was Cookie
only lasts for 15 minutes, but that’s (Sgt Denny Cook) blue shorts and
all. He had stayed behind this trip, I
the way it goes.
We had two parachute resupply suppose he came up to have a laugh
drops today. One package split at us.
open, meat spread everywhere. It After the chopper had gone we
was still good but they wrote if off. headed back to meet the platoon. We
What’s a little gravel amongst had carried our packs to the pad as
we thought we would have to spend
friends? (More steak, tender too.)
The races were on again on the the night there, knowing their puncradio and all the punters were out in tuality.
full force.
Sunday 24 July 1966.
Once again after a couple of days
of rest we are ready to move out and
as we had already packed our gear,
and for something to do, we painted
the bunkers. Oh! What a colour
scheme? Some of them would have
done Rembrandt credit. We called
our bunker the “white house” as it is
all white. Just after lunch we had a
short talk about the leaflets now being dropped ALL over the place to
try and persuade the Chinese Communist Organisation to surrender.
We met up with the remainder of
the platoon and had 10 minutes rest,
then our section took the lead and
moved along the ridge to a position
1600 yards away. On route Bob
Powell collapsed for a few minutes.
No wonder with the hard “yakka” we
did. My bum was hanging out. In
future I am going to put a wheel on it
so it will run along the ground.
We reached the position and
moved further along the track where
we set up shop.
Tuesday 26 July 1966
Three months and six weeks to go.
The movies were on again last Thank God!
night ... a lousy show. We should Of course as usual we stayed with
have had it in the afternoon as it was the platoon all day. It’s frustrating
a kids’ show.
me to tears. I can’t wait to get back
to Malaya and visit a few bars. I bet
We left Stass at 0800 hours this we will get the usual run around after
morning on our way to our old leave but I will worry about that
stomping ground, the RAYA. We when it comes
stooged around for the first hour Wednesday 27 July 1966.
when we should have been moving, It was our turn to go out on patrol
to beat the heat.
so we up stakes and went 600 yards
Monday 25 July 1966.
After much stopping and starting we
arrived back at base where the OC was
waiting. We had a go at him using his
favourite words. He thought it rather
funny. Now I am going to have a dhobi
There are only 6 in the section
then gonk. (Shower then sleep)
once again. Slug (Johnny Cock) has
stayed behind crook. It took us over
Friday 22 July 1966.
2 hours to reach the base of the
The usual routine day after coming
Raya reaching it at 1130. We took
off patrol. We cleaned and recondithe up hill climb at a slow pace
tioned stores and packed up for the next
stopping frequently. Alan’s (Alan
operation. The rest of the day was then
Price) leg went on him but he manour own. Again I had to sit down and
aged to reach the top. We were all
have a letter writing session. I had a
worn out on reaching the ridge so
letter from my brother so that was anwe stopped for a breather then esother to write.
corted Al to Red 552 where a Bell
The Fighting Fourth
Sioux helicopter picked him up.
east and then 500 yards south. From
there we patrolled our given area
and then settled down for the night
and adopted night routine. During
the night a few beasties were hanging around. Bob Powell said one was
using his hutchie as a slippery dip so
he reefed it in the bum and sent it on
its way. Ken had a squirrel running
over his feet at one stage, lucky for it
Continued page 8.
Page 7
Continued from page 7
for it he had had his boots on or it
lkll
would have got the full benefit of a
nose full of toe jam. The boys reckon
they don’t know what’s the worse,
my farts or Ken’s feet.
Thursday 28 July 1966.
We remained in base today resting
after our patrol the previous day. I
was bored stiff. I read a book, the
others played cards when not on sentry, some loosing some winning.
We found out we are going to
“Gumbang” (The last of the forward
bases that D Company was to occupy.
D Company was the only company to
occupy all four forward bases. Ed) as
soon as we get back from this operation. We can’t complain about not
moving around.
Friday 29 July 1966.
We left the platoon base this morning on a two-day patrol. We patrolled
the fringe of the ridge in a direct line
from the base westward to a track we
came across. The going was easy at
first and we followed Butch’s (Brian
Porter) section down a spur he had
previously recce’d. About half way
down he went east and we continued
down. Just before reaching the fringe
we ran into some rough country so
we decided to follow the creek bed
down. In parts it was very slippery
and I went bum up, just missing a big
rock pool. To make matters worse
there was lot of “wait a
while” (Thorny tree tendrils that
clutch at clothing, flesh and even
weapons). It is frustrating trying to
stay on your feet and trying to untangle yourself at the same time. I would
hate to have to move through this
stuff in a hurry, probably leave my
private parts behind. I don’t feel like
joining a choir at this stage of the
game. Of course, I wasn’t the only
one to go. Kev Freer and the others
had their ups and downs as well.
We left the creek and headed for the
high ground to follow yet another
spur down. We went as far as we
were supposed to patrol then based
up. Of course we couldn’t get radio
comms. Buggered if I know but
sometimes it might be easier to send
Page 8
CURLEY’S DIARY
up smoke signals.
We hadn’t based up very long when
the wind came up and it started to
rain. One thing I am scared of up here
is “deadfall” (dead limbs falling from
trees). One landed about 10 yards
away and frightened the hell out of
me.
We had Phil “Bloomers” Pascoe
(Always on the bum) with us for this
patrol and during the night he
hutchied up with Digby (Digby
Hammond). They had a lot of trouble with “chomper ants” that will eat
through anything and Digby was bitten quite a few times. Chis (John
Chislett) was quick to recognise that
Bloomers was scared of being bitten
as well and covertly tormented him
with a twig. Old Phil didn’t catch on
for a while and we wet ourselves
laughing.
Saturday 30 July 1966.
We left our position and moved
West on our second patrol. The country was still very rough and very
steep in some parts. Spur after spur
was crossed and on each one we expected to find the track we were looking for. Map reading was out as the
maps are very much inaccurate.
While we were filling our bottles at
a creek Digby saw a large python and
Chis went off in hot pursuit but lost
it. Finally we found the track and followed it down. We had lunch at the
edge of the lalang and was prepared
to spend the night there. Bob
(Powell) got comms for the first time
and we were told to move back to the
top to meet the platoon. Half way up
we stopped and based up. Ken and I
found a beaut farter (bed ) space but
the chomper ants had first claim so
we let them have it. I’ve had a run in
with those bastards before. That night
Ken and I slept on the track cuddled
up to the Bren Gun. It rained that
night too I ended up frantically digging a trench around the hutchie but I
still got a wet bum.
Sunday 31 July 1966
We set off climbing the remaining
half of the Raya and moving along
to Red 552.When at Red 552, Bob
had a running argument with the
boss on the radio. From there we
moved a few 100 yards west, met
the boss and hutchied up.
After moving in Kev (Freer)
cleaned the gun while I was out
front scouting for some stretcher
poles, found some and moved back.
Kev had finished cleaning the gun
and had it facing down the track
when it fell over and went off.
Lucky it fired only one round. I was
also lucky that I had moved back
when I did. The bullet travelled
along the track that I had just
walked up. I had a look afterwards
and I reckon that the bullet would
have hit me in the guts. My fault; I
should have known better than to
walk in front of a gun.
The Company Commander, Major
Deighton arrived by chopper soon
after, bringing a few fresh rations
and the “you beaut mail.” We didn’t
tell him about the shooting incident.
(Let’s hope that he never finds out
Curly. Ed)
Monday 01 August 1966.
We moved out early on our way
back to Stass and stopped at 0800
hours for breakfast. It looks like our
last patrol on the Gunong Raya and
as far as I am concerned it can kiss
my bum. From there we moved
along the track through the lalang,
and as usual it was quite warm.
We arrived back at 1200 hours
tired but in good spirits. Dick
(Crowmai) went down a little way
from base and Bob Rowley carried
the radio in.
Cookie was waiting when we got
in. Everything was organised. We
found that we are going back to Malaya about the 13th of September by
ship but, knowing the Army, I bet
something will stuff up and we will
To top things off Phil decided to go either earlier or later but tomorvisit and sat on my pack squashing row, we move to Gumbang for the
remainder of our stay here.
my toothpaste.
Continued next issue.
The Fighting Fourth
FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE 4 RAR ASSOCIATION, VICTORIA
General Report
The Victorian members of the 4
RAR Assoc, Qld supported the need
for a local Victorian association and
the Inaugural General Meeting of the
4 RAR Association, Victoria held at
the Ringwood RSL Sub Branch on
25 October was well attended and
resulted in the 4 RAR Association,
Victoria being formerly raised.
Our inaugural president, Ken
Swincer stated at the time, “ Our
members represent a 45 year history
of the Fourth Battalion, the Royal
Australian Regiment’s proud and
unique history. This Association is in
honour of brave soldiers and exceptional leaders; in particular the
memory of those who died on active
service or later from wounds. It honours those who have passed away
since and acknowledges those who
returned from war with psychological stresses and severe health problems associated with Agent Orange
and other herbicides. Our Association also remembers the families who
lost a loved son, brother, uncle etc.”
Ken passed away suddenly on the
morning of 8 December 2009 but he
will always hold a place of esteem in
the records of the Victorian Association. Ken provided a secure base
from which the association can continue to grow.
The Association was incorporated
on 23 December 2009. The effect of
this is to provide a formal structure
for the management of the Association and to limit liability of members. In order to meet the requirements of the Victorian Department
of Justice, the Associations’ constitution was later revised and included
additional sections. The spirit and
intent of our original constitution
was retained. The goals during our
first year will be to build and consolidate various portfolios such as
The Fighting Fourth
welfare and social. Our welfare team
will establish visits to ill members at
home or in hospital.
Queen Sts opposite the DVA. Meals
and snacks are available at very reasonable costs.
Families will provide an important
role in the provision of social activities and wives and partners are represented at Committee level to reflect
their importance in the functioning
of the Association. Let your committee know what it is you expect from
the Association. The Association is
for the benefit of members and their
families. If you have not already
joined, please consider becoming a
member by contacting the Secretary.
Max Johns on (03) 0704 8719.
If attending ANZAC Day activities
at other locations, have a good one
and remember, “Up The Old Red
Rooster”.
Vale. 4759 WO1 Brian Frederick
Price passed away on 19 February
2010. He primarily served with
3RAR but was the original Chief
Clerk of 4 RAR in 1963.
Unfortunately we have little to report at this stage. Our battalion birthday function went off quite well and
we all enjoyed ourselves. We toasted
the Battalion and wished us happy
Birthday. Our secretary Toad
Fletcher has been quite ill and has
also spent some time moving, his
new details are :
Sick Parade
Laurie Case is recovering and has
moved to Queensland to live but will
still require further treatment. Peter
Sidebottom is undergoing radiation
therapy in Bendigo and is aware that
we are available to assist if and when
needed.
We would like to continue offering
support to members and their families during periods of sickness, and
bereavement, but can only do so if
you let us know what is happening.
Please keep us up to date.
ANZAC Day Activities
Members are requested to assemble in Collins St between Swanston
and Russell Sts ready to step off at
11.00am.
The battalion associations will be
led by the RAR banner followed by
battalion contingents in numerical
order behind their own banners.
The watering hole after the march
is the Duke of Kent Hotel, 293 Latrobe St, between Elizabeth and
Any queries regarding ANZAC
day should be directed to Jim Flower
on (03) 93337 8478 or 0409 968 154.
Duty First
Max Johns
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE
4 RAR ASSOCIATION, WA
33/22 Third Ave Mandurah WA
6210
Tel: (08) 9582 9436
E: [email protected]
Our ANZAC Day activities commence by forming up with the RAR
Association in Adelaide Terrace,
near Irwin Street. Please join us after
the march at Rigby’s Tavern in Mill
St. Please contact our President Ron
White (08) 9401 1702 for further
details.
We lost two members recently,
sadly, Phil Pascoe and Eddie Lizars.
We will miss Phil’s telephone calls
at 2 in the morning. We had lost contact with Eddie over the years and it
was a blow that we found him in the
newspaper after his unfortunate demise. This is not how it should be. If
you know of anyone who is
“outside” the system, please let us
know. Duty First
Ron White
Page 9
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE 4RAR ASSOCIATION, SA
G,day to all. Sandy and I along with
the Carmodys have just returned from
a cruise around NZ which we enjoyed.
The birthday celebration for the
unit’s 46th birthday went well, and I
must say it was nice to see you all
again. I apologise for the lateness of
lunch due to, I think the RSL having
their AGM that morning. I would like
to thank the RSL for their assistance
as well as our members who attended.
Our latest social evening was held at
the Magill RSL and we all enjoyed it,
It was good to regale all with the stories of Grant Carmody’s most embarrassing moments whilst on our cruise.
We wish our new members a warm
welcome. Welcome Home.
We also wish all those members
who are ill at this time a speedy recovery: Mick Fincham, Claude Hale,
Charles Ellul, Mick Kennedy and
Mick Woosnam.
We ask that you advise Snow Elrington, our visitation Officer on
0418 222 245 of your infirmary so
that we may arrange a member to
visit you during your illness.
Mick Fincham received his well
deserved elevation to Life Member
recently for his contribution to the
Association. The association owes its
beginning to Mick as it was Mick
who instigated and performed the
hard yards as secretary on the formation of the Association. Mick was
reluctantly, forced to resign as our
inaugural secretary due to illness but
is still actively supporting the association in assisting us where and
when he can and we are very appreciative of Mick’s expertise and professionalism.
We also thank Reta, Mick’s wife
for all the assistance and support that
she has given both the association and
Mick. We all now and appreciated
that when a man takes a position on
the committee that his wife is somehow roped in as well.
Page 10
Reta assists Mick in receiving Life Membership from Buck Buckingham
The association held a celebration to
mark the 46th year since the raising of
the battalion at Woodside in 1964.
The celebration was an open invitation
for all ex 4RAR and associated units
plus their families. This year Matt
Deighton the son of one of our original
members Major John (Periwinkles)
Deighton attended the lunch and
drinks at the Magill RSL, where he
was introduced around by our president (Bucky) he also had the good fortune to meet Mad-Dog Smith. What
surprises me most even after meeting
all of you no-hopers is that he would
be pleased to attend again, bringing his
father along with him.
The 4RAR Associations of Australia have, thanks to the 4 RAR
Assoc, Qld, a web site for all members to keep up with current events
and news.
The
web
site
is
www.4rarassociationsaustralia.com
The web site has the history of
the unit, events and news from
each state association, nominal
rolls, honour rolls, passing parade,
sick parade, Reunion 2011 news,
links to other sites including the
RAR Association and much, much
more. Over 1,000,000 visitors have
accessed the site in just over
twelve months.
ANZAC Day
The march committee has made It accepts any photos, anecdotes,
some changes to this years parade, the stories etc that record the history,
deeds, achievements etc of our unit
changes which interest us are:
The RAR as Group 9 is to assemble and our soldiers. The site is being
in Putney St between Grenfell St and improved on daily and it is a very
Rundell St. vehicles will be available exciting and informative site, The
for veteran members who require their 4 RAR Association, SA takes this
use but requests for vehicle must be opportunity to congratulate and
made with me ASAP. The vehicles thank everybody concerned in this
will be placed between 3RAR and endeavour. Well done!
Duty First
4RAR.
Buck Buckingham
The Fighting Fourth
ROUTINE ORDERS PART 3
Your place to contact a mate, comment, publicise your wares or just to say hello.
Letters
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Thank you so much for doing all of that you have for my for my dad Keith Burton on his passing and remembering him in the way you all have. I have had a few emails from some of the other men in the Association and
I have passed on the messages to mum and she is touched. Heath Burton, 2 Cdo Regt
It was lovely to receive The Fighting Fourth and reading about the old members. I enjoyed my stay at Woodside teaching pre-school while we were there. I hope that all your families have a lovely New Year. Joyce
O’Keefe, NSW
This is a quick note to tell you how much I enjoy receiving and reading The Fighting Fourth. Thank you all for
your efforts for the 4 RAR Association and my best to you all and yours in the future. Eli Quartermaine, WA
What is happening after Curley and his diary reach the end of their operational service. Will they be posted or
RTA? Warren Dowell , Qld Curley’s Diary is actually heading towards it’s final operational service in Borneo
but what an experience it has proven to be! Very soon Curley’s Diary will be replaced by Al’s Diary, a record
of Tracker Platoon on service in South Vietnam in 1968/69. We are hoping for a second diary from Vietnam,
then East Timor and Timor Leste, Iraq and Afghanistan. Someone may have to read them to me by then. Ed.
Assistance required for missing members. On Anzac Day this year it is the intention of Gary Bryant former
2IC Mortar Platoon 4RAR(NZ) ANZAC Vietnam 71-72 to hold a Mortar Platoon Former Members and
Wives Reunion and March this Anzac Day in Sydney 2010. We are missing some members and would enjoy
meeting up with them again and marching with them. Can you help us find:
215853 CAPT JOHN SULLIVAN – Born 13/10/1941 – originally from Melbourne Vic
Headquarters, 1st Australian Task Force 14/05/1966 29/08/1966
th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 30/08/1966 14/06/1967
4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 13/05/1971 18/11/1971
18259 Cpl WARREN JOHNSON – Born 11/9/1945 – originally from Ayr Qld.
4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 13/05/1971 17/12/1971
17926 Cpl TREVOR GEORGE NEAL – Born 12/11/1944 – originally from Brisbane Qld.
1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 04/08/1965 01/06/1966
4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 13/05/1971 18/11/1971
44197 Pte DAVID JOHN KENNEDY – Born 8/12/1948 – originally from Bellingen NSW
1 Australian Reinforcement Unit 15/02/1968 11/03/1968
3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 12/03/1968 28/11/1968
4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 13/05/1971 17/12/1971
45082 Cpl ALGIS ANTHONY BLAZEVICIUS – Born 08/12/1951 – originally from Rose Park SA
aka Algis Antanas Anthony BLAZEVICIUS, aka Al BLAZEVICIUS (Last known as fulltime carer for his
Mother in SA 2009)
4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 13/05/1971 18/11/1971
4721761 Pte JOHN MELVILLE WILLIAMS – Born 11/04/1949 – originally from Port Augusta SA
4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 13/05/1971 04/11/1971
2795292 Pte PAUL ANTHONY KALMS – Born 29/11/1949 – originally from West Wylong NSW
4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 13/05/1971 11/11/1971
1203003 Pte EDWIN CHARLES EASTWELL aka Eddie EASTWELL – Born 15/4/1952 – originally from
Cairns Qld
4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 13/05/1971 12/03/1972
45020 Pte DARYL JOHN GILBEY – Born 13/12/1951 – originally from Adelaide SA
4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 13/05/1971 02/12/1971
2793831 Pte RICHARD GLENN TEELING aka Mick TEELING – Born 20/1/1949 – originally from Coffs
Harbour NSW
4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 13/05/1971 12/08/1971
Please contact Garry Heskett (02) 6658 5545 if anyone knows of them.
The Fighting Fourth
Page 11
FOURTH BATTALION, THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT
ASSOCIATION, QUEENSLAND
PLEASE ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING THIS PUBLICATION TO:
The Editor
4 RAR Assoc, Qld
PO Box 7137
Brendale Qld 4500
Email: [email protected]
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The Fighting Fourth
April 2010
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