March Edition 2015 - RASIGs Association

March – 2015
Newsletter of the Royal Australian Signals Association (Victoria) Inc
Mar 2015 – WWI Centenary Celebrations
If undeliverable please return to:
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PP332486/0032
Vol 35
2
3-8
9
10
11-13
14
15
16
From the President, Editorial,
Committee & RED STAR
Signals at Home & in 21st century
New RASigs Association (Vic) banner
Looking for & Operation Slipper March
Medals – OSM & ASM 1945-75
Col-Comdt, RASigs Assn’s
50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan
Tour & Reunion
Membership, Websites of interest
Australia Day Honours 2015 &
Where are they now?
POSTAGE
PAID
AUSTRALIA
No 1
17-19
19-20
21-22
23
24-28
29
30
31-32
33
34
35
36
37
Australian Army Signals Museum
Defence Reserves Assn of Vic Luncheon
Member’s doings
Missing members list
ANZAC Day 2015 IN Melbourne for RASigs
ANZAC Day after the march get together
Format of RASigs National Reunion Nov 2016
Sick list & LEST WE FORGET
Chaplain Brenton Fry – Ex RASigs
103 & 104 Sig Sqns Reunions
RASigs ASSN Social calendar 2015
Next edition, Subscriptions, Next meeting
Application for membership
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From the President
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The 100th Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli is upon us and there is a lot happening within the ADF and
Veteran community this year. As you will see on the Assn Social Calendar on page 32 we are involved in a few
events that I hope the members who are in Melbourne will be able to attend.
We will be supporting the “Welcome Home” march for our service men & women who served in our longest
commitment in Afghanistan OPERATION SLIPPER (page 10 for details).
ANZAC Day will be a HUGE event this year and as we now have a new Association banner (page 9) I and the
committee are hoping for a large turnout of members and Ex Signallers to march with us on the day (page 25/26).
We will also be having our after march get together with Signals Vietnam Veterans this year at the ‘Mail Exchange
hotel” (page 29) and I hope that you will be all able to attend this as well.
So please if you are able to get involved with the Assn’s doings please come along to all our events where possible
in this 100th Anniversary celebration year.
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Editorial
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Once again I will remind all members that your annual subscriptions are due on the 1st March each year so for
those who are a bit behind please fill in the form on the last page and get it into our Treasurer Mr Phillip Nelson
ASAP thankyou members.
I have included in this newsletter a layout of our proposed National Signals Reunion in Nov 2016, I would ask that
all members have a look at what we have proposed and let your thoughts be known to your committee. I am in
the process of locking in the Saturday night formal dinner at the MGC Members dining room which has a capacity
of 680 people. The layout that we have produced is/can be subject to change if enough people want the change.
The RASigs Assn of Victoria now has DIRECT CREDIT access which is on the enrolment form on the last page. So if
you do your banking this way we are more than happy to receive your membership in this way.
President & Editor Gavin Lee
Patron – Colonel Lewis COYLE
RASigs Association Victoria - Committee
(m)0425722347
[email protected]
President
Senior Vice President
Gavin “General” Lee
Paul ‘Copey” Copeland
Junior Vice President
Secretary
William “Bill” Little
Treasurer
Phillip Nelson
Committee
Committee
Committee
Committee / IT
Lt-Col Claire Baker
Antone “Tony”
Henderson
Robert “Bob” Lyons
Peter O’Connor
Committee
Rod Wall
Committee – DFSS
Committee – 108 Sig
Sqn
WO2 Andy Baido
Maj Martin Pawlukowski
(03)52617332
(m)0419355226
[email protected]
(03)94341305
(m)0419871009
(03)57834228
(m) 0407215501
[email protected]
(03)94598545.
(m) 0400269293
(03)94321318.
(m)0418 556 203
(03)9579.3078
(m)0409386940
(m)0439332505
(m)0401922640
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
If you have found a RED STAR on the front cover of this edition then that
means that we do not have all of your current details such as phone
number & email, so please fill out the enrolment form with all of your
details and send them to the editor
Signals at Home and in the 21st century:
For the next six pages I have inserted articles from the Army newspaper from Dec 2014 to Mar 2015 &
several other sources
1st Brigade news from Darwin, Feb 2015
The 1st Brigade will profile one of its members each week throughout 2015. And to start off we’ve got Corporal
Paul Clayton (aka the Fonz) from the 1st Combat Signal Regiment. Cpl Paul Clayton has a long history with the 1st
Combat Signal Regiment, including 7 operational tours to Cambodia, East Timor, Solomon Islands, Afghanistan,
Iraq and Antarctica, but that is only part of his 37 year career with the Australian Defence Force.
As a Telephone Systems Manager, Cpl Clayton helps to plan, implement, manage and maintain complex
communications systems to suit the needs of commanders in a variety of areas and threat levels. Cpl Clayton was
awarded an Australia Day Medallion this year as recognition for his hard work and dedication over his years of
service, including work within the local Darwin community for charitable causes. Amongst his other duties for the
1st Combat Signal Regiment, Cpl Clayton takes special interest in caring for the unit’s mascot – Signaller Betty
Black, a black cockatoo. Signaller Black has a lot of affection for Cpl Clayton, seemingly at ease on his shoulder.
Fonz has been in every Signal’s unit that has had Lineys and Riggers and to the best of my knowledge is the
longest serving member in the Corps of Signals. I had the great pleasure of serving with Fonz when I was a young
Linesman at 103 Signal Squadron in the early 1980’s and you could always rely on Fonz to make your day. (Editor)
When a Princess asks you how long you’ve served in a role, would you wonder if her softly spoken question
was a friendly joke about your age?
That’s exactly what happened to Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Nicky Rothwell, when Her Royal Highness Princess
Anne stopped at Enoggera’s Gallipoli Barracks for an informal visit today (Oct 2014). After officially opening 7 th
Combat Signal’s Regiment’s (7CSR) new building on base, the 64-year-old royal took the time to speak individually
with about 80 serving soldiers from the Royal Australian Corps of Signals and the Royal Corps of Transport.
While most conversations were brief and formal, the Princess Royal, took WO1 Rothwell’s cheeky query in her
stride. “Princess Anne came up to me and I shook her hand and she asked me how long have I been in, and I said,
‘what are you trying to say?’ And she stood back and started laughing,” WO1 Rothwell said. “From there she
laughed and then I said nearly 30 years. “She was a bit shocked because all the other groups of soldiers, she’s
obviously said the same thing to, and they’ve obviously done a lot less than what I have. It’s quite funny.”
“She is (very human), and very slight, and spoke very softly, so when she came up to me, and me having a loud
voice and all that is shocked me a bit as well. I guess (I wanted to) put a bit of humour into it, because I guess
everyone was very nervous. 7th Combat Signals Regiment Commander Lieutenant Colonel Darcy Rawlinson
welcomed the visit from the Princess Royal, who is also the colonel in chief of both the Royal Australian Corps of
Signals and the Royal Australian Corps of Transport. “It was a privilege to have Princess Anne visit our new
facilities… there was a real sense of excitement,” Lt-Col Rawlinson said.
“And I must say the Princess Royal asked some very pointed questions at them, that sometimes took them by
surprise.” He said he believed his troops handled themselves very well despite a few cases of nerves. Princess
Anne then capped off her trip to the base by enjoying a fruit and cheese platter in private, while the excited
soldiers traded stories about their brush with royalty.
Another one of our great Corps RSM’s, RSM WO1 Michelle Griffiths of Joint Task Force (JTF) 633 IN THE Middle
East. Army newspaper Edition 1342, 4 Dec 2014, page 41.
From Army newspaper, Edition 1343, 29 January 2015, page 18. Story of Cyclone Tracy 40 years on.
The new Royal Australian Signals Association of Victoria Banner
LOOKING FOR
Ms Alexandra Woodman is searching for information about her late father 38482 Capt Anthony John (Tony)
WOODMAN.
You may have run into Tony in Vietnam (520 Sig Tp & 709 Sig Tp), 127 Sig Sqn Ivanhoe or various postings in Sth
Aust, Brisbane etc. He was also a member of Redlands RSL in Cleveland (Including stints as Treasurer & President)
and was an active member of the RSL’s fishing club. Alexandra was estranged from Tony as a teenager and
completely missed his latter years. She is hoping for any information related to his service or personal life that
people may be willing to share with her and her daughter.
If you have any memories to share, please contact Alexandra directly on 0439 908 440 or
[email protected]
LOOKING FOR
Mr Brian Fisher has been conducting a lot of research on the issue of medals to members of 104 Signal Squadron
in Vietnam. His list is over 800 names strong so if you have not been in contact with Briand then please contact
him at Mr Brian Fisher Unit 1/399 George St (PO Box1024) Deniliquin NSW 2710 (03)5881 3132
[email protected] or [email protected]
LOOKING FOR
Mr Barry Irons, Memorabilia/Records Officer of Clayton RSL is searching for information on Vx56344 Lance
Corporal Wilfred “Bernie” ASHWEIRTH who served with 8 th Division Signals, 6th Australian Line Section. He was
taken prisoner on 26th March 1942 in Singapore. Barry would like to hear from anyone who may know of LCpl
ASHWEIRTH or his family? Barry would also like more information on 6th Line Section of the 8th Division Signals if
anyone has that information as well. If you have any information please make contact with Barry on the
following:
Mr Barry “Rusty” Irons: Memorabilia /Records Officer, Clayton RSL
(03)9546 2426 [email protected]
Operation Slipper has been the Australian Defence Force’s service in Afghanistan from late 2001 to 31 December
2014, and Defence is organising a welcome home parade in each State for our serving and former serving men
and women who participated on this long and arduous mission.
The parade in Melbourne will commence on Saturday 21st March 2015 with 09.30am form up for 10.00am start.
The route will be along St Kilda Rd for about 500m and then turning off into the Shrine of Remembrance precinct
for a march past of Officials and Dignitaries at the Shrine forecourt.
I would like to invite as many of our members to support our current and younger members for their day of
significance and remembrance.
Join us under our new banner as we support these men and women on their day.
Contact me for more information: Gavin Lee 0425 722 347 or [email protected]
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Aust Operational Service Medal – Greater Middle East:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This medal recognises service on Operations MANITOU & ACCORDION from 1st July 2014
Eligible Service:
 30 days service, continuous or aggregated, on either of the above operations; and
 The ADF member is force assigned for operational duties
Declared operations:
For subsection 3(1) of the Australian Operational Service Medal Regulation, the Greater Middle East Operation
that commenced of 1 July 2014 is a declared operation comprising the following operations in the following areas:
A. Operation MANITOU, involving activities of ADF members within the area comprising all waters, ports,
areas within 10 Kilometres of such ports and superjacent airspace, of the following:
1) The Persian Gulf;
2) The Gulf of Aden;
3) The Red Sea;
4) The Arabian Sea;
So far as the area is north of Latitude 11 00 S and west of Longitude 68 00E;
B. Operation ACCORDION, involving activities of ADF members within the area comprising the land,
territory, internal waters and superjacent airspace of Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Obverse
Contact details: 1800 333 362 or www.defence.gov.au/medals/
Reverse
Australian Service Medal 1945 – 75:
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The Australian Service medal 1945 – 75 was approved in 1995, and may be awarded for service in, or in
connection with prescribed non-warlike operations during the period commencing on 3rs September 1945 and
end on 16 September 1975.
Clasps: A nickel-silver clasp with the name of the theatre or action for which the award is made is presented with
the medal. Further awards of the medal in other areas are recognised by the presentation of additional clasps.
These are worn above previously awarded clasps, in order of date of receipt.
BERLIN:
OPERATION
Service with the ‘Berlin Airlift’
START DATE
26 Jun 1948
END DATE
30 Sept 1949
ALLOTED/ASSIGNED
30 Days
VISITIOR/TEMP DUTY
N/A
START DATE
2 July 1955
END DATE
31 Oct 1971
ALLOTED/ASSIGNED
30 Days
VISITIOR/TEMP DUTY
30 Days
START DATE
9 May 1945
END DATE
19 Oct 1951
ALLOTED/ASSIGNED
30 Days
VISITIOR/TEMP DUTY
30 Days
START DATE
1 Aug 1947
END DATE
1 Jan 1949
ALLOTED/ASSIGNED
30 Days
VISITIOR/TEMP DUTY
30 Days
1 Jan 1949
30 April 1951
30 Days
30 Days
START DATE
3 Sept 1945
END DATE
28 April 1952
ALLOTED/ASSIGNED
30 Days
VISITIOR/TEMP DUTY
30 Days
START DATE
13 Aug 1948
END DATE
13 Feb 1975
ALLOTED/ASSIGNED
30 Days
VISITIOR/TEMP DUTY
30 Days
START DATE
9 Jun 1950
29 Apr 1952
END DATE
23 Jun 1950
26 Aug 1957
ALLOTED/ASSIGNED
30 Days
30 Days
VISITIOR/TEMP DUTY
N/A
N/A
28 Jul 1953
26 Aug 1957
30 Days
N/A
28 Jul 1953
27 Aug 1957
26 Aug 1957
13 Feb 1975
30 Days
30 Days
N/A
N/A
START DATE
11 Jun 1948
3 Jun 1974
25 Oct 1973
11 Jul 1958
4 Jul 1963
9 Jul 1952
END DATE
13 Feb 1975
13 Feb 1975
13 Feb 1975
9 Dec 1958
4 Sept 1964
1 Dec 1954
ALLOTED/ASSIGNED
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
VISITIOR/TEMP DUTY
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
START DATE
3 Sept 1945
END DATE
16 Sept 1975
ALLOTED/ASSIGNED
30 Days
VISITIOR/TEMP DUTY
30 Days
START DATE
1 Aug 1960
&
12 Aug 1966
END DATE
16 Aug 1964
&
14 Mar 1975
ALLOTED/ASSIGNED
30 Days
VISITIOR/TEMP DUTY
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
FESR (FAR EAST STRATEGIC RESERVE):
OPERATION
Service with the FESR
GERMANY:
OPERATION
Service during occupation of Germany
INDONESIA:
OPERATION
Service with UN Good Offices
Commission
Service with UN Commission for
Indonesia
JAPAN:
OPERATION
Service with British Commonwealth
Occupational Forces (BCOF)
KASHMIR:
OPERATION
Service with UN mission in India /
Pakistan
KOREA:
OPERATION
Service with UN commission in Korea
Service with British Commonwealth
Forces Korea (BCFK) in Japan & Okinawa
Service afloat & in air off Korea to 161
kms
Ceasefire monitoring activities in Korea
Service with UN Command (MAC)
MIDDLE EAST:
OPERATION
UN Treaty Supervision Organisation
UN Disengagement Observer Force
Second UN Emergency Force
UN Observation Group in Lebanon
UN Yemen Observer Mission
No 78 (F) Wing Malta
PNG (Papua New Guinea):
OPERATION
Service in PNG leading to Independence
SE ASIA:
OPERATION
Service on land in Malaysia (Excluding
Thai-Malay border when warlike)
Service on land in Singapore
Service on land in Thailand
(Excluding Ubon & Ban Kok Talat)
Service on land in Vietnam
Service on land in Indonesia, Laos,
Cambodia
Service on RAN ships with ANZUK Force
1 Aug 1960
&
12 Aug 1966
2 Jul 1955
&
1 Sept 1968
2 Jul 1955
2 Jul 1955
16 Aug 1964
&
14 Mar 1975
24 Jun 1965
&
30 Oct 1971
30 Jul 1962
14 Mar 1975
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
31 Oct 1971
14 Mar 1975
30 Days
30 Days
START DATE
CDF specify
(on or after
3 Sept 1945)
END DATE
CDF specify
(on or before
13 Feb 1975)
ALLOTED/ASSIGNED
CDF to determine
VISITIOR/TEMP DUTY
CDF to determine
START DATE
3 Sept 1945
END DATE
24 Nov 1946
ALLOTED/ASSIGNED
30 DAYS
VISITIOR/TEMP DUTY
30 Days
25 Nov 1946
18 Nov 1951
3 Sept 1945
10 Jul 1948
24 Jan 1954
24 Nov 1946
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
30 Days
3 Sept 1945
30 Dec 1946
30 Days
30 Days
3 Sept 1945
16 Aug 1948
30 Days
30 Days
25 Nov 1946
30 Dec 1946
30 Days
30 Days
25 Nov 1946
16 Aug 1948
30 Days
30 Days
3 Sept 1945
31 May 1950
30 Days
30 Days
25 Nov 1946
10 Nov 1956
30 Days
30 Days
25 Nov 1946
20 Sept 1947
30 Days
30 Days
START DATE
1 May 1962
1 May 1962
END DATE
24 Jun 1965
24 Jun 1965
ALLOTED/ASSIGNED
30 Days
30 Days
VISITIOR/TEMP DUTY
30 Days
30 Days
START DATE
3 Oct 1962
END DATE
30 Apr 1963
ALLOTED/ASSIGNED
30 Days
VISITIOR/TEMP DUTY
30 Days
SPECIAL OPS:
OPERATION
Service on Special Operations
SW PACIFIC:
OPERATION
Service on islands in SW Pacific area,
Dutch East Indies, Burma and
Malaya/Singapore
RAAF service on Morotai Island
RAAF service on Cocos Island
RAAF service on Bathurst, Champagny
and Sir Graham Moore Islands with Long
Range Navigation stations
Minesweeping service afloat with RAN in
waters off coast of China and SW Pacific
Minesweeping service afloat with RAN in
all Australian waters
Minesweeping service afloat with RAN in
Netherlands (Dutch East) Indies
Minesweeping service afloat with RAN in
waters off Solomon Islands
Bomb & mine clearance, coast of
Queensland
Bomb & mine clearance, Solomon
Islands
Service with War Graves on Labuan,
Ambon & Borneo Islands
THAILAND:
OPERATION
Royal Thai AF Base Ubon
Operation CROWN, 2nd Field Troop, RAE
at Ban Kok Talat
WEST NEW GUINEA:
OPERATION
Service with UNTEA
Contact details: 1800 333 362 or www.defence.gov.au/medals/
Colonel Commandants of the Royal Australian Corp of Signals
New Title
Region
Appointee
Representative Colonel
Australia
Major General Paul Irving. AM, PSM, RFD
Commandant
Colonel Commandant
Qld Metro
Lt-Col Roger Joy. AM
Colonel Commandant
Qld Regional
Lt-Col Roger Joy. AM
Colonel Commandant
NSW / ACT
Colonel William Hanlon
Colonel Commandant
Vic / Tas
Colonel Lewis Coyle
Colonel Commandant
Central West
Colonel Michael Brennan
Date
23 July 2013
23 July 2013
23 July 2013
23 July 2013
23 July 2013
23 July 2013
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RASigs Associations Contact Details:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------You don’t have to be retired to join a RASigs Assn in your State/Territory. If you are interested, why not give one of
the following addressees and email.
RASigs Assn Nth Qld – President – Geoff “Lofty” Evans. [email protected]
RASigs Assn Qld – Sec/Tres – Chris Mitchelson. [email protected]
RASigs Assn NSW – Secretary – Michael McEvoy. [email protected]
RASigs Assn ACT – Secretary – Kath Freestone. [email protected]
RASigs Assn Vic – Secretary – Bill Little. [email protected]
RASigs Assn TAS – Secretary – Richard “Dick” Goodwin. [email protected]
RASigs Assn SA – President – Sally Napper. [email protected]
RASigs Assn SA – Secretary – Michael Napper. [email protected]
RASigs Assn WA – Sec/Tres – Brian MacAuley. [email protected]
RASigs Assn – SVVA Qld – Secretary – Ted Osmond. [email protected]
RASigs Assn – SVVA Vic – Secretary – Bruce O’Brien. [email protected]
RASigs Museum – [email protected]
8th Divisional Signals – Secretary/Treasurer – [email protected]
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50TH ANNIVERSARY of the BATTLE of LONG TAN
9 Day Tour/Reunion
Vietnam
15th to 23rd AUGUST 2016
As is the custom of the Expat Vietnam Veterans, to have a tour to celebrate significant events of the
Vietnam War, we are again proposing the above tour/reunion to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Battle
of Long Tan.
The tour will last nine (9) days in country and will encompass the areas of Saigon, Vung Tau, Nui Dat and
a day trip to Mekong. Post tours are available.
The cost is $US 990.00 per person twin share and a single supplement of $US 300.00 for anyone
requiring a single accommodation.
Most meals and all transfers and entrance fees are covered in the fee. All transport to and from
Vietnam, Visa, Travel Insurance costs and tips (USD 3.00) are the responsibility of the participant. The
tour will have English speaking guides.
As in previous tours, the number of places is limited, (Approx. 200), we would advise people interested
to start planning their participation and enrol as soon as possible (ASAP).
More information and Registration can be found at Buddhas place. www.buddhas-place.com
Other queries can be sent to [email protected]
Robert “Stretch” Murdoch
Secretary – 50th Anniversary Tour Vietnam.
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EMAIL ADDRESS
MEMBERSHIP
Classification – Extreme
EMAIL ADDRESS
To all members of RASigs Assn (Victoria)
Membership is always of a concern to the Committee and myself, as such I would implore all members that if you
know of someone on the lists in the newsletter then please make contact with them or us so that we can get
them back in the fold. It is VERY IMPORTANT that if you find a RED STAR on this newsletter, then it means that
we the Committee are missing some or all of your contact details, such as correct address, phone numbers. So if
you have a red star please contact my email address: [email protected] or call me on 0425722347 or
send the enrolment form back to us with all of your details thankyou members.
EMAIL ADDRESS & CONTACT DETAILS
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Websites of Interest
RASigs – www.army.gov.au/rasigs/
Signalman Magazine – www.signalman.com.au
3 Combat Sig Regt History Room – www.3combatsignalregiment.com this is the old 103rd Sig Sqn
1st CSR (104 Sigs) – www.1csr.au104.org
104 Sig Sqn Vietnam & beyond – www.au104.com
Pronto in Vietnam – www.pronto.au104.org
RASigs Associations – www.rasigs.com this site gets you into all of the Associations
RASigs Email Network & Contact database – (Adam West) [email protected]
Australian Defence Force – www.defence.gov.au
Honours & Awards – www.itsanhonour.gov.au
The AIF Project – www.aif.adfa.edu.au
APPVA – www.peacekeepers.asn.au this is Australian Peacekeepers & Peacemakers Veterans Association
Apprentice School – www.austarmyapprentice.org
WRAAC Association of Victoria – www.wraacvic.com
National Vietnam Veteran’s Museum (Australia) – www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org
Friends & Families of the First AIF – [email protected]
STAND TO – Journal of the Western Front Association – www.westernfrontassociation.com
TPI Victoria – www.tpihq.com.au or www.tpivic.com
Legacy – www.legacy.com.au
RSL – www.rsl.org.au
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Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne
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Honours & Awards to Signals Personnel
Australia Day Honours 26 Jan 2015
Colonel Murray Ronald THOMPSON CSC
For outstanding achievement as Director Future Military Commitments, Military Strategic Commitments Branch.
From the RAsigs Association of Victoria we congratulate Colonel Thompson on his deserved award of the CSC.
Where are they now??? Do you know where they are?
Mr W BURKE
Mr J. DOYLE
Mr Percy HARLAND
Mr G. HOFFERMAN
Mr Peter HOWLETT
Mr Adrian HYLAND
Mr A.K. JONES
Lt M. MAGILL
Mr Sydney MATTHEWS
Mr William McLEOD
Mrs J. PAYNE
Mr John A. PEPPER
Mr C RILEY
Mrs K.M. SHEWARD
103 Rathcowan Rd
Not at residence. 31-12-2014
Unanderra Care Services Naples Rd
Not at residence. 31-12-2014
23 Munro Ave
PO Box 20
7 Quarry Rd
37 Wallace St
4/114 Dodds St
4 Arnott St
1/10 Power Crt
438 Murray Rd
21-25 Inverness St
2 Valerie St
29 Marks Point Rd
185 Racecourse Rd
14 Elizabeth ST
Mrs F. SHILTON
Mrs G.M. WALSH
Mr Matthew WILSON
9/18 Cochrane St
5/17 Ann St
2/188 Charman Rd
Mr Alfred DOOLEY
Reservoir
VIC
403 & 6 Sig Regt
Unanderra
NSW
WWI2 – 22 Tele Ops
Mt Waverly
Yarram
Dundas
Bairnesdale
Sth Melb
Ormond
Mt Coolum
Preston
Clarinda
Noble Park
Marks Point
Mt Martha
East
Bentleigh
Brighton
Morwell
Cheltenham
VIC
VIC
NSW
VIC
VIC
VIC
QLD
VIC
VIC
VIC
NSW
VIC
VIC
WW2 – 15th Inf Bde Signals
WW2 – LHQ Signals
WW2 – 17 L of C Darwin
WW2 – Vx503099 AHQ Signals
ARA, Rwanda & Timor
??
CMF/Ares – 3 Sig Regt, 6 Sig Regt
WW2 – 88 High Speed Wireless
WW2 – 2nd Cav Div Signals
ARA – WRAAC Sigs
ARA/SVN
WW2 – LHQ 9th Div Sigs
??
VIC
VIC
VIC
WW2 – 2nd Signal Training Bn
WW2 - AWAS
??
Update 30-03-2015
After searching the internet and visiting addresses I have narrowed this list down to 18 names now. So I am still
asking all of the members out there if you know of where these members may be currently residing can you please
get in contact with them and ask them to contact your editor as soon as possible.
AUSTRALIAN ARMY SIGNALS MUSEUM
From Reg Elder - Chairman AASHF Board
ANZAC CENTENARY GRANT PROGRAM- SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION.
When the ANZAC Centenary Grant Program was announced in 2013 Board members and volunteers
considered projects that would possibly be suitable for a grant application. A number of interesting options
were considered but we finally decided to apply for money to preserve two valuable collections of
photographs and negatives held by the Museum. The two collections were donated to the Museum by
families of WW1 veterans who served in Signalling Companies
After identifying the two collections for preservation and reproduction a considerable amount of work was
required to decide on;
- What was needed to preserve the collections for future use, reproduction etc.
- What exactly did we want as a result of the preservation and reproduction?
- A business capable of doing the work and then obtaining a detailed quote.
- The detail required for preparing a grant application for $11,281.00. (The quoted cost and the amount
subsequently approved by the Minister for Veteran’s Affairs)
I would like to thank Mary Reid for the considerable amount of work she did researching and compiling the
information required to submit a very comprehensive and detailed grant application.
The two collections for preservation and reproduction are.
Photograph Album - Lance Corporal A.H Edmonds.
This album, which belonged to Lance Corporal Edmonds, traces his WW1 service with 2nd Division Signals
from enlistment in Australia to the Middle East, Gallipoli, the Western Front in France and his return to
Australia via the United Kingdom. This is a unique, well preserved and comprehensive document
comprising 200 pages of text, original message forms and 650 photographs. Lance Corporal Edmonds was a
camera enthusiast and the collection are mostly his own photographs. The album requires sensitive
handling to ensure its preservation in its present state. It is not available for public handling. The project
involves the scanning and digitisation of the text, documents and photographs of the complete album.
Once digitised two copies of the album will be produced for public viewing, reading and handling, while the
individual digitised images can be further used for a wide variety of purpose. For example in Museum
exhibits, community displays, visitor booklets etc.
Collection of Negatives - Captain E.W. Downing.
Among the Museum’s collection of photographic records are 327 well preserved negatives (transparencies)
taken by Captain E.W. Downing while training in Australia and on overseas service during WW1. This
project involves scanning and digitising the negatives to reveal the currently unexplored content of
photographic material from his war experience, to preserve historic material (original negatives) through
less handling and exposure, to provide the means of reproducing images for a wide variety of purposes in
the Museum and for community access. We have scant knowledge of the images on the negative due to
restricted handling to preserve these aged transparencies. However, a short index in each of the three
negative holders indicates the likelihood of obtaining very worthwhile information, especially given that
most of the negatives are in good to very good condition, with some negatives requiring a measure of
cleaning before scanning. The negatives are unique and likely to be a very valuable source of historic
reference, as well as providing the opportunity for an engaging human interest story for the Anzac
Centenary. We will be able to trace Captains Downing’s war time experiences through the photographs to
reveal some of his Signals career. The AASM holds other memorabilia relating to Captain Downing
including his peak cap and two uniform jackets. One jacket is pre WW1 when he served in the Australian Corps of
Signallers and the other WW1. The Corps of Signallers hat and jacket have the original Corps of Signallers buttons
and badges.
Our grant application was forwarded to the local Federal Member, the Hon Jenny Macklin in December 2013. It
was highly recommended by her office but not approved by the Dept of Veterans Affairs until 23rd January, 2015.
The company that quoted to undertake the project eighteen months earlier are willing to proceed with the
project at the original quoted price. We now face the task of arranging for the work to be done and integrating
the results into various Anzac Centenary activities. A very important aspect of the project is the preservation of
valuable archival records of our Corps’ history. Unfortunately the Museum’s storage arrangements for the many
photographs, uniforms and other archival records held are sub-standard. Despite years of negotiations, requests
etc, progress to upgrade the facilities has been slow. However, despite the poor facilities the volunteers are
making do and we have made progress recording, preserving and storing the Museum’s collection.
FROM THE MUSEUM ARCHIVES
FIRST AUSTRALIAN MILITARY WIRELESS TRANSMISSION
‘SYDNEY INVENTOR MADE RADIO HISTORY’
Extracts from the Sydney Daily Mirror 3rd June 1958 – Historical Feature Article
‘Even Marconi Applauded When Sydney Inventor Made History.
Soon after 9 pm on the cold, rain threatened night of April 20, 1911, two men crouched over a strange
conglomeration of electrical equipment set up in a bush cave near Heathcote, about 25 miles south of Sydney.
Arranged on an improvised bench in front of the men were leyden jars, several small batteries, a coil, a
transmitting key and a radio receiver. Wires seemed to run everywhere, while outside the cave stood a 54 foot
aerial composed of three gum tree saplings strapped together. The two electrical wizards were members of an
Army signalling unit that was taking part in a military exercise. They were trying to transmit a message to a
headquarters receiving station two miles away, but were having trouble. Although great sparks lit up the cave like
lightening there was no indication that the electrical waves being radiated out into the ether were being picked up
at the other end. Indeed the operators were convinced the waves were getting no further than the aerial’s top. In
desperation the instruments were moved outside and placed directly below the aerial. Next moment with the first
rain drops spattering down and threatening to ruin the experiment altogether a signaller raced up. His voice
trembling with excitement. Station A had replied he burst out, ‘YOUR SIGNAL RECEIVED’
Just then it began to pour in earnest but Lieutenant George Taylor and his radio operator assistant no longer
cared. They had succeeded in proving that a wireless signal could be transmitted from any one point to another,
no matter how unsuitable the conditions or how difficult the terrain. When the shower stopped they dried off their
instruments and continued enthusiastically sending off messages far into the night. Taylor’s pioneering
achievement was of tremendous practical benefit to the AIF in World War 1 and the foundation of the modern
army’s whole radio communications system. Inventors such as Marconi hailed his work as outstanding. Yet few
Australians today have ever heard of him’.
Later in the Article
‘Inspecting a heterogeneous collection of old glass jars, insulators, wires and batteries piled up on Heathcote
railway station regular Army officers scoffed that wireless communications were the joke of the century. At first it
looked like they might be right. Taylor’s aim was to show that wireless messages could be transmitted across
water where it was comparatively simple but also over land where obstructions tended to absorb or reflect the
electrical waves. The rugged bush country around Heathcote proved to be an ideal exacting testing ground. The
whole object of the exercise was to turn back an imaginary attack upon Sydney from the south, the transmitting
station was located in a cliff side cave commanding a broad view of the country southward. It was supposed to be
the defenders’ most advanced out post. The receiving station was in a tent at headquarters two miles away.
Conveying the precious instruments up and down the rocky defiles was laborious, dangerous operation which
almost ended in disaster when Taylor’s horse bolted throwing him near the edge of a precipice. Picking himself up
he made sure the delicate electrolytic detector in his pocket was still intact and then pressed on foot. The first
attempt that day was to flash back a warning of the enemy’s approach was a dismal failure because the operators
could not get their highly diverse pieces of equipment to tune. The result was that the signal by passed the
receiving station and reverberated on into space.
Then on the night of April 20, 1911, after intimations from his military colleagues that this would be Taylor’s last
chance, wires crackled in the headquarters tent and a message began to come through. It was the first military
signal sent and received in Australia, possibly the world.’
Please note this is from a newspaper article and is not an official report
VOLUNTEERS.
We are still looking for volunteers. You do not need to have military experience and in fact some of our most
enthusiastic volunteers have never worn a military uniform. There is a wide range of tasks with the opportunity
for clerical type work. We are open every Tuesday and you do not need to stay the full day if you have other
commitments. If you are interested come in and see us and assess whether you want to be involved. Contact Reg
Elder 94399527.
SCULPTURE OF CABLE LAYING WAGON AND CREW.
In the last edition of Certa Cito I asked if anyone knew who owned the photographed sculpture of a Cable laying
Wagon and Crew and why it was photographed at the School of Signals on 4 th November 1971. There was no
response so the next step is to ask in the next edition of Signaller.
Reg Elder
Chairman AASHF Board
Tel 0394399527 or Email [email protected]
The Corps of Signals Museum in the old Satelite Building Simpson Barracks
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defence Reserves Association Victorian Branch
The President and Victorian committee members request the pleasure of your company at the
Reservist’s Reunion Lunch
To be held in the
Pavillion room, Level 2, RACV Club, 501 Bourke St, Melbourne
On Wednesday 3rd June 2015
12 noon for 12.30pm
If you are interested in attending this great day please fill in the form on the next page and get it back to contact
details as soon as possible.
The RASigs Association of Victoria has had two tables of ten each over the last couple of years and it is a great
afternoon had by all, so get in fast if you would like to attend and make sure you high-light your table as SIGNALS
Table.
Member’s doings:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following list has been put together due to the fact that after numerous reminders over the last year these members
have been a bit tardy in returning their contact information to the Association. As we have not heard from them we have had
NO OPTION but to stop sending you the “Certa Cito” newsletter until you make contact with the Association.
Mrs
Mr
Mr
Mr
Capt
Mrs
Mr
Mr
Mrs
Mrs
Mrs
Mr
Mrs
Mrs
Mr &
Mrs
Mr
Mrs
Ms
Mrs
Ms
Mr
BAMFORD
BRAY
CRAWFORD
DICKSON
GALLOP
GREIG
HARRICKS
JONES
KELLY
KNIGHT
LEGA
LOFTUS
LOWE
MARQUIS-KYLE
MENZIES
Mrs
Mrs
Mr
Mrs
Mr
Mr
Mrs
Mr
Ms
Mr
Capt
Mr
Mr
Mr
PETERSON
POPLIN
PORT
PURVIS
PYKE
REID
REID
ROGERS
SISSON
TAYLOR
VAUGHAN
WELSH
WILLIAMS
WRIGHT
MILLS
MOON
NIXON
NOBELIUS
PEARCE
PERRY
R
Arthur
Desmond
John
Graham
E.A.
Sydney
Maurice
B
E
J
J
Phylis
L
Robert &
Noelene
Owen
N
LE
F
DV
John
Alexander
Margaret
BM
William
G
Edwin John
P
S
BW
Rosemarie
John
Pauline
William
Lloyd
DL
Engadine
Albury
Woy Woy
Wantirna
Blackburn
Nunawading
Rosebud
Ringwood
Weymouth
Frankston
Dickson
Petrie
Forrest Hills
Kenmore
Kilmore
NSW
NSW
NSW
Vic
Vic
Vic
Vic
Vic
TAS
Vic
ACT
QLD
Vic
QLD
Vic
2233
2640
2256
3152
3130
3131
3939
3134
7252
3199
2602
4502
3131
4069
3764
Springwood
Colyton
Macleod
Avonsleigh
Altona
Bendigo
NSW
NSW
Vic
Vic
Vic
Vic
2777
2760
3085
3782
3018
3550
Suffolk Park
Warilla
Rosanna
Rosebud
Welshpool
Hastings
Yarrawonga
Rosebud South
Narbethong
Narre Warren
Ocean Grove
Bittern
Roxburgh Park
North Ringwood
NSW
NSW
Vic
Vic
Vic
Vic
Vic
Vic
Vic
Vic
Vic
Vic
Vic
Vic
2481
2528
3084
3939
3966
3915
3703
3939
3778
3805
3226
3918
3064
3134
If you find your name on the above list please feel free to contact your editor at [email protected] or on
0425722347 and I will certainly remove you from the list ASAP.
10th October 2014
Mr Gavin Lee
Royal Australian Signals Association
54 Stagecoach Cres
SYDENHAM VIC 3037
Dear Mr Lee
I am writing to all Unit Associations and Kindred Organisations to relay concern expressed by the ANZAC Day
Commemoration Council regarding the standards expected of descendants participating in the ANZAC Day
Commemoration march.
There are certain accepted protocols that have been endorsed by the Veterans which you, and your members,
should be aware of. These protocols are published in the March edition of our MUFTI magazine and cards have
been distributed in the past to march participants, but it would seem that very little notice is taken of them.
I now request that you inform your members of the protocols which are expressed below:
 All marchers should form-up six abreast.
 Veterans are to march directly behind their unit banner, accompanied by ONE carer if needed. That carer
should be of an age where they can directly assist the Veteran. Veterans having difficulty completing the
march, and all WW2 Veterans, are encouraged to use the transport provided, but must remain in the
vehicle until the march is completed.
 If a Veteran must fall out of the march, he or she should be directed to a Marshal for assistance. Unit
Associations are to continue moving so as not to disrupt the momentum of the march.
 Descendants are to march BEHIND the Veterans, and be old enough to march the full distance
(approximately 1km), without assistance.
 Representation of your Veteran forebears is to be restricted to ONE descendant per Veteran and the
descendant is to wear the Veteran’s medals on the right breast (the left breast is reserved for the original
recipient of the medals).
 Descendants are to dress in appropriate clothing, as your forebears would have done. Therefore, all
marchers should wear neat and tidy clothing, out of respect for the fallen (torn denim, sporting attire, dirty
joggers are not considered appropriate).
 The carrying of framed photographs of relatives, and the pushing of prams and pushers, is NOT
PERMITTED.
 Veterans are requested not to join or leave the march other than at the Assembly and Dispersal points.
I would be grateful if you could ensure that these protocols are followed by your members. By doing so, you will not
only honour our fallen comrades and forebears, but you will also help to maintain the ANZAC tradition, and the
dignity of the occasion, that we are all so proud of.
I would also like to advise you of significant changes to the Order of March from 2016 onwards.
It has always been the consensus of the returned service men and women, who participate in this march,that they
be allowed to retain the integrity of their individual units for as long as possible. Unfortunately, we are now moving
to the stage where the number of WW2 Veterans as sadly diminished.
Accordingly, the ANZAC Day Commemoration Council wishes to ensure that the body of the march continues to be
comprised of Veterans, and in so doing, the Order of March will take the following form from ANZAC Day 2016.









Post 1945 Veterans
Post 1960 Veterans
Post 1975 Veterans
Post 1990 Veterans
WW2 RAN, 2nd AIF, RAAF Veterans riding in motor vehicles/Descendants
Commonwealth Veterans
Allied Veterans
WW1 Descendants
Boer War Descendants
This is in no way diminishing the role of the current Associations and Kindred Organisations who will still be able to
march behind their respective banners to commemorate their forebears. However, the march participants who have
not served MUST be wearing their relative’s medals on their right breast, and abide by the above mentioned
protocols.
Again, it is emphasised that WW2 Veterans are still able to participate in the march, should travel in a vehicle, with
the support of ONE carer, if required.
I ask that you distribute this advice to your members.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANZAC Day parade Melbourne 2015
Phase 1 forming up point for RASigs Assn – 2nd Corps, depart 10.05am. Arrow is our form-up point
2nd AIF, 1st Corps:
Depart 09.25am Flinders St West (North Side).
1st Corps Signals are 16 th in line behind Australian Survey Corps Association
6th Division:
Depart 09.30am Flinders St East (St Paul’s side)
6th Division Signals are 10 th in line behind 2nd/8th Field Coy RAE
7th Division:
Depart 09.35am Flinders St East (St Paul’s side)
7th Division Signals are 6 th in line behind 2nd/4th Filed Sqn RAE
8th Division:
Depart 09.45am Flinders St East 9St Paul’s side)
8th Division Signals are 4 th in line behind 2nd/10th Field Coy RAE
9th Division:
Depart 09.50am Flinders St East (St Paul’s side)
9th Division Signals are 7 th in line behind 9th Div Sappers Assn
3rd Division:
Depart 09.55am Swanston St West between Flinder’s St & Collins St
3rd Division Signals are 10 th in line behind 53rd Field Park Coy RAE
2nd AIF 2nd Corps
Depart 10.05am Swanston St East between Flinder’s St & Collins St
RASigs Association is 15th in line behind 33rd Aust Works Coy
NGAWW Group is behind us
Vietnam 1:
Depart 10.45am Collins St East (City Square side)
Signals Vietnam Association is last in this group
Post 1975 Veterans:
Depart 12.50pm Collins St West (North side)
Peacekeepers, Afghanistan, Iraq, Cambodia, Kuwait, Somalia, East Timor, Solomon Islands.
I have only included Signals in the list above Ladies & Gentlemen as the complete list would take up too many
pages and there will be a large print-out in the Herald-Sun a couple of days before ANZAC Day. Also be aware that
all World War One unit Flags & Associations are marching at the end of the march this year. To find out more
please contact your local RSL.
Australian War Memorial, Vietnam Panel for Royal Australian Corps of Signals
Please fill in the above two sheets if you require transport pick up and drop off from the RACV and for all WWII members
please fill in the pink copy and keep it on you for the day.
After March meet up for ANZAC Day 2015:
Please come and gather at the “Mail Exchange Hotel”
(Formerly the Mail Exchange where our letters were sorted)
Cnr of Bourke & Spencer Sts – North side of street
There is a tram stop out the front and Spencer St Station (Southern Cross) is over the road
We have been invited to join the Signals Vietnam Veterans at the Mail Exchange and
enjoy their hospitality:
Menu: Just for all Signals Corps personnel on the day. ALL MEALS JUST $22.00
 Beef burger with bad boy chips,
 Chicken parma with bad boy chips & salad,
 Chicken Caesar salad,
 Grilled Barramundi with garden salad & chips,
 Pasta,
 Pie with mash & peas,
 Sausages & mash.
SCHOONERS $5.50
RED & WHITE WINE $5.00
If you interested in attending could you please contact myself so that I can pass on the numbers
attending to the Signals Vietnam Veterans Association.
Gavin Lee
0425 722 347
[email protected]
Format for National Reunion – 9th to 14th Nov 2016: Yarra Valley.
Wednesday 9th Nov 2016
All attendees and members start to arrive in the Yarra Valley,
Get settled into caravan parks & accommodation,
Attend BBQ/meet & greet at Healesville RSL, Pick up gift pack
Rest of the day is free to explore the area.
Thursday 10th Nov 2016
Morning to your own devices,
Shopping for the ladies,
Winery Tours around Healesville, Yarra Junction & Coldstream area
Meet at Greensborough RSL @ 3.00pm for BBQ and Drinks, Dinner?
 www.rsl-greensborough.com
 (03)9435 1884
Friday 11th Nov 2016 – Hire of buses for transport – DVA Grants for whole day
Attend Shrine of Remembrance for Tree/Plaque dedication or wreath laying
 This dedication should be no longer than 15 to 20 minutes @ 09.30am
Attend the Shrine for the Remembrance for the service
Buses back to Simpson Bks for tour of RASigs Museum, DFSS & Barracks
 Possible memorial book dedication in the foyer of the new Defence Force School of
Signals – RASigs Assn & DFSS will be looking into this in more depth. It will be a book
of names for all men & women of the Corps who have died while still serving, other than
on Operations.
Sgts Mess for BBQ and Drinks in afternoon
Saturday 12th Nov 2016 - Hire of buses for transport – DVA Grants for events
Visit the old area/site of Balcombe Bks for those who want to
Ladies tour of either Chadstone shopping centre or DFO
Formal Dinner – Winery or MCG – 6.30pm for 7.00pm start
Sunday 13th Nov 2016
Official parade in Healesville – 12.00pm start
Inspection of Troops by Reviewing Officer, Mayor, RSL, President of Assn
After parade, back to Healesville RSL
Official closing of Reunion
Monday 14th Nov 2016
Hand over to next State Assn for next reunion
Say good byes and farewells
Everyone heads home.
This is “a” format/layout of the Sigs National Reunion to be held in the Yarra Valley area of Victoria in
November 2016.
It is open to all Serving and former Sigs from all over the country, so please get the word out there and
let everyone know of what is happening.
For more information please contact me at [email protected]
SICK LIST:
Mr Harold BENSON OAM, ED
“Mick” has been in hospital since Sept 2014 with his second bout of pneumonia
Contact: Mr Steve Benson (Son)
and at the age of 94 years he is slowing down. Mick is in the Springbrook Ward
Email: [email protected]
Bed 32A Allamanda Private Hospital Southport Qld.
I sent an email to Harold’s son Steve and he informed me of the following:
Harold’s main issue now is muscle weakness mainly in his legs and this will not improve, but his regular physio helps to slow
it’s progress. He needs a walker for mobility and is very restricted. 2 nd Nov 2014.
LEST WE FORGET
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Victorian Association advise of the passing of the following past Corp members.
Vx132851 Sgt Bruce Roy CAMPBELL
Born – 8 August 1921 Kew Vic
Died – Jan 2015 Melbourne Vic, aged 94 years
Served – En 30-9-1941, Disch 11-4-1946 with 1st Aust Cypher Section
Contact Details:
Herald-Sun 19 Jan 2015
Member: Camberwell City RSL
Mr 53663 (SSgt Rtd) Frederick James CARLSON
Born – 24 June 1929 Corrigin West Australia
Died – 6 March 2015, aged 85 years
Served – Vietnam 11-3-1968 to 4-3-1969 with 110 Sig Sqn
Contact Details:
Adam West
[email protected]
Mr Gary CHAPMAN
Born –
Died – Sept/Dec 2014 Vic
Served – 6 Sig Regt
Contact Details:
RSL Mufti Sept/Dec 2014
Member: Highett RSL
Vx147487 Sig Ronald Lindsay CHITTOCK
Born – 18 August 1922 Oakleigh Vic
Died – Sept/Dec 2014 Vic, aged 92 years
Served – En 25-11-1943, Disch 21-10-1944 with 34th Wireless Task Gp
Contact Details:
RSL Mufti Sept/Dec 2014
Member: Ballan RSL
Vx136170 Sig Allan James CHUBB
Born – 28 Feb 1924 Richmond Vic
Died – 6 Dec 2014 Melb Vic, aged 90 years
Served – En 9-3-1943, Disch 15-10-1946 with Aust Special Wireless Group
Contact Details:
Herald-Sun 9 Dec 2014
Member: Reservoir RSL
Mr Jeffrey Peter CURRAN
Born Died – Sept/Dec 2014 Bacchus Marsh Vic
Served – AHQ Sigs Trg Depot
Contact Details:
RSL Mufti Sept/Dec 2014
Member: Bacchus Marsh RSL
Mr Allen Rayner DOBBYN
Born – 22 March 1944 Vic
Died – 10 Feb 2015 Monash Hospital Vic, aged 71 years
Served – 3 Sig Regt, 108 Sig Sqn & 3 Trg Gp
Contact Details:
Mr David Hardacre
[email protected]
Mr Robert EVANS
Born Died – Sept/dec 2014 Bairnsdale Vic
Contact Details:
RSL Mufti Sept/Dec 2014
Member: Bairnsdale RSL
29741 WO2 (Rtd) Robert Malcolm FELLOWS
Contact Details:
Born – 8 June 1938 Mayfield NSW
Herald-Sun 10 Feb 2015
Died – 8 Feb 2015 Melb Vic, aged 76 years
Member: Frankston RSL
Served – Malaya – Taiping 1959 – 1961 & Vietnam 9-9-1971 to 7-3-1972 with 110 Sig Sqn
Vx117454 Sig Albert Thomas GOODRIDGE
Born – 4 Feb 1922 Heidelberg Vic
Died – Sept/Dec 2014 Bendigo Vic, aged 92 years
Served – En 23-9-1942, Disch 11-4-1946 with 87 Aust Heavy Wireless Section
Contact Details:
RSL Mufti Sept/Dec 2014
Member: Bendigo RSL
Qx36846 Sgt (Rtd) Neville James “Blue” HORRIGAN. MM
Born – 5 Jan 1921 Brisbane Qld
Died – 5 Feb 2015 Carseldine Qld, Aged 94 years
Served – En 21-1-1941, Disch 3-5-1946 with New Guinea Air Warning Company
Contact Details:
Adam West
[email protected]
312907 Sgt (Rtd) Neil John JAMIESON
Born – 31 Dec 1940 Stawell Vic
Died – Jan 2015 Brisbane Qld, aged 74 years
Served – Vietnam 22-7-1971 to 29-1-1972 with 110 Sig Sqn
Contact Details:
Adam West
[email protected]
Mr George “Yank” KENNEDY
Born – 21 Dec 1942
Died – 26 Jan 2015 Sth Aust, aged 73 years
Served – 101 Wireless Regt, 121 Sig Tp Singapore, 693 Sig Tp Labuan 1961-66
Contact Details:
Mr Brian Melville
[email protected]
51374 Mr (Cpl Rtd) John Thomas LANGRIDGE
Born – 23 Nov 1931 Brighton Vic
Died – 26 Feb 2015, aged 84 years
Served – Korea, 14-8-1952 to 15 Aug 1953 s a Sig with 3rd Bn RAR
Contact Details:
Adam West
[email protected]
Vx706 Mr (Lt Rtd) Murray McALLISTER
Born – 6 Jan 1916 Kalgoorlie WA
Died - Sept/Dec 2014 Geelong Vic, aged 98 years
Served – En 25-10-1939, Dich 5-12-1945 with 1st Aust Corps Signals
Contact Details:
RSL Mufti Sept/Dec 2014
Member; Geelong RSL
3794113 Mr (Sig Rtd) Darryl Leigh MARTIN
Born – 8 March 1948 Terang Vic
Died – 7 March 2015 Geelong Vic, aged 66 years
Served – Vietnam 16-9-1971 to 22-12-1971 with 110 Sig Sqn
Contact Details:
Adam West
[email protected]
2782372 Mr (Sig Rtd) Michael Leonard MEEHAN
Born – 19 April 1945 Guyra NSW
Died – 22 Dec 2015 aged 69 years
Served – Vietnam 18-5-1966 to 1-5-1967 with 103 Sig Sqn
Contact Details:
Adam West
[email protected]
3/742295 Mr Barry Joseph NOONAN
Born –
Died - Dec 2014 Melb Vic
Served – 3rd Div Sig Regt
Contact Details:
Hearld-Sun 24 Dec 2014
Member: Templestowe RSL
Vx133956 Sgt (Rtd) John Raymond QUIRK
Born – 2 Nov 1922 Coburg Vic
Died – 23/26 Feb 2015 Melb Vic, aged 92 years
Served – En 4-7-1942, Disch 7-11-1945 with 5th Corps Sigs
Contact Details:
Herald-Sun 27 Feb 2015
Member: East Malvern RSL
Wx28919 SSgt (Rtd) John William Clement RANKINE
Born – 22 Nov 1922 Bridgetown Sth Aust
Died – Sept/Dec 2014 Caulfield Vic, aged 91 years
Served – En 11-7-1942, Disch 18-6-1946 with 11 Aust Div Sigs
Contact Details:
RSL Mufti Sept/Dec 2014
Member: Caulfield RSL
Member: RASigs Assn of Vic
13797 (SSgt Rtd) Donald ROSS
Born – 13 Oct 1935 Paddington NSW
Died – 4 March 2015 Greenslopes Hospital Brisbane Qld, Aged 79 years
Served – Vietnam 8-10-1969 to 29-10-1970 with 104 Sig Sqn
Contact Details:
Adam West
[email protected]
32205 Pte/Sig Conrad Duncan STEWART
Born – 27 Jan 1931 Stawell Vic
Died – 16 Feb 2015 Stawell Vic, aged 84 years
Served – Korea 31-3-1954 to 19-8-1954 with 1st Bn RAR
Contact Details:
Adam West
[email protected]
Mrs Elizabeth “Betty” Winifred WHITE
Born Died – Sept/Dec 2014 Melb Vic
Served – 1st Sig Trg Unit
Contact Details:
RSL Mufti Sept/Dec 2014
Member: Ringwood RSL
G’day from Chaplain Brenton Fry.
Some of you may remember me as a member of the Corps of Signals1982 - 2002. My initial trade was Technician
Telegraph and my first posting was to 6th Signal Regiment. I often wondered if I was posted to Melbourne so I
could continue to play football for Watsonia under MAJ John Ring. I enjoyed the footy and the mateship that
came along with the AFL.
I met my wife Genyese at 6 Sig, she was the COs driver at the time and is still at the steering wheel driving our
family and has done with great commitment and love for the last 30 years. Most are very interested as to how I
came to God (Chaplaincy) and I would say that firstly it was through my wife and kids who have great faith and
forgiveness which started to draw me in e.g. I wanted what they had. This is where Chaplain Graeme Ramsden
“Rambo” comes into the picture. I was a Platoon SGT at Kapooka when Rambo was one of the Chaplains. I rang
the Padre to come and talk to one of the Recruits that we had been worried about and Rambo turns up. After he
had finished talking to the Recruit he was walking out of the foyer, I said, “Hey Padre aren’t you going to give me
an exit brief?” He apologised and said “Well he’s going ok, He just needs to harden up!” I looked at him and said
you are not supposed to say that. Rambo’s response was “well get over it”. The thought that I could do that
entered my head and I don’t just mean telling diggers to harden up!
After that day, I started to see God more and more in my life, including a number of other sign posts pointing to
Chaplaincy. At the end of my tenure as the SSM of the Commando Signal Squadron, I was faced with a number of
choices. The only decision that felt right was Chaplaincy. The next year we posted to Full Time Study in Brisbane.
After a Degree in Theology, two year pastoral placement in Brisbane. I marched into 6 th Engineer Regiment as a
Chaplain, followed by, Kapooka, 6th Battalion and now up in Townsville here at 5th Aviation Regiment. It is our first
move north of the Brisbane line in 31 years and after a settling period are happy up here in the Tropics. I think,
Chaplaincy has one of the greatest responsibilities of any in Army and that is the care of our people. That includes
their families. I love it and I love them all. I am constantly grateful that the Soldiers and families invite me into
their lives at the times of extreme joy and that of extreme suffering. It can be a great challenge to get out of your
office and into the workplace. This is one of the reasons that I have adopted the electric bike. The bike gives the
diggers something to talk about. I can be easily identified from a distance and I think it is also good for Morale.
The bike has grown a life of its own in 5 Avn to the point when RAEME kidnapped the bike and painted it RAEME
colours just in time for their Corps birthday in December. RAEME have since had the bike painted in a similar way
to the Chinooks. I think it is ironic that I can clearly remember what has brought me to Chaplaincy but uncertain
as to why I joined the Army in the first place. One thing that I am sure of is the need for support is ongoing. So I
pray I can provide you some good input and have some laughs along the way..
Messenger of God…..Certa Cito……..
The two different versions of Brenton’s get around the base motorised pushy
104 Signal Squadron 50th Anniversary Reunion
Saturday 28th to Monday 30th May 2016
At Twin Towns Services Club (Coolangatta/Tweed Heads)
This reunion is for 104 Sig Sqn past and present members, their families plus veterans, also
welcome are the younger 104 Sig Sqn veterans who served in the Solomon Islands, East Timor,
Iraq, Afghanistan and Peacekeeping missions plus other members of the
1st Combat Signal Regiment.
Limit on Attendance: Because of venue
limited to 350 attendees.
Reunion Committee:
Denis Hare
Ph:(07)5438 7512
Don Sutherland
Ph:(07)3269 8298
Peter Thorne
Ph:(07)3285 4823
John Bertini
Ph:(07)3397 1058
Reunion website:
Reunion email:
changes since the last reunion in 2011, this reunion is now
(m)0419 334 535
(m)0409 633 353
(m)0429 491 460
http://2016.au104org
[email protected]
3 CSR - 103 Sig Sqn
The 103 Signal Squadron Reunion is to be held in Townsville North Queensland
Monday 2nd to Friday 6th November 2015
Follow what is happening at 103 Sig Sqn at Facebook – 103 Sig Sqn page
More information as it comes to hand from Derek Webster & Lofty Evans
Operation Slipper
(Middle East Area
of Operations)
Veterans March
Centenary of
ANZAC Church
Service
ANZAC Day
RASigs Museum
Open Day
RASigs Members
Luncheon
RASigs Association of Victoria – Social Calendar
Saturday 21st
St Kilda Rd for
09.30am for
March 2015
about 500m then
10.00am start
into the Shrine
precinct
Sunday 12th
St Patricks
11.00am
April 2015
Cathedral
Melbourne
Saturday 25th
Swanston St East
09.40am for
April 2015
between Flinders &
10.05am start
Collins St
Tuesday
RASigs Museum
10.00am start
23rd June 2015
Simpson Bks
1.00pm BBQ
(Yet to be
Lunch
confirmed)
Wednesday
Mail Exchange
12.00pm for 12.30
29th July 2015
Hotel, Bourke St
start
(names and
City
numbers to
make this
happen)
103 Sig Sqn
Saturday 1st
Greensborough RSL
Reunion. Current
Aug 2015
111 Main St
and Ex members &
(03)9435 1884
and all Sigs
Aust Special
Wednesday 9th Pumphouse Hotel,
Wireless Group
Sept 2015
Nicholson St
Assn
Carlton
th
Peace Keepers Day
Sunday 14
Memorial Garden
Sept 2015
at the Repat
Hospital
th
8 Division Signals
Wednesday
West Brighton Club
Assn & 6th Line
TBA 2015
Section
4th Division Signals Tuesday TBA
Celtic Club Hotel
2015
Remembrance Day
Wednesday
Victorian Shrine of
11th Nov 2015
Remembrance or
Local RSL
Vietnam Veterans
Friday
Greensborough RSL
Signals Association
Nov 2015
111 Main St
of Victoria
(TBC)
Greensborough
LUNCH
RASigs Assn
Saturday
54 Stagecoach Cres
Committee
28th Nov 2015
Sydenham
meeting & Xmas
BBQ
RASigs Museum
Tuesday
Watsonia RSL
Xmas lunch
Dec 2015
RASigs
15th to 23rd
Saigon
50th Anniversary of August 2016
Vietnam
Long Tan in
Vietnam
For all Serving and former
serving members of Op Slipper.
The Assn will have our banner
there so come and join us
All members who can make it
please come along as we need
a big supporting group.
Look for our new banner, 15th
in line in 2nd AIF, 2nd Corps
Contact: Gavin Lee 0425722347
[email protected]
Mr Reg Elder
[email protected]
Contact: Gavin Lee
0425722347
[email protected]
18.00hrs for
18.30hrs start
Contact: Gavin Lee
0425 722 347
[email protected]
12.00pm
Contact:
Mr Steve Cowan
(03)988 6735
Contact: Paul Copeland
0419 355 226
[email protected]
Mrs Jacquie Urquhart
[email protected]
10.00am
AGM 11.45am
12.00pm Special
Ladies Luncheon
TBC
Mr Henry Singleton
(03)9551 2201
10.00AM
12.00PM
14.30 Meeting &
Late Lunch, early
tea afterwards
12.00pm start
It is nine (9) days
of fun &
entertainment
Mr Bruce O’Brien
V.Pres & Secretary
[email protected]
(03)9399 9939
Gavin Lee 0425722347
[email protected]
Reg Elder
[email protected]
Website
www.buddhas-place.com or
[email protected]
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Next Edition
Please send information for the next edition to the editor by no later than Sunday 31st May 2015
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Subscriptions
st
Annual subscriptions are due by 1 March of each year. Please pay them as soon as possible by using the
subscription form on the last page or by your previous normal means.
If you do have an EMAIL address, please add it onto the form so that we can send you
our newsletter.
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Disclaimer
Views expressed in Certa Cito are those of the contributors and are not necessarily those of RASigs Assn (Vic) Inc.
While contributions are welcome, not all of them can be published. Those published may be edited for length and
clarity. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned unless arrangements are made with the Editor prior to
submission.
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Next Meeting
The next committee meeting will be held on Mon 30th March 2015 at Officers Mess starting at 7.00pm.
All welcome to attend and we are always looking for new committee members.
Committee Meetings for 2015 @ 7.00pm start
2015:
Mon 30th Mar 2015, Officers Mess
Mon 11th May 2015, Sgts Mess
Mon 13th July 2015, AGM – Possible at Watsonia RSL (TBC)
Mon 7th Sept 2015, Officers Mess
Sat 28th Nov 2015, Xmas Committee BBQ @ 54 Stagecoach Cres Sydenham
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This print is one of two from artist Mr Warrick Eady. They are available for sale at [email protected] or see
them at www.facebook.com/warrickeadyphotos/photos
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