anzac day perth 2016 - rmpani.org.uk · p18 notices p19 anzac march p21 smile p22 the lonely anzac...

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In This Issue P2 Chairman’s Corner P3 Kellerberrin Visit P4 Where is he? P5 Portsmouth Calling P7 Chaplain’s Page P8 Internaonal Incident P9 Bale of Jutland P10 Desert Robbers P11 A’Soldiering for the Queen P 12 Our Man in USA P13 Roy Oswick P14 Redcaps on Patrol P17 Did you Know? P18 Noces P19 Anzac March P21 Smile P22 The Lonely Anzac P24 The Anzac on the Wall The Official Newsleer of Royal Military Police Associaon Western Australia Branch June 2016 Exemplo Ducemus REDCAPS Western Australia Anzac Day Perth 2016

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Page 1: Anzac Day Perth 2016 - rmpani.org.uk · P18 Notices P19 Anzac March P21 Smile P22 The Lonely Anzac P24 The Anzac on the Wall er of tion anch June 2016 ... The photo above shows Squad

In This IssueP2 Chairman’s Corner P3 Kellerberrin Visit P4 Where is he? P5 Portsmouth Calling

P7 Chaplain’s Page P8 International Incident P9 Battle of Jutland P10 Desert Robbers P11 A’Soldiering for the Queen P 12 Our Man in USA P13 Roy Oswick P14 Redcaps on Patrol P17 Did you Know? P18 Notices

P19 Anzac March P21 Smile P22 The Lonely Anzac P24 The Anzac on the Wall

The Official Newsletter ofRoyal Military Police Association

Western Australia Branch

June 2016Exemplo Ducemus

REDCAPSWestern Australia

Anzac Day Perth 2016

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The Chairman’s Corner

The Chairman’s Corner

Dear members

Since the last newsletter many of our members have been busy taking holidays and cruises as well as attending RMPA events. I am also relieved to find only few illnesses with members as we slowly enter into our winter months.

Since the last newsletter the branch held our annual country meeting at Kellerberrin where we were able to catch up with Roy and Dorothy Rogers. I know that Roy and Dorothy were very appreciative of the effort made to visit them and it was a lovely drive out into the countryside for the day. For me, it was also a chance to see again some of the familiar places I recall from my past police career when stationed in the Wheatbelt.

We also had our ANZAC Day parade and a smaller than usual contingent braved the wet weather for this year’s parade. However, numbers swelled considerably at the lunch venue afterwards as it proved a full-house with no spare seating at all! Yes, an excellent and most enjoyable afternoon once the marchers had dried out!

Our branch also recently attended the United Kingdom Combined Ex Services Federation annual function and I’m delighted to report our very own Eric Heath drawing the winning raffle ticket for a bottle of whisky!

I was also pleased to see some news and social contributions flow in recently which will appear in this and future editions of the newsletter. Remember, it is your newsletter and I am confident that if all members cast their minds back to past service days, I’m sure many interesting and amusing stories would come forth. As this year represents our 10th Anniversary of the formation of our branch on 23rd September 2006, I am hopeful for a bumper edition of the September 2016 newsletter; so please contact Trevor Margetson and provide a RMP story or two, no matter how serious or amusing, long or short they may be. As the old saying goes, ‘variety is the spice of life!’

This branch remains the only RMPA branch in Australia and New Zealand and we will continue to provide a quality newsletter on a regular basis for our members and friends wherever they may live in the Australasian region. I consider it vital to retain ongoing contact and interest, particularly when members or friends are unable to attend our regular lunchtime meetings or activities.

I am extremely proud of what this branch has been able to achieve over the past ten years and indeed continues to achieve throughout the wider Association in general, and the local ex-service community in particular. This has been done through the dedication of all members, and greatly enhanced through the support of wives and partners.

I look forward to the continuing success of this branch and dedication of its members.

Thank you and kind regards…………..

Brian Griffiths

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016 2

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Our Country Trip - Kellerberrin

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

In early April, branch members made a visit to the eastern wheatbelt town of Kellerberrin to meet up with our member Roy Rogers, his wife Dorothy and son Lloyd,

Kellerberrin, situated about 200kms east of Perth on the Great Eastern Highway was first settled in 1890. There is a population around 850 in the town with some 1200 living in the district. It is a collection point with its silos for the grain crops in the area.

The name Kellerberrin is Aboriginal, and is derived from the name of a nearby hill. The hill was first recorded as “Killaburing Hill” by an explorer in 1861, but in 1864 the explorer Charles Hunt recorded it as Kellerberrin Hill. One source claims that Kellerberrin is the name for the area, “camping place near where rainbow birds are found” - kalla means camping place and berrin berrin is the rainbow bird.

Roy was found to be in good spirit and a very social day was spent at the local cafe where a meal was enjoyed with Roy and family.

A well known tourist spot outside Kellerberrin is Kokerbin Rock. It is the third largest monolith in Australia and is recognized as an interesting unspoilt spot for flora and fauna study. It covers 9 hectares and is 122m high with interesting formations, caves and a deep well on the western side.

Overall it was a very worthwhile trip to see Roy, Dorothy and son Lloyd and we recognise the importance of all our members and where possible make contact with those who may find it difficult to attend our regular meetings.

As an added bonus Dorothy has contributed to our Newsletter - See page 8 of this issue.

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Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

Where Is He ?

The photo above shows Squad 99 in May 1967 and includes our Chairman Brian Griffiths.

He has kindly arranged for a competition to be held at our next Branch Lunchtime Meeting at RAAF Bullcreek on Friday 17th June 2016.

Just select where he appears in the photo by choosing the row and position i.e. front row, 2nd from right or 2nd row 4th from left etc. A little clue, front row 3rd from the left will not win.

The first correct answer drawn will win a bottle of quality wine supplied by Brian.

Brian, Pauline and myself will not be eligible.

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You Have to Be There

to Win !!!

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By Bob Eggelton

My last report ended on Valentine’s Day and we are already three months down the line without a single word being placed on ‘paper’ Just for the record I did remember Valentine’s Day and stayed out of trouble for another year.

On the 7th March we went to London to witness the Regimental Secretary, Colonel Green giving a lecture at the Army and Navy Club. The subject was “Battle Police” and it was a lecture designed to dispel the stories of military policemen carrying out executions during the First World War. The attendance was good and Colonel Green’s street cred has shot up a few points. He was also on hand when HRH Price Harry visited Southwick Park on Thursday, 2nd June. Not only on TV but in the local paper as well. On the last day of the month I became a 73 year old ‘teenager’ and another year clocked up.

Fast forward to June the 6th. There I was sitting with Joy enjoying a cup of coffee at a café situated in Port Solent, a marina located at the northern end of Portsmouth when I thought I would check my e-mail and there was a gentle reminder that I had little time to complete this report. My tranquil world was shattered as I desperately tried to remember where a couple of months had gone. It must be age related or I am just busy. The later I fear is the case.

Having left the peaceful scene of white hulled yachts and motor launches nestling at their moorings I downed my coffee and headed home to check the wall chart just to see what I have actually been doing since the 7th March. I did manage to visit Aldershot Branch for one of their meetings and also made it to 253 Provost Company RMP (V) in Tulse Hill, London to make a presentation. I have some affiliation with that company as I saw both sides of the fence with them, first as a Regular (PSI) at Southampton Detachment) and later as Detachment Commander and Second-in-Command. All I will say is that the change in the way the reserve companies operate from my time was a bit of a shock.

In April it was time to get packed and board one of P&O’s finest for another jaunt around the Mediterranean to recharge the batteries. We did manage to visit three of our favourite places, Gibraltar, Monte Carlo and Corsica. A new port of call for us was La Spezia from where we made a tour to Pisa which proved to me a very interesting day. After two weeks we were back home and the old routine ensued.

May saw the Annual Association Reunion which this year was held in Liverpool and I must say that Joy and I were very impressed with the City. A modern City which has developed to be an attractive destination for tourist and hen-parties. Merseyside Branch did us proud and only eleven months to go before we will be shooting off to Cardiff.

Another reason that the past few weeks have been hectic is mainly dealing with family matters and like many other couples Joy and I are of the Sandwich Generation having older and younger members to tend to or be responsible for in some way or another. This has been more demanding of late as Joy’s step-mother, a 94 years old, took a fall and ended up in hospital and then our daughter-in-law decide to have an appendectomy. The mileage in the car has shot up of late.

Despite the calls for assistance I have managed to get the garden looking ship-shape and providing the weather holds (I only work outdoors in sunshine) further changes will develop. The high powered hose has cleaned layers of grime off of stone work and the furniture is going to have a major overhaul and a change of colour. Looking out of the window at the moment I am reminded that I should be outside but I am sacrificing my tan to get this epistle sent out otherwise Trevor will have a gap to fill.

Cont.˃˃˃

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

Portsmouth Calling # 11

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Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

Cont.˃˃˃

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In the meantime life plods along with the run of the mill Association and Museum work which seems to be almost 24/7 but still enjoyable and worthwhile. With a bit of luck the 94 year old will be out of hospital this week, the daughter-in-law will be able to drive without bursting any stiches and life may just be a little easier. It will also be easier when the EU Referendum is done and dusted as it really becoming boring listening to both sides slog it out. I have made my ‘X’ and my postal vote has been submitted. The outcome is going to be interesting and not necessarily decisive as it has opened up big issues which are not going to fade away. I now have the football to look forward to over the coming months as England try to gain glory in France. More nail biting will ensue.

That my Australasian friends is a very swift resume of life over here since I last wrote. I apologise if it seems a bit rushed (and it was) but that is the nature of the beast at the moment. So from a very warm and sunny Portsmouth I shall wrap this one up and get it sent down the fibre-optics. Best wishes to you all.

Thank you Bob. I was surprised you didn’t take the opportunity to congratulate us on our outstanding result in the Eurovision Song Contest since it’s well known you have shown such interest in the past. The success of our representative Dami Im has paved the way for our next move to join Europe, particularly after the Brexit vote which could leave a spot for us to relocate.

We are rather partial to our Mediterranean climate and have made enquiries into the possibility that we move there. Unfortunately we are about three times the size of the ‘Med’ so may have to consider just moving our State of Western Australia and with a little ‘nip & tuck’ we could make it and leave enough for a little moat for our sharks and crocs to patrol our border.

There would be, of course, some objection from the ‘pollies’ in Canberra as taking our mines with iron ore, gold,nickel and diamonds together with the natural gas reserves may well dent the Federal Budget although, they would be tempted by the increase in Travel Allowances (Now referred to as ‘Entitlements’). We’ll see won’t we? Ed.

Earlier this year we had the pleasure of entertaining Reg. Cartwight, a member of RMPA Depot Branch at one of our meetings.

Reg.has sent us this message and doesn’t miss the chance to gloat over their ‘warm’ weather while we go through the toughening up process of handling our low to mid 20s.

Hi Trevor, hope you are keeping well and the weather is not too cold. Very warm here at the moment and has been for nearly a week now. I attended the funeral today of Lt. Colonel Audrey Purton who passed away on 20th May aged 90. I never served with her but thought that some of your members may have because she was a bit before my time. I have sent you the cover of the order of service. I was there representing the Depot Branch as I only live a 10 minute walk from the crematorium. I enjoy reading your news letters so please keep them coming. Regards. Reg

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Never Give Up!!

A little boy called at the house of the retired Gentleman and offered some picture post cards for sale at 10 cents each.

“What are you going to do with the money?”

“I am raising one million dollars for the Earthquake Relief,” he answered gravely and as he was so tiny and little and the sum he named was so large, the gentleman laughed.

“One Million Dollars?” �e cried. “Do you expect to raise it all by yourself?”

“No Sir?” He replied bravely, “There is another little boy helping me.” Anon.

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT

The church is the only institution in the world that has lower entrance requirements than those for getting on a bus!

William Laroe

GOD SPEAK

God is love

Reverend David Noble, Branch Chaplain.

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

A Word From Our Chaplain

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Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

International Incident AvoidedIn various Branch notices and ‘round robins’ we will have noticed the references to wives and partners

and we acknowledge the important part they play in the activities of our branch and the welfare of our members.

It was therefore pleasing for me to receive a letter from Dorothy Rogers expressing her appreciation of the content and presentation of our Redcaps Newsletter. I thank Dorothy for taking the trouble to write to me.

Even better, she had written her memory of an incident during her early days of meeting husband Roy all those years ago. You may ask yourselves where you were in 1955 and all the experiences you can remember of those days. I was surviving the rigours of Inkerman but others may have memories from that era which need forwarding to me and so be enjoyed by our widespread membership.

Dorothy’s Memory-

Roy and I met in Schönbrunn Barracks, Vienna. I was teaching with the British Army and our school was in a wing of the barracks. I lived in the mess with the girls working with The Intelligence Corps and we arranged a dance for Valentine’s Day (1955) and Roy was amongst the soldiers who attended.

We began to meet and developed a friendship. We thought it would be nice to go for a picnic. We didn’t know the area around the barracks very well so we decided to take one of the trams and get off at the terminus. I organised a picnic - I remember we had strawberries - and we set off.

It was interesting to see new places and we ended up in the country. We walked and found a sheltered spot by a hedge, put down the blanket and began to arrange the picnic.

After a while we heard music and voices and got up to look over the hedge. We saw men in uniform and a Sports Day in progress. As we looked more closely we recognised Russian uniforms. We were in the Russian Zone and began to get anxious. We did not have our Grey Cards with us but were in civilian clothes so we thought - ‘keep our heads down’ and no one would know we were there.

We started our picnic and everything was fine until I felt this terrible pain as I was sitting on the blanket. Then I began to feel faint and we discovered we were sitting on a huge ants’ nest which we had disturbed. Roy quickly packed up the hamper and the blanket. I couldn’t walk so he had to put me over his shoulder and find his way back to the tram stop to wait for the next tram to get us back near the barracks.

So instead of having a lovely quiet picnic, hoping no one would see us, we were frightened of drawing attention to ourselves by this man carrying a girl, who couldn’t speak German, over his shoulder.

Luckily we got back safely - the Russians too involved in their ‘day out’ to notice us and the locals, who probably didn’t like living in the Russian Zone in any case, didn’t cause any trouble either.

We were very lucky as it could have ended up with serious consequences.

Sent to us by Dorothy Rogers Best Wishes Dorothy and Thank You.

Vienna after WW2

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Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016 9

The Battle of JutlandOn 21st May several of our members attended the Federation of the United Kingdom Ex-Services

Association Annual Lunch. This year it commemorated the Battle of Jutland, fought 100 years ago from 31st May to 1st June 1916.

It was supported by British Ex-Services Assoc., Royal Green Jackets Assoc., Royal Marines Assoc., Royal Naval Assoc., Royal Military Police Assoc. and the Airborne Forces Assoc.

After battling extremely violent storms en-route to the venue, we enjoyed an excellent lunch and despite the weather limiting the attendance of some members, a pleasant afternoon was spent being entertained by a talented group X-PO-ZAY.

Our table was well represented in the Raffle winners which was accepted as recompense for turning out during such inclement weather.

The losses at the battle of Jutland in the Royal Navy Grand Fleet were reported as Battlecruisers HMS Indefatigable,HMS Invincible, HMS Queen Mary, Cruisers HMS Black Prince, HMS Defence, HMS Warrior along with eight Destroyers. Personnel killed in action amounted to 6945.

The losses in the German High Seas Fleet were Battleship SMS Pommern, Battlecruiser SMS Lutzow, Cruisers SMS Wiesbaden, SMS Elbine, SMS Rostock, SMS Frauenlaob and five Destroyers. German personnel killed in action 3058.

In the final analysis the world had witnessed a watershed in naval warfare. Jutland was to be the last fleet action in which large numbers of capital ships in eyesight of each other exchanged massive broadsides.

In material terms; the German High Seas Fleet had suffered fewer losses both in ships sunk and personnel and as such, could justify their claim to a tactical victory.

Significantly a result which demontrated their superiority in the development of armour piercing delayed action fused projectiles, gunnery and night fighting, underlined by their adherance to the highest levels of fire protection and minimising chain reactions of explosions. This point proved by the fact three British battlecruisers blew up whilst no German vessel was lost from such a cause.

The battle itself had not altered the global strategic situation. It did however reinforce the German High Command’s thinking that they had little chance of destroying the Grand Fleet and as such must rely on the submarine arm and ultimately the policy of unrestricted mercantile warfare to win the war at sea.

In reaching that fundamental decision, for Germany that marked a significant strategic defeat, the fruits of which would be reaped by the Royal Navy on the 21st November 1918 when the High Seas Fleet surrended in Scapa Flow.

Acknowledgment to Rev. Tim Harrison for excerpts taken from his article presented at the Lunch

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THE DESERT ROBBERS’ CONVERSION

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

By Len A.Hynds

It was in the stifling heat of the summer of 1949, when I was posted from my station at Suez, to take charge of a police post out in the desert that was on that long road towards Cairo. The road on leaving Suez continued to rise for many miles, until it crossed an escarpment about four miles wide, to the south you could see the Gebel Ataqua range of mountains, and to the north the high uncrossable sand dunes. From those mountains came the only life giving water, by the clouds around the peaks, seeming to soak into the porous earth, and emerging as a trickle through a fissure in the rocks a thousand feet lower, and forming a rock pool oasis at desert level. Around that oasis was a mud-brick tiny village with about thirty inhabitants, which could not be seen from our post owing to an intervening ridge.

From time immemorial the inhabitants were the robbers of the escarpment, charging a ‘toll’ from travellers, mostly the camel caravans, and when the road was built, vehicles were held-up at the point of a gun.

From the time of the establishment of a police post on the road, some 2 miles from the village, all this highway robbery had stopped, but their frustration and anger knew no bounds.

I had not been warned of their current activity of firing at us from the intervening ridge, until I heard distant shots, and then a reply from three of my Sudanese Askaris with their rifles, from one of our dug-out tents. I had twelve men of the Sudanese Frontier Force, one of them a Lance Corporal, the only one who could read or write, and every one of them had been charged in their own country with some offence by the Egyptian Police. Each one told me it was a trumped-up charge, and at court given the option of prison or joining the Frontier Force. Their country was known as the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, but really an Egyptian colony, and as Egypt was a ‘Protectorate’ of ours, so was the Sudan. So the Sudanese hated all Egyptians.

The Askaris were fine looking tall men but painfully thin, all with tribal scars cut into their cheeks. With their army turbans they were about 6’-7” tall.

Askari Soldier with gun stopped them returning the fire, and was told about this frequent happening, so stated my intention to visit the head man the following morning, and detailed eight of them to accompany me. They became so excited at the prospect, that I told them that it was only a social visit to warn him off and all rifles were to be unloaded, as I was having no mistakes.

The following morning at dawn, I was sitting on the wall by their oasis, with my lads in strategic positions, when he was brought to me in a state of fear and trepidation. I said that I was not happy with him, and that I would hold him personally responsible for any more firing.

It was quite obvious when speaking with him, that he was a man who had been educated probably down in Suez itself, and he had difficulty in controlling some of the younger elements. As I looked round that god-forsaken place, I wondered what I would have done if born there.

A glimmer of an idea began to form in my mind, and I said, “There is a way you can earn from those travellers without robbing them. There is probably one vehicle every half hour that uses that road, and the caravans always keep well away from you these days. There is only one traveller’s Rest all the way to Cairo. I would have no objection to you building a stopping place for travellers on the road, and you could come under our protection as well.” He came to see me the following day, and we chose a site.

The traveller’s rest came on apace, and soon every vehicle stopped there, and my Askaris when off duty would wander down there to play dominoes with the villagers. They also volunteered to help in clearing a pathway from the village to the road as I suggested that camels could carry the water from the oasis, to save the poor women that trek constantly with fresh water on their head or shoulders.

I have no doubt that robbery still took place, but with a smile this time.

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All these years I’ve travelled,so many sights I’ve seen,

I’ve fought in many battles,A’soldiering for the Queen

How many times have I seen,A friend struck down by my side,

And helplessly watched as he breathed his last,How many times have I cried,

Now those days are in the past,And I will fight no more,

No waiting for the that mortal wound,On some far off, hostile shore.

No more days of soldiering,No new sights to be seen,

No more fighting battles,A’soldiering for the Queen.

For a musket ball had found it’s mark,My life has flown away,

All that is left is an empty shell,An empty shell of clay.

So now the journey had begun, To the land so dear to me,

To my family and the fields of home,Though these I’ll never see.

The comrades of those foreign fields,Were of the very best,

I know I’ll see them once again,As they lay me down to rest.

We’ll meet again in the Elysian Fields,All robust, young, and keen,

With pride we will remember,A’soldiering for the Queen.

Sent to us by Al Smith - a poem by an unknown Redcap.

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

“A‘Soldiering For The Queen”

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A contractor in Texas was using a Google map to get him to the house that he was supposed to demolish. When he got there his crew went to work and got the job done. Really efficient, except for one small problem, Google had sent them to the wrong house!! Can you imagine coming home after a hard day’s work and finding a hole where your house used to be? Oops.

I was just listening to the World War 11 song Lili Marlene. I heard it sung by the original singer, Lale Anderson, then Marlene Dietrich, and Vera Lynn. It was no contest, Vera Lynn had too great a voice. I think that as you sit there and listen to songs like this, you go back to those years, at least the older chaps such as myself, and you can enjoy those time all over again. Pardon me, but I’m out of here for some fish and chips!

A young man in the state of Georgia was lucky enough to win $434,272.00 on the Lottery, but the luck turned very bad when three men broke into his house demanding some of that money. Finding no great amount of money in the house, the man was shot and killed. Seven suspects have already been arrested with three more being sought. What a terrible end to a wonderful dream.

Reality? - This morning I was sitting on a park bench next to a homeless man, I asked him how he ended up this way. He said, “Up until last week I still had it all. A cook who cooked my meals, my room was cleaned, my clothes were washed & pressed, I had a roof over my head, I had TV, internet, I went to the gym regularly, the pool, the library, I could still go to school.” I asked, “What happened then? was it Drugs? or Alcohol? Divorce?“ “Oh no, nothing like that,” he said. “I got out of prison.”

In the news this morning is a warning of an earthquake in California. It’s the San Andreas Fault again,

which has been a big worry for years. Other earthquakes have occurred over the years, but now they are predicting a very large one, possibly close to an 8.0 magnitude. In the past there have been articles about what would happen if a quake of that sized did occur, different scenarios have been put forward, some showing parts of California being broken off and disappearing into the Pacific, many people perishing, and untold billions of dollars in damages. We can only hope that it doesn’t happen, but nature has it’s own way of doing things.

A recent survey found that the average American household is $90,000.00 in debt. This of course, would include the house mortgage, but that’s still a lot of coffee money. Then in Texas, a lady sold her pet bison, yes bison as in buffalo, for $5,950.00. She said that it was completely housebroken, but she never said if it came to sit on her lap! Then a sad bit of news when it’s been shown that one out of every six young American men are either out of work or in jail. That’s not a statistic to be proud of, but unfortunately work ethics are not what they used to be.

In the town of Pahrump, Nevada, a building was going up and it would be called “Diamond D’s Brothel”. But a local church started a campaign to block the building of it, and had prayer meetings morning, afternoon, and evening to that effect. So when a storm happened and lightning struck and burned down the building, the church folk talked abut the power of prayer. But “Big Jugs Diamond” the brothel owner, shocked them by starting a law suit again the church to claim damages, citing the prayers. It will be very interesting to see the outcome of this.

The election here is heating up a bit more as protesters assaulted a Trump gathering in San Jose, California. Election year has always had it’s crazy times, but it seems that anything is possible now. One has to wonder what will happen at the voting booths. The U.S Army’s 1st Cavalry Division, whose home base is at Fort Hood, Texas, has been having problems with the flooding in that area, and recently a truck carrying soldiers was swept away at a low water crossing and was overturned in a swollen creek. Five soldiers are known dead and three injured, and rescuers are searching for four other soldiers who are missing.

The state of California has entered it’s fifth year of drought, and although there has been some recovery, this year is not looking very good. Experts have said that it’s the worst drought in 1,200 years. I would guess that there have been archaeological digs to find out that information. As if this is not bad enough, I would expect California to have a rash of forest fires this year.

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

Our Man in U.S.A

Al Smith

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Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

We always look forward to reading the articles supplied to us by Roy Oswick from Cyprus but I doubt we take into consideration the hardship he endures in having to struggle through life, tolerating these surroundings and the poverty that it portrays. He never complains but there again - why should he?

Relax Roy our thoughts are with you - and our sincere Thanks.

Roy has come up with an alternative to the ever intrusive Facebook with the following - No App needed.For those of my generation who do not use and cannot comprehend why Facebook exists:

I am trying to make friends outside of Facebook while using the same principles. Therefore, every day I walk down the street and tell passersby what I have eaten, how I feel at the moment, what I have done the night before, what I will do later, and with whom.

I give them pictures of my family, my dog, and of me gardening, taking things apart in the garage, watering the lawn, standing in front of landmarks, driving around town, having lunch, and doing what anybody and everybody does every day.

I also listen to their conversations, give them the “thumbs up” and tell them I like them and it works just like Facebook. I already have five people following me:

Two police officers, a private investigator, a priest and a psychiatrist. Roy O

Sent to us by Member Alan Hancox from Queensland I remember once at Inkerman Barracks in June 1955 we were getting close to passout and B**** M*****s of our

492 Squad (an ‘old soldier’ from the Sherwood Foresters) asked me to stand in for him on weekend guard, as he had a date in London. Our squad members got together and lent me their best gear, ie. boots, white webbing etc, so that I would be the ‘stick man’ and thus excused guard because I was the best turned out on guard inspection. It got down to me and one member from another squad, and by this time we were standing out on the parade ground and had progressively stripped down to our underclothes. Unfortunately, I had a small hole in the toe of one of my socks, so the other chap got ‘stick man’ and I got guard duty. No bad feelings - it was my own fault, but it’s something I’ll never forget.

Alan also passes on the reported account of a trainee at The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in the late eighties when his platoon sergeant, during a barrack room inspection, found a dead fly in his locker. This resulted in two punishment inspections - one for having a pet and the other for not feeding it. Harsh or Fair? Ed.

Somebody Has To Do It

Come on in - the water’s fine !!

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An Inkerman or A Stick Man ?

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Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

Redcaps On Patrol in Cyprus (Traffic 1958/1961)

Can Money Buy You Everything? SOME PEOPLE DO THINK SO

Although Military Police in Cyprus during the EOKA Campaign were mainly involved in Anti Terrorist Operations they also had to carry out their normal police duties, that included investigating and reporting traffic offences and RTA’s (Road Traffic Accidents). RTA’s were frequent, due in the main to very poor road conditions and also the local standard of driving which has improved little over the years. It could be argued that there is no such thing as an accident and whenever RMP investigated an accident involving a military vehicle or a civilian vehicle owned or driven by a military person, the investigation invariably concluded with an indication that from the evidence gathered the military person was or was not to blame for the accident or that he/she could or could not have prevented itfrom happening.

The report was submitted to the Commanding Officer of the unit to which the serviceman belonged and the CO would decide whether Disciplinary proceedings should take place. Generally speaking these proceedings were held locally and the CO would hear the evidence, reach a finding and where necessary issue a punishment. Sometimes however the matter was so serious that the CO would decide not to deal with the case himself but to refer it to a Court Martial. I was involved in one such case early in my service.

The accused person was a middle ranking military officer. At the time, around mid 1959 there was a Squadron of the Blues and Royals stationed here. They were and still are a very high profile cavalry regiment and part of the Queens Household Division. The role of this regiment in Cyprus was to carry out extended patrols throughout the island attempting to gather information and win the Hearts and Minds of the people. This was almost always very boring and the patrols could last for several days. Returning to barracks from these patrols provided an opportunity for the Squadron to party, which they always did with much enthusiasm.

It should also be remembered that in those days it was still possible for the very rich to buy a commission and the Cavalry regiments, the Blues and Royals and the Lifeguards were particularly popular. It was not at all unusual to find a large contingent of young men from very wealthy backgrounds almost playing at soldiers in these regiments. Mostly they consisted of young men who had failed at university or were seen by parents as not yet fit to join the family business in any kind of trusted position. The officer in this case was one of these and his family had bought him a commission in the Blues and Royals. This young man was a member of a very well known wealthy family concerned in the production of confectionery and soft drinks. In the very early hours of a typically hot summer day I was sent to investigate a Traffic accident in the Troodos mountains. It was reported that the accident involved two military vehicles and several soldiers had been seriously injured.

Military ambulance, recovery and fire crews had already been sent and it was not long before we arrived on the scene.

What greeted us was a scene of total carnage. The road itself was clear but we quickly learned that the two military vehicles involved were a Ferret Scout Car and a Saladin armoured vehicle.

Cont˃˃

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˃˃Cont

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

Both had crashed off the road and were now perched precariously on the side of a ravine, looking

for all the world as if the slightest movement would send them crashing further down the mountain and into virtual oblivion. Army medics had acted very swiftly and had already got the injured out

and conveyed them to the military hospital in Nicosia. Thankfully none was in a life threatening state but there were nonetheless some serious injuries. The Army Recovery team informed me that the vehicles could be recovered and that they had requested heavy lifting gear. And so began the task for The Military Police to investigate the accident and attempt to discover what had happened. We managed to locate the village policeman and with his help were able to establish that no other vehicles had been involved, but some of the locals said that the 2 vehicles had passed through their village going very fast and with one of the soldiers standing up in the turret of each vehicle.

The policeman proceeded to take eyewitness statements which he said he would forward to us at our base in Episkopi. We assisted in clearing the scene and when the vehicles had been recovered returned to base. After a few days we were told that the injured soldiers were to be released from hospital and we made arrangements to interview them.

There were ten of them and we found that 4 had been in the Ferret Scout Car under the command of a Senior NCO, and 6 others had been in the larger Salladin under the command of an offtcer. Because of the number of interviews to be carried out we split the investigating team and began the investigation. At the end of the day we met and began to put together what had happened as far as we could from what had been said in the statements taken from the soldiers. It quickly became clear to us that the Officer in Charge was largely responsible for the accident because each of the soldiers said that the Officer in the Salladin had laid down a challenge to the Senior Non Commissioned Officer in the Ferret Scout car to a race back to barracks, the loser to pay for the first round of drinks at the return to base party that evening. I subsequently interviewed both the Officer and the SNCO, who both denied any such allegation. In the meantime we had received the reports from the REME who had recovered the two vehicles and they reported that both vehicles were so badty damaged as to be beyond repair. The cost to the army to replace these vehicles was several thousands of pounds.

Eventually the SNCO decided that he would be better placed to tell the truth and admitted to me that the accident was the result of the race, both vehicles had been speeding on very narrow and twisting roads, the drivers had lost control and both had crashed off the road. In the circumstances it was pure luck that nobody had been killed. Even when confronted with the evidence the Officer denied that he had issued such a challenge, however when his commanding Officer received the Military Police report he quickly decided that the matter was so serious and the financial loss to the Army so great that the officer should be tried by Court Martial. This was duly arranged and after a couple of months the hearing was convened. The Court Martial centre was nothing more grand than a metal Nissan Hut that served as courtroom dressing room and waiting room for the panel of judges, witnesses and the accused. The judging panel

consisted of a very Senior Officer, in this case the Brigade Major, who acted in much the same way as the Chairman of a Magistrates Court, a member of the Judge Advocate Generals Staff, who offered advice on Legal matters, and an independent member who was responsible to ensure that the accused received a fair hearing. The Accused had an officer of equal or senior rank to act as his defending officer and the Army used an officer from the Army Legal Services to act as the prosecution. I well remember that it was July and the heat was overpowering the only method of keeping the room at a bearable temperature was the fitting of two ceiling

fans that served only to blow the legal documents of all parties all over the room. Cont˃˃

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If you think Aussie Bush Etiquette is slipping, just brush up on these few points 1 Never take an open stubby to a job interview. 2 Always identify people in your paddocks before you shoot

at them. 3 It’s tacky to take an Esky to church. 4 If you have to vacuum the bed, it’s time to change the sheets. 5 Even if you’re certain you’re included in the will, it’s rude to take your ute and trailer to the funeral. 6 When decanting wine from the box, tilt the paper cup and pour slowly so as not to bruise the wine. 7 If drinking directly from the bottle, hold it with only one hand. 8 A centrepiece for the table should never be anything prepared by a taxidermist. 9 Don’t allow the dog to eat at the table, no matter how good his manners. 10 While ears need cleaning regularly, this should be done in private, using one’s OWN ute keys. 11 Even if you live alone, deodorant isn’t a waste of money. 12 Extensive use of deodorant can only delay bathing by a few days. 13 Dirt and grease under the fingernails is a no-no, it alters the taste of finger foods and if you are a woman it can draw attention away from your jewellery. 14 Dim your headlights for approaching vehicles, even if your gun’s loaded and the roo’s in your rifle sight. 15 When entering a roundabout, the vehicle with the largest roo bar doesn’t always have the right of way. 16 When sending your wife down the road with a petrol can, it’s impolite to ask her to bring back a beer too.

This should ensure we hold that global image of sophistication and good taste we have always treasured Ed.

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

˃˃Cont

16

The wheels of justice are renowned for the tortuous speed at which they travel and the Army is no exception. Due to the number of soldiers required to give evidence I was examined and then cross examined as each gave evidence. The officer had maintained his Not Guilty plea and I well remember how often the Chairman offered him the opportunity to change his plea. After two days it was clear that the only possible finding would be that of Guilty and the officer was at risk of being cashiered out of the Army. As I said the officer came from a very wealthy family whose products were, and still are, sold worldwide.

As the court approached the end of the second day the Chairman announced that the accused officer would be called the following day to give his evidence, and told the officer that he needed to consider very carefully what he would say. The accused officer became visibly shaken as if at last the penny had dropped and he could see that his military career was about to end in a less than glorious fashion, also perhaps he had visions that the family may not be at all impressed. The Penny was Dropping

The court closed for the day and reconvened the following morning. I remember that I was in dread of another long hot day in the dock, and praying for a miracle to happen, and have the day pass quickly.

As had been stated the previous day the first witness to be called was to be the officer. As the investigating policeman I was called first for the prosecution. I delivered my evidence and went through the cross examination by the defence and was about to be stood down from the witness box when there was a sudden turn in events. The accused officer was in deep discussion with his defending officer and was clearly somewhat distressed. His defending officer approached the bench and asked if his client may have permission to speak. After a brief discussion the Chairman agreed and allowed the accused time to address the court outside of the witness box.

What happened next is something that I had never seen before and in 23 years service never saw again. Striking a pose not unlike Perry Mason the Officer began to speak. “Gentlemen of the Court, may I please have your attention for just a few minutes? I admit that I may have made a mistake and that some of my men could have suffered more than they did and I am truly sorry for that. We had been on patrol for several days and everyone was more than a little fed up. I thought that having a race back to camp would cheer us all up a bit. Now, we have sat and sweltered in this room for the last few days and I am aware that everyone is hot and tired and totally peed off with the whole affair. Clearly this is set to go on for at least the rest of today, and possibly tomorrow. In exchange for a reasonable finding from the Court would it not be better for all concerned if I were to say. Yes, I am guilty, so why not just let me pay for the damage and move on?”

The Chairman of the Court was to say the least unimpressed. Needless to say the request was denied and he did eventually give his evidence, was found guilty and was cashiered. This was reduced on appeal to several year’s loss of seniority and huge fines from his salary.

Oh how I remember the look on the faces of the Court Martial Panel. Priceless.Money cannot always buy you everything.

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Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

Did You Know?

?

17

●In Shakespeare’s time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes, the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence, the phrase...’Goodnight , sleep tight’.

●Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history: Spades - King David Hearts - Charlemagne Clubs - Alexander, the Great Diamonds -Julius Caesar

●There is an old Hotel/Pub in Marble Arch, London, which used to have a gallows adjacent to it. Prisoners were taken to the gallows (after a fair trial of course) to be hanged. The horse-drawn dray, carting the prisoner was accompanied by an armed guard, who would stop the dray outside the pub and ask the prisoner if he would like ’ONE LAST DRINK’.

If he said YES, it was referred to as ‘ONE FOR THE ROAD’.If he declined, that prisoner was ‘ON THE WAGON’.

●your brain uses 25% of your oxygen supply.

●The organ that stores Vitamin A,D,E and K is the liver.

Rosemary, an ancient symbol of remembrance, has particular significance for Australians as it can be found growing on the wild slopes of Gallipoli. Sprigs of Rosemary are worn on ANZAC Day, and often on Remembrance Day, by veterans and others attending services and parades.

The ancients believed it strengthened the memory, and on this account it became an emblem of fidelity and a symbol of remembrance.

It can thus be associated with the ANZAC tradition of being loyal to one’s mates and active in honouring the

memory of fallen and departed comrades.

With thanks to the Australian war memorial

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Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

Notices

Members should be aware that the branch receives each edition of The Royal Military Police Journal and it is made available on request. Should any member be interested in reading the current or back issues of the journal a simple request to our Secretary, Eric Heath is all it needs. The Journal is sent free of charge within Australia and you only pay the return postage. The Journal which is well illustrated keeps us abreast of

the current changes and news of the RMP units, RMPA branches and Births, Marriages & Deaths. Your personal copy can can ordered from RHQ shop by entering into your browser this link http://www.rhqrmp.org

Should you feel additional cost of postage too much then a new alternative format is available as an ‘on-line’ edition with a very convenient flip-book facility.

Did you receive last month’s Old Comrades Newsletter? Many new faces and unfortunately a few of those we’ve lost. Contact Bob Eggleton and someone you knew and had spent time with during your service could respond and one or more of your old mates could help bring back some memories.

If you’re not receiving this extremely informative monthly you need to contact Bob, Email: [email protected] for your copy or have our Secretary Eric Heath send you an application form. Like something for free? - it is, so don’t miss out.

Branch Welfare Our branch offers welfare support to members

Confidential enquiries for assistance can be made through The Chairman, Branch Secretary or direct to

Rev. David Noble (08) 9398 7296, email: [email protected] Ann Page (08) 9291 6670, email: [email protected]

18

Upcoming Branch Meetings for 2016Friday 19 August 2016 RMPA lunch At RAAFA Club, Bullcreek.

Friday 14 October 2016 RMPA Annual Dinner – 10th Anniversary (evening function) Wings Room, RAAFA Club, Bullcreek.

Sunday 13 November 2016 Remembrance Parade followed by Lunch at ‘My Place Restaurant’.

Sunday 19 November 2016 BESA Annual Lunch, RAAFA Club, Bullcreek (price to be advised).

Sunday 27 November 2016 RMPA AGM at 44 Grove Rd, Walliston (office bearers to be appointed).

Friday 16 December 2016 RMPA Christmas Lunch at RAAFA Club, Bullcreek.

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Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

Anzac Day March 2016

Rain is something usually celebrated in Perth after hot dry summers but on Anzac Day we prefer to enjoy water in the surf or under a sprinkler on the back lawn etc. and this year the Weather Bureau missed the mark by a few hours and we experienced a soaking.

Despite the weather all that attended, the huge crowd in their tens of thousands and all of those that marched showed the spirit of ANZAC which respects those who gave so much.

The March along St. George’s Terrace continued into Victoria Avenue and ended in Langley Park where a commemorative service was held.

We later made our way with family members to My Place Restaurant for refreshment and some very pleasant discussions took place which ranged from varied memories and the inevitable setting the country straight.

LestWe

Forget

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One of the strengths of our Branch is the comradeship and the ability to meet socially to show our support for all members whilst still maintaining the dignity of the event. Anzac Day in Australia has great significance and the pride in those that served is uppermost in the minds of all that day.

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

Time to Relax & Reflect

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Subject: The Morality of Dishonesty.Robbers entered a bank in a small town. One of them shouted: “Don’t move! The money belongs to the

bank. Your lives belong to you”.Immediately all the people in the bank laid on the floor quietly and without panic. This is an example of

how the correct wording of a sentence can make everyone change their view of the world.While running from the bank the youngest robber, who had a college degree, said to the oldest robber,

who had barely finished elementary school: “Hey, maybe we should count how much we stole.”? The older man replied: “Don’t be stupid. It’s a lot of money so let’s wait for the news on TV to find out how much money was taken from the bank.” This is an example of how life experience is more important than a degree.

After the robbery, the manager of the bank said to his accountant: “Let’s call the cops and tell them how much has been stolen”. “Wait, said the Accountant, “before we do that, let’s add the $800,000 we took for ourselves a few months ago and just say that it was stolen as part of today’s robbery.”

This is an example of taking advantage of an opportunity.The following day it was reported in the news that the bank was robbed of $3 million. The robbers then

counted the money, but they found only $1 million so they started to grumble. “We risked our lives for $1 million, while the bank’s management robbed two million dollars without blinking? Maybe it’s better to learn how to work the system, instead of being a simple robber.” This is an example of how knowledge can be more useful than power.

Moral: Give a person a gun, and he can rob a bank. Give a person a bank, and he can rob everyone.

The local sheriff was looking for a deputy and put out the word.Gomer – who was not exactly the sharpest knife in the kitchen – went in to try out for the job.“Okay,” the sheriff drawled, “Gomer, what is 1 and 1?”“11,” he replied.The sheriff thought to himself, “That’s not what I meant, but he’s right.”“What two days of the week start with the letter ‘T’?”“Today and tomorrow,” said Gomer.The sheriff was again surprised that Gomer supplied a correct answer that he had never thought of

himself.“Now Gomer, listen carefully: Who killed Abraham Lincoln?”Gomer looked a little surprised himself, then thought really hard for a minute and finally admitted, “I

don’t know.”“Well, why don’t you go home and work on that one for a while?” said the sheriff.So, Gomer wandered over to the pool hall where his pals were waiting to hear the results of the

interview.Gomer was exultant. “It went great! First day on the job and I’m already working on a murder case!”

The Talking Centipede A single guy decided life would be more fun if he had a pet. He went to the pet store and told the

owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet. After some discussion, he finally bought a talking centipede, (100-legged bug), which came in a little white box to use for his house.

He took the box back home, found a good spot for the box and decided he would start off by taking his new pet to church with him. So he asked the centipede in the box, “Would you like to go to church with me today? We will have a good time.” But there was no answer from his new pet. This bothered him a bit, but he waited a few minutes and then asked again, “How about going to church with me and receive blessings?” But again,there was no answer from his new friend and pet. So he waited a few minutes more, thinking about the situation. The guy decided to invite the centipede one last time. This time he put his face up against the centipede’s house and shouted, “Hey, in there! Would you like to go to church with me and learn about God?” This time a little voice came out of the box , “I heard you the first time! I’m putting my shoes on!”

Kiss PrincipleWhen NASA started sending astronauts into space, they quickly discovered that ballpoint pens

would not work in zero gravity. To combat this problem, NASA scientists spent a decade and $12 million developing a pen that writes in zero gravity, upside-down, on almost any surface including glass and at temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 300 C.

The Russians used a pencil.

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

Smile! - It’s Good For You

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This year, as in previous years, Anzac Day saw Sgt.

Thomas Hunter being honoured with a service at his graveside in Broadway Cemetery by the people of Peterborough.

It was reported by Peterborough Telegraph newspaper and the service acknowledges not only Thomas Hunter but the many thousands of Anzacs that died at Gallipoli and other conflicts in later years.

This memorial by the veterans, serving personnel, dignitaries and members of the various associations ensures the continued respect owed to those who gave so much.

Cont˃˃

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

The Lonely Anzac

Thomas Hunter was an early volunteer for Australian Imperial Force. As part of the 10th Battalion he was amongst the very first ashore during the dawn landing at ANZAC Cove on 25th April 1915.

Having survived Gallipoli, Thomas Hunter was deployed to France with the Battalion. During an attack on Pozieres on 25th July 1916, he received terrible wounds. He was brought back to England and taken off a hospital train at Peterborough, where he later died from his wounds in the local hospital on the 31st July 1916.

A tremendous generosity of spirit was shown by the people of the town towards this Australian soldier. They gave him a funeral with full military honours watched by thousands of people. They then raised funds for an impressive monument and a plaque in the cathedral.

This year marks 100 years since Sgt Hunter “The Lonely ANZAC” passed away. An ANZAC Day Commemorative Service continues to be conducted

each year at Thomas Hunter’s graveside. It attracts large numbers of people including the Mayor of the City, representatives of the Australian High Commission in London and various armed forces. This book tells the fascinating story of the Lonely ANZAC and of the Battalion with which he served, and how after 100 years his grave continues to be at the centre of special commemorative services.

RMPA Western Australia Branch members will recall the efforts of Ron Warden tracing descendants of Thomas Hunter in Australia and our 2015 Anzac Day special newsletter article on THE LONELY ANZAC, outlining the assistance of Ron Warden & Mike Seabourne RMPA, together with the generous cooperation of the book’s author John Walter Harvey who sadly passed away earlier this year.

The article was enthusiastically received by readers and here is your unique opportunity to now buy a reprint of the book.

To purchase a copy (Soft Cover, A4 166pp) contact Greg Sharon, of the10th Battalion A.I.F.

Association. Email: [email protected]

Text or Phone: 0419 808 195

Order Now !!Just $25

Plus $10 P & H within Australia

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ANZAC Day 2016 - Peterborough U.K.

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Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

Cont˃˃

23

We acknowledge the kind assistance of Peterborough Telegraph and in particular

Deputy Editor Nigel Thornton who also supplied us with the photos below which

show the funeral of Sgt. Thomas Hunter ‘The Lonely Anzac’ all those years ago.

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Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

I wandered thru a country town ‘cos I had some time to spare,And went into an antique shop to see just what was there.Old bikes and pumps and kero lamps, but hidden by it all,

A photo of a soldier boy - an Anzac on the Wall.

“The Anzac have a name?” I asked. The old man answered “No,The ones who could have told me mate, have passed on long ago.”

The old man kept on talking and, according to his tale,The photo was unwanted junk bought from a clearance sale.

“I asked around,” the old man said, “but no one knows his face,He’s been on that wall twenty years, but deserves a better place.

For someone must have loved him so, it seems a shame somehow.”I nodded in agreement and then said, “I’ll take him now.”

My nameless digger’s photo, well it was a sorry sightA cracked glass pane and a broken frame - I had to make it right

To prise the photo from its frame I took care just in case,Cause only sticky paper held the cardboard back in place.

I peeled away the faded screed and much to my surprise,Two letters and a telegram appeared before my eyes

The first reveals my Anzac’s name, and regiment of courseJohn Mathew Francis Stuart - of Australia’s own Light Horse.

This letter written from the front, my interest now was keenThis note was dated August seventh 1917

“Dear Mum, I’m at Khalasa Springs not far from the Red SeaThey say it’s in the Bible - looks like a Billabong to me.”

“My Kathy wrote I’m in her prayers she’s still my bride to beI just can’t wait to see you both you’re all the world to me

And Mum you’ll soon meet Bluey, last month they shipped him outI told him to call on you when he’s up and about.”

“That Bluey is a larrikin, and we all thought it funnyHe lobbed a Turkish hand grenade into the CO’s dunny.

I told you how he dragged me wounded in from no man’s landHe stopped the bleeding closed the wound with only his bare hand.”

“Then he copped it at the front from some stray shrapnel blastIt was my turn to drag him in and I thought he wouldn’t last

He woke up in hospital, and nearly lost his mindCause out there on the battlefield he’d left one leg behind.”

“He’s been in a bad way mum, he knows he’ll ride no more

Like me he loves a horse’s back, he was a champ before.So Please Mum can you take him in, he’s been like my brother

Raised in a Queensland orphanage he’ s never known a mother.”

“But Struth, I miss Australia mum, and in my mind each dayI am a mountain cattleman on high plains far away

I’m mustering white-faced cattle, with no camel’s hump in sightAnd I waltz my Matilda by a campfire every night.”

“I wonder who rides Billy, I heard the pub burnt downI’ll always love you and please say hooroo to all in town.”

The second letter I could see was in a lady’s handAn answer to her soldier son there in a foreign land.

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The Anzac on the Wall by Jim Brown

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Her copperplate was perfect, the pages neat and cleanIt bore the date November 3rd 1917.

“T’was hard enough to lose your Dad, without you at the warI’d hoped you would be home by now - each day I miss you more.”

“Your Kathy calls around a lot since you have been awayTo share with me her hopes and dreams about your wedding day

And Bluey has arrived - and what a godsend he has beenWe talked and laughed for days about the things you’ve done and seen”

“He really is a comfort, and works hard around the farm,I read the same hope in his eyes that you won’t come to harm.

McConnell’s kids rode Billy, but suddenly that changedWe had a violent lightning storm, and it was really strange.”

“Last Wednesday just on midnight, not a single cloud in sightIt raged for several minutes, it gave us all a fright

It really spooked your Billy - and he screamed and bucked and rearedAnd then he rushed the sliprail fence, which by a foot he cleared”

“They brought him back next afternoon but something’s changed I fearIt’s like the day you brought him home, for no one can get near

Remember when you caught him with his black and flowing mane?Now horse breakers fear the beast that only you can tame.”

“That’s why we need you home son” - then the flow of ink went dry-This letter was unfinished, and I couldn’t work out why.

Until I started reading the letter number threeA yellow telegram delivered news of tragedy

Her son killed in action - oh - what pain that must have beenThe same date as her letter - 3rd November 17

This letter which was never sent, became then one of threeShe sealed behind the photo’s face - the face she longed to see.

And John’s home town’s old timers - children when he went to warWould say no greater cattleman had left the town before.

They knew his widowed mother well - and with respect did tellHow when she lost her only boy she lost her mind as well.

She could not face the awful truth, to strangers she would speak“My Johnny’s at the war you know , he’s coming home next week.”

They all remembered Bluey he stayed on to the endA younger man with wooden leg became her closest friend

And he would go and find her when she wandered old and weakAnd always softly say “yes dear - John will be home next week.”Then when she died Bluey moved on, to Queensland some did say

I tried to find out where he went, but don’t know to this day.

And Kathy never wed - a lonely spinster some found oddShe wouldn’t set foot in a church - she’d turned her back on God

John’s mother left no will I learned on my detective trailThis explains my photo’s journey, that clearance sale.

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016 25

The Anzac on the Wall Cont.

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So I continued digging ‘cause I wanted to know moreI found John’s name with thousands in the records of the war

His last ride proved his courage - a ride you will acclaimThe Light Horse Charge at Beersheba of everlasting fame

That last day in October back in 1917At 4pm our brave boys fell - that sad fact I did glean

That’s when John’s life was sacrificed, the record’s crystal clearBut 4pm in Beersheba is midnight over here.

So as John’s gallant spirit rose to cross the great divideWere lightning bolts back home a signal from the other side?

Is that why Billy bolted and went racing as in pain?Because he’d never feel his master on his back again?

Was it coincidental? same time - same day - same date?Some proof of numerology, or just a quirk of fate?

I think it’s more than that, you know, as I’ve heard wiser men,Acknowledge there are many things that go beyond our ken.

Where craggy peaks guard secrets neath dark skies torn asunderWhere hoofbeats are companions to the rolling waves of thunder

Where lightning cracks like 303’s and ricochets againWhere howling moaning gusts of wind sound just like dying men

Some Mountain cattlemen have sworn on lonely alpine trackThey’ve glimpsed a huge black stallion - Light Horseman on his back.

Yes Sceptics say, it’s swirling clouds just forming apparitionsOh no, my friend you cant dismiss all this as superstition.

The desert of Beersheba - or windswept Aussie rangeJohn Stuart rides forever there - Now I don’t find that strange.

Now some gaze at this photo and they often question meAnd I tell them a small white lie, and say he’s family.

“You must be proud of him.” they say - I tell them, one and all,That’s why he takes the pride of place - my Anzac on the Wall.

Some may feel this a little lenghty for our newsletter but I believe it brings to the fore the sacrifices made by all members of our armed services and in particular those at home that carry equally the huge burden of warfare Ed.

The Anzac on the Wall Cont.

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016 26

Lest We Forget

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Exemplo DucemusBy Example Shall We Lead

Contact Details for Office Bearers

Chairman Brian Griffiths [email protected] (08)9300 1551

Secretary Eric Heath [email protected] (08)9291 8962

Treasurer Trevor Margetson [email protected] (08)9524 8034

Welfare Officer Rev. David Noble [email protected] (08)9291 8962

Standard Bearer Bill Dodds [email protected] (08)9581 6619

Redcaps Western Australia Official Newsletter of RMPA Western Australia Branch June 2016

Royal Military Police AssociationWestern Australia Branch

27

Have you sent in your article to Redcaps Newsletter?

It is satisfying that the interest from other RMPA branches continues and this inter-branch connection makes for the strong bond that makes our Association so successful. We invite all branches to participate in articles in our newsletter and since it is distributed throughout the world it can assist in promoting their branch where they currently do not produce their own newsletter. We are always pleased to receive newsletters produced by other branches to distribute to our members.

My inbox is always open - address belowThank You and Best Wishes Trevor Margetson - Editor

So much has happened since our last Newsletter. From reports of extreme heat and the huge bushfires to cooling temperatures, the serious storms and resultant floods on our Eastern seaboard which have impacted Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and far south to Tasmania. Here in Western Australia we try to fend off cold fronts sweeping in from the Indian Ocean.

At least it takes our attention away from yet another Federal election. Earlier in this period we were able to make our visit to Kellerberrin in the country and we prepared for the Anzac activities.

Anzac Day was a little surprising as rain was an aspect that we seldom need to factor into our

arrangements but it had little effect as a deterrent for the participants on the march in Perth and, from my observation, no loss of enthusiasm from the huge crowd that builds with each year.

Our next newsletter will report on the 10th birthday of Western Australia Branch and I truly hope we can have the input from all members -local-interstate and overseas. Each and every member surely can manage to send me a few lines, page or photos to make this milestone memorable. Something inside each and everyone of us came to the fore and made us Military Policemen - how about finding that spirit again and be heard. Remember your squad instructor pressing his nose in your face and calling you “a weedy little man”? You weren’t then and you’re not now. Many army regiments are posted to areas and individuals have similar experiences. We, in the Royal Military Police, served in diverse roles throughout the world and those that we trained with had no contact with us again. That makes for very interesting stories which should be told.