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NINER NEWS

The Official Newsletter of the 9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment Association (Qld)

National Patron: General P. Cosgrove AC, MC (Rtd)

Issue 69 November 2013

Special Edition

Biennial General Meeting followed by

Anniversary Get Together 09 November 2013

and

9 RAR Memorial Service 13 November 2013

and

Reprint of 9 RAR Tour Book

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*

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Niner News - Issue 69 (November 2013) of 16

9 RAR ASSOCIATION (QLD) Bulletin Board

46th Anniversary Memorial Service and Birthday Celebrations, Brisbane

Wednesday 13 November 2013

The Memorial Service will be conducted within the Contemplation Building, The RAR National Memorial Walk at the Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Brisbane. The 8th/9th Battalion will be providing support to our Association for the Service The Service will commence at 11.30am and will honour the 35 who were killed in South Vietnam and the 5 who were killed whilst on non-operational duties in the period 1970-73. Everyone is welcome to lay a personal wreath or tribute. Those who have died subsequently will also be remembered.

Following the Service will be the:- Tankard Ceremony amongst the trees, cutting the cake and then a light lunch will be provided. Some drinks will be on sale but otherwise BYO.

Morning tea will be available at Diggers Rest, NMW from 10.30am. If you are planning to attend please advise me by email [email protected] or telephone and I will create a list to be given to the front gate via Lloyd Street; this will allow you to drive up and gain access to the base by showing your driver’s licence - overcomes the need to get out and arrange pass. This applies to passengers as well. If you decide to attend at the last moment then make sure you allow enough time to get your pass. Please advise your name/s to Dan Penman by Monday 11 November 2013.


A Word from Kevin Hello fellow Niners, Please accept this as my report to be presented to the members at the Biennial General Meeting on 09 November 2013. Firstly, let me say that it has been a pleasure and an honour to hold this position for the last 2 years and to thank a hard working and supportive committee. Dan and Dave have continued to be true champions for the Association, from me personally, thank you. Since our last BGM many events have occurred and I have been able to represent you on most occasions, please let me outline. Firstly, the passing of our Immediate Past President, Barry Stalder was a sad occasion for Dawn, family and the Regiment. We said our goodbyes at a very moving ceremony in true military fashion. Barry will never be forgotten by this Association, and Dawn is still active in supporting the ladies. Our living Unit, 8/9 RAR were deployed to Afghanistan and some of our members spent time with our young soldiers before embarkation. These events were a somber reminder of our young men and women who continue to risk their lives in the true spirit on ANZAC. The traditions forged over nearly 100 years are in safe hands. The support for the family whilst their loved ones were on active service was amazing and well supported by your Association. The unit returned after a most successful tour which I have covered in previous newsletters, but suffice to say those attending the parades and functions were proud of our young people and their service. Our 2011 Memorial and Birthday ceremony was well attended and the solemn tankard dedication was moving as usual. The National Reunion in Sydney 2012 was a great success as I have previously outlined, very well attended and organised. Your association hosted the Royal Australian Regiment (QLD), annual birthday luncheon in November 2012, it was a fantastic affair as has been mentioned in previous publication, this year 8/9 RAR are hosts and I look forward to the day. Our upcoming 2013 BGM will be followed by a get together of the 9 RAR old and bold. I am informed we will have at least 50 people and wives, mostly post 70 men. I encourage you to follow the

Hi All, Great turn up at last week’s lunch at Mooloolaba SLSC, 35 joined up to make a great day. We had a RSM corner where Swagger Sticks were compared, no result on that. We also had a group who Bob Betney drove up by bus, most welcome fellas, but I think the most pleasing was the younger Veterans coming along. We had 6/7 join us returned from Timor, Somalia and as they call it The Gan. The mix of the young and the old was fantastic and in their own words they felt a warm welcome and very included, great to see. Pic is of some newer lunch personal and a couple who have been there since day one.

Till next month Kevin Lynch

instructions on how to attend as outlined in this newsletter. We are seeking people interested in serving on your committee for the next 2 years. I am standing again for election as is Dave McDonald. Dan will not be involved as much with the general running of the Association as he wishes to concentrate on the reprint of our tour book and the 9 RAR museum. He has been a true stalwart and has spent many hours directing and being the glue at most times holding us together, we owe him a big debt of gratitude. The Future? I have asked the same question several times but very soon we are going to need to sit down and have the conversation. What is our future, how can we make ourselves more relevant, will we need to seek joining with another association - you as members need to be active in the in the decision, it's ok to point out problems but let us also have solutions, don't leave it for a few as is occurring now. I remain yours in the true spirit of the Family Battalion, 9 RAR. Kevin Lynch

From the left Rod Slater, local old legend Hayden Kenny, Kev Lynch and Kim Monghan,


Biennial General Meeting

Saturday 09 November 2013 Ram’s Retreat, Uruzgan Lines, 8/9 RAR

Meeting to commence at 4.00pm.

There will be afternoon tea (tea and coffee) available at the Ram’s Retreat from 3.00pm. Bar will not open till after the BGM concludes. All financial members are invited to attend and participate in the discussions and vote on the agenda items. If you are not financial, that is fine please come along and see what is being planned for the next few years. The main agenda item is the election of the new committee. Even if you do not wish to become part of the committee, we would still ask you to attend and join in the discussions on the matters raised. Your support will be very much appreciated. If you wish any ideas to be presented or discussed please advise Dan Penman or Dave McDonald. Some items that have been presented already are:- the next two Reunions in Melbourne 2015

and Adelaide 2017 the 9 RAR Museum and need for a sub-

committee AND 9th Battalions Museum and the ANZAC Centenary

membership fees merchandise stock Remember, if you are unable to attend we also would like to receive your comments prior to the BGM so everyone’s ideas can be discussed. Thank you for you support over the last two years.

9 RAR Association Anniversary Get together

Saturday 09 November 2013

Ram’s Retreat, Uruzgan Lines, 8/9 RAR The function will commence at 5.00pm following the conclusion of the BGM with a happy hour and meet and greet. The Ram’s Retreat bar will be open with drinks at bar prices. A buffet dinner will be provided soon after in the Ram’s Retreat area at no charge. The function marks the 40th Anniversary of 9 RAR being taken off the Australian Order of Battle, when the battalion linked with 8 RAR to become 8/9 RAR. This function will have the usual emphasis on the whole 9 RAR family from 1967 but with particular focus on those members from the 1970-73 period. Over the years, we have lost contact with many of these members as some felt they were pushed to the side with all the attention on the South Vietnam tour. We do not have any rolls of members from that period so we are asking you to let all your mates and other contacts know of the function and that all will be welcome. For catering and planning of the Anniversary Get Together please advise of your attendance to Kim Mongan on 0437 798 185 and Dave McDonald on 0458 943 212 no later than Thursday 31 October 2013. Please mark your diaries and spread the word to make this reunion a one to remember and set the scene for a healthy Association. For those attending only the function see shaded box in previous column for access to base.

If you are planning to attend please advise Kim Mongan on 0437 798 185 or Dave McDonald on 0 4 5 8 9 4 3 2 1 2 o r b y e m a i l t o [email protected] and he will create a list to be given to the front gate via Lloyd Street; this will allow you to drive up and gain access to the base by showing your driver’s licence - overcomes the need to get out and arrange a pass. This applies to passengers as well. If you decide to attend at the last moment then make sure you allow enough time to get your pass. Please advise your name/s to Kim or Dave by Wednesday 06November 2013.


Last Post

Departed Comrades

“They too shall not be forgotten.”

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. “Lest We Forget”

Geoffrey A. BLOK (August 2013)

David J. BENFORD (October 2013)

Vale David J. Benford

Hello Bruce, Just thought I would drop you a line to let you know that myself and fifteen other veterans belonging to the Mandurah Murray Vietnam Veterans Group, attended the Funeral yesterday of one Dave Benford. He had done three tours of Vietnam, and one of those tours was with 9 RAR. He died in a destitute state, left no Will, and was survived by one older sister. Dave was seventy year old. His Funeral was attended by ourselves, his sister and two of her friends. Unfortunately, none of us knew him, as he did not get around, and had only been in Mandurah for about three years. There were two other 9 RAR blokes there, and nobody could place him. All in all, it was pretty sad, but the service for him went off well. Given his service and age, perhaps he would have been a senior NCO. If you know of him, could you tell us something about him, so we could get a better understanding of who he was. Please feel free to pass this along. Regards, Blue Corker. It is rather sad that one of our “Brothers in Arms” of our battalion passes on without having experienced the unique fraternity that has been experienced by a large number of our members. I know that some of you know of individual ex members who for some reason or other have no desire to see or fraternise with ex members of the battalion. I guess some of them still harbor a grudge about some perceived wrong inflicted upon them by either a individual or the Army in general. Regards, Bruce Sutherland

Thank you to all those members for keeping us informed of any deaths and sickness throughout our 9 RAR family. Our thoughts are with everyone.

Sick Parade I visited Rex Butts in hospital and he was in the intensive care unit of the John Flynn Hospital, Gold Coast. He has a tracheotomy to assist his breathing and therefore he is unable to talk. Due to the fall and other medical issues he has a lot of muscle weakness and some nerve weakness. As such, he is unable to move his arms and legs and this will take a lot of rehab to get him well again. He is able to look at you and can recognise people and when we spoke he gave me a smile. It must be very frustrating not being able to talk or move your arms so as to communicate. His daughter says the hospital is starting to wean him off the ventilator etc and is confident he will recover but the process will take a long time. If anyone has any messages for Rex I can put you in touch with his daughter. Will advise if any major change to the above. Cheers Dan Penman

“Smiley” Jenkin is going through a battle with prostrate problems at the moment. We wish him and Jan all the best during this trying time. Regards Bruce Sutherland


AUSTRALIAN ARMY 8th/9th Battalion,

The Royal Australian Regiment Uruzgan Lines, Gallipoli

Barracks, ENOGGERA QLD 4051

To 9 RAR Association Members, It is with some sadness that I realise the end of the year and indeed my time in command of the 8th/9th Battalion fast approaches. However I do look back on three wonderful years with great memories, admiration and pride. But what of 2013 and the Battalion? It has certainly proved to be another busy year with many achievements. Alpha Company early in the year admirably hosted a French Army Platoon and established some relationships and friendships that I suspect may last for many years. They then force prepared themselves for a very demanding attachment to Battle Group Warhorse (2/14 Light Horse Regiment) and performed as a Combat Team against the 3rd Brigade during Ex Talisman Sabre. The entire Battle Group did outstandingly and our Alpha Company Combat Team once again proved the Battalion's long standing reputation as formidable field soldiers. Whilst this was occurring, Bravo Company prepared and deployed to Rifle Company Butterworth in Malaysia for three months. I managed to visit with them and was impressed with their professionalism and the jungle fighting skills they had achieved in a relatively short period of time. Their overall performance during their tour resulted in a great deal of accolade for our Battalion and certainly their CO in Malaysia commented to me they were one of the best Australian companies he had ever experienced. Throughout this period Support Company continued to provide soldiers, expertise and capabilities to the Battalion and have been intimately involved in every activity we have conducted. As usual Admin Company quietly worked diligently away to ensure that all companies were well equipped and had requirements met. Their fantastic achievements in this area can not be underestimated. The end of the year involved the traditional ground swell of Support Company courses and junior leader courses.

As I write we prepare for our birthday week which if the planning and preparation is anything to go on will prove to be a memorable occasion and one I hope to see many Association members attend. We are also preparing for the change of CO's at the end of the year and I know the Battalion will be left in very good hands when Lieutenant Colonel Jim Hammett assumes command on 06 December 2013. The RSM will promulgate some details of the small informal handover parade soon and as always Association members are very welcome. The year has also had its challenges and regrettably the Battalion lost one of its own this year with the tragic passing of Corporal Reece Harper-Green (HG), an outstanding young man and popular soldier who will be greatly missed but never forgotten. This experience did see the Battalion come together to support each other and most importantly 'HG's' wonderful family during their time in need. Reece's family wrote to the Battalion and part of the letter read "...we understand now why Reece cared so much about the Army and his mates. You are an outstanding group of men and we are so proud that six of Reece's years 26 years were spent with men and women who make a difference." Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Association for the ongoing support you have directly and indirectly provided our Battalion throughout the year. To me you represent a legacy that I hope we uphold. You represent what it means to be part of a family orientated Battalion and most importantly you represent that although you can take the soldier out of 8/9 RAR you can't take the Battalion out of him. I wish you all the very best for the remainder of the year, a terrific Christmas and I look forward to seeing you when an opportunity presents. Yours sincerely, Kahlil Fegan Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Officer 8th/9th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment


Update from RSM 8/9 RAR Very sadly, a Corporal, a current serving Section Commander of the Battalion was tragically killed in a vehicle accident on 20 August 2013 in Thailand whilst on leave. His body was returned to Australia on 23 August 2013. An update as promised re: timings. 1. Memorial Service on the Battalion Parade Ground - Wed 28 Aug 2013 at 1400h, Dress - Jacket and tie, no medals. The soldiers will be DPCU (Cam's). Location - Bn Parade ground, then afterwards move to the Ram's Retreat. 2. Funeral at Maleny Showground Hall, then at Witta Cemetery - Tues 3 Sep 2013, commences 1300h. Dress - Jacket and Tie with medals, we will take 200 soldiers total. D. Trill WO1 RSM 8th/9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment Kev Lynch has passed on our condolences and several 9 RAR Association Members attended the above services. See photos below of the Memorial Plaques on the Battalion Parade Ground

To Invited Guest, The purpose of this letter is to invite you to the 8/9 RAR Open Day and Beating Retreat Parade on 31 October 2013 in order to celebrate the unit’s 40th Birthday. Timings for the day are: Open Day – Commences 1400h and concludes at 1700h; and Beating Retreat Parade – Commences at approximately 1730h. As the Open Day will provide the opportunity for you to handle weapons and travel in Protected Mobility Vehicles, it is advised that you dress appropriately in smart casual dress. It is not necessary for you to wear a jacket to the parade. There will be a soldier of the battalion at both the Lloyd St and Wanimo St gates to Gallipoli Barracks from 1330h on 31 October 2013. Please produce this letter at the gate, with a photo identification as your proof of invitation to these events. There will be no need for you to attend the pass office to collect a pass to the barracks. A map will be provided for you to follow to get to the Battalion and the allocated car park for the event. I look forward to seeing you at some stage during the afternoon or evening. Kahlil Fegan Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Officer October 2013

AUSTRALIAN ARMY 8TH / 9TH BATTALION, THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT Uruzgan Lines, Gallipoli Barracks, ENOGGERA QLD 4051

CPL Reece Harper-Green


Reprint of 9th Battalion, Royal Australian

Regiment Vietnam Tour of Duty

1968-69 On Active Service

PRE-ORDERS are now being taken. See over for details.

Background to the Reprint The Vietnam Tour of Duty Book of the 9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment was published in 1992. The editorial team from Queensland worked tirelessly for many years to have this written record published and they did a fantastic job in capturing the essence of the history and heritage of the Battalion. On several occasions, we have been asked by different persons if there are any Tour Books still available for sale. Unfortunately, the Tour Book was sold out within several years. These enquiries have come from 9 RAR members who were not actively involved at the time and from the widows and families of our members who have passed away recently. After a number of these requests, it was considered that maybe we should look at the feasibility of reprinting the Tour Book. In 2012, our initial investigation determined that the original material and manuscripts were never kept and that a reprint from that source was out of the question. It was then determined to examine the cost of taking an existing Tour Book and have it professionally scanned with the resultant files enhanced so there was no degradation in quality. These files would then be converted to allow for them to be published as a book. Some very definite guidelines were developed and these were sent to various publishers seeking the cost of publishing the book. At the same time, investigations were carried out to determine where we may be able to source the funds to start up the project. In November 2012, a preliminary proposal was presented at the Presidents’ Meeting at the Sydney National 9 RAR Reunion. After discussion, it was unanimously agreed that the proposal had merit and that it should proceed. Following further investigations, a company was selected and the process was commenced.

The original Tour Book has been now been scanned, all the files have been checked, all proofs of the printing have been examined and the files are currently with the printer. A limited number of the Tour Book Reprint have been ordered. The delivery schedule indicates that the Tour Book should be delivered to the Brisbane office by the end of December 2013. This would mean that delivery would be able to commence mid January 2014

Financial Status Right from the beginning there have been two main strategies that have overridden everything. First, the quality of the reprint must be as good as the original book and secondly, that the price should be as low as possible to make it affordable. We have been able to source some donations and grants to cover part of the cost of the scanning process but have found that the current environment is not that conducive to raising funds. These efforts are continuing. We have sourced some underwriting funds to get the project completed and plan to recover these monies from the sale of the Reprint Book. That is where you, the members, can assist. If you are able to source some further donations or grants to cover the remaining cost of the scanning process that will certainly assist in achieving our goals. The next part would be if you could place your orders early and make the payment at the same time, this will ensure that we can meet the conditions of the underwriters.


A special account has been set up in the Defence Bank to account for all monies. All monies for the purchase of books will be receipted and the receipt will be included with the book when posted out.

Details of the Reprinted Tour Book

The text and photographs of the original Tour Book have been scanned and then examined to ensure the scanned copy matches the original. No alterations have been made to the text or captions. The reprinted book is a replica of the original book including the dust jacket, the brown hard case, section sewn and the original 295 pages. The only addition was the inclusion of 12 pages at the end of the book as appendices. The additional pages were:-

The two “Omissions” pages from the “9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment - Proud to Serve” published by Mr Brian Vickery. A ten page “Index of Names” was created and included.

Each book is enclosed in a cardboard mailing carton to prevent damage. Note: A new ISBN number had to be obtained.

Details of Sale Prices The sale price is $60.00 per book plus postage and handling. The postage and handling rates are as follows:-

Brisbane area - 1 or 2 books - $10.00 (this will be forwarded in their mailing cartons) All other areas - 1 or 2 books - $15.00 (includes interstate) (this will be forwarded in a parcel post satchel) All areas - 3 or more books - price according to weight (this will be forwarded in a parcel post carton)

Examples: Purchase 1 book delivered to Brisbane $60.00 + $10.00 Purchase 2 books delivered to Brisbane $120.00+_ $10.00 Purchase 2 books delivered to Melbourne $120 + $15.00 Purchase 3 books delivered to Melbourne $180.00 + postage on weight approx. $20.00 - $22.00

Details of Purchase Methods To purchase the 9 RAR Tour Book there are two ways of doing this:

1. Online via the Website: Visit the 9 RAR Queensland website wwww.9rarqld.org and click on the Tour Book Reprint heading. Click on the 9 RAR Tour Book Reprint Order Form. Fill out the details on line and click “submit”. and then do a Direct Deposit of monies OR send a cheque or money order by mail. 2. Mail: Fill out the Order Form at the back of this newsletter and then mail the Order Form with a cheque or money order OR mail the Order Form and do a Direct Deposit of monies. (If you need another form visit the 9 RAR Queensland website wwww.9rarqld.org and click on the Tour Book Reprint heading, click on the 9 RAR Tour Book Reprint Order Form PDF to download a PDF copy)

To make the payment:

Direct Deposit: BSB: 803 205 Account Number: 20365969 (Defence Bank) Reference: Ensure to include your Name and State. If you make a Direct Deposit please ensure you fill out the Order Form online or mail the Order Form back asap so they can be linked together. Cheques and Money orders Make them payable to Nine RAR Association (Qld Br) and post to 9 RAR Association (QLD) PO Box 1221 STAFFORD CITY QLD 4053

See new Tour Book Reprint Order Form on page 15


9 RAR Ladies Get Togethers The ladies are still meeting regularly to meet up for a chat, a nice meal and to support each other. Since the last report they have been to the Aspley Hornets and to Redlands Indigiscape Tea Garden Cafe. The next morning tea and luncheon is planned for Monday 25 November 2013 at the home of Lynn Kennedy. It is for a Christmas craft day and the time is from 9.00am onwards. Please bring a plate. Please direct any queries to Dawn on 0437 872 634. If you need a lift give Dawn a call and hopefully someone lives nearby. This will be the last get together for the year.

Taken at the Aspley Hornets Standing: Rosie, Dawn, Lynn Sitting: Kathy, Rosemary, Jan

Interesting Item Thought this may be of interest...not something I ever thought about. In case you were wondering what happened to all those fuel tanks that were jettisoned over Southeast Asia From Rod Slater

Related Merchandise to the Tour Book Reprint

If you are purchasing a Tour Book Reprint or have an original book, you might also be interested in purchasing a copy of the following items.

9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment “Proud to Serve” This book was published in 2006 by Brian Vickery.

Purchase price is $35.00 plus $10.00 postage and handling. If you have already purchased this book, you will be aware that the index at the back is incorrect. A corrected version of the Index is to be placed up on the website for you to download. Bunker Assault Print Purchase price is $15.00 plus $10.00 postage and handling. Will be mailed in a mailing tube. Dust Jacket for the Original 9 RAR Tour Book Purchase price is $5.00 plus $10.00 postage and handling. Will be mailed in a mailing tube.

Note: We have been able to source some original dust jackets to fit the original Tour Book. Members have said that their dust jackets have either faded terribly or are torn. This is a great chance to revitalize your collection.

See Merchandise Order Form on Page 14


Regiment’s 65th Birthday Luncheon 2013

The President BRIG N WEEKES (rtd) AM, MC & Members of THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT ASSOCIATION QLD (Inc) are pleased to invite you to the Birthday Luncheon. Host: MAJ S McCrohon (rtd) President 8th/9th Battalion ,The Royal Australian Regt Association Date: Saturday 16 November 2013 Venue: The Royal Australian Regiment National Memorial Walk & Ram’s Retreat, Uruzgan Lines, 8/9 RAR, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Brisbane Timings: 11.00am for 11.30am Service and Pre Lunch Fellowship, at The Royal Australian Regiment National Memorial Walk,( after service move to 8/9 RAR ) Dress: Smart Casual for members and Guests, Serving Personnel Patrol Order less weapons & radio Please Note: Old Green, Khaki or DCPU or Unit Polo Shirts can be worn Seating: Pre-allocated tables of 10 or random seating allocation Guest Speaker: The speaker is from 8/9 RAR Attendees: All Serving Members of the Regiment, Current and Past members of the RAR Associations, partners, friends and guests. Cost: $60.00 includes Buffet, pre-positioned Red & White wine one bottle per table, Desert, Tea& Coffee with Cheese Platter. Once all allocated funds for drinks are expended, ALL OTHER DRINKS WILL BE AT YOUR COST Please advise of any special dietary requirements when booking Payment: Registration Forms with Payment to RAR Association QLD and post to: Gallipoli Barracks Enoggera Mail Centre 4051 or Direct Deposit Tickets: Tickets can be purchased directly from: Greg Decker 0417464251 Ron Goodall 0488183095 LAST DAY TO REGISTER MONDAY 11th NOVEMBER 2013 Parking: On Site and Street Parking, plus train bus or taxi and access to base is via a modified entry nominal roll otherwise you have to get a pass on the day from the Pass Office at the main gate. Further Enquires to Greg Decker [email protected] or Ron Goodall [email protected]

www.rar.org.au

Reminders 31 Oct 13 8/9 RAR Open Day and

Battalion Beating the Retreat Parade See page 7 for details

09 Nov 13 Biennial General Meeting - to

elect a new committee and discuss future activities. The BGM will be followed by a function to remember the 40th Anniversary of when 9 RAR ceased as a separate unit and was linked with 8 RAR to become 8/9 RAR. There is a real emphasis to involve all those from the 1970-73 period. See page 4 for details.

11 Nov 13 Remembrance Day - Time to

pause for a minute’s silence to remember all men and women who have served our nation.

13 Nov 13 9 RAR - 46th Anniversary

Memorial Service and Birthday Celebrations - NMW Brisbane See page 2 for details.

16 Nov 13 The Royal Australian

Regiment’s 65th Birthday Luncheon. See previous column for details

Let Secretary know of any change of details to your home address and/or email address.

Note from Newsletter Editor Dan Penman

Hi All, I believe it is time for me to stand down from the newsletter editor’s position to allow some new thoughts and a new direction to take effect. Over the last nine years, it has been a great pleasure to bring the Niner News to you - 29 issues in total. I thank you for your articles, photos and all your support. The newsletter is a great communication means to maintain contact and to ensure the memories are not forgotten as life goes on. Look forward to seeing you at the various Functions. Regards, Dan


More of Getting Older part 3

9 RAR Museum News

1. Mortar Platoon Photo Further to the large photo in the last Niner News, Rod Slater sent in the several photos that he had taken overseas. This is one of them.

2. Wanted - Desk Top Computer In the last Niner News we put in an advert asking if anyone had an old desktop they could donate to the Museum We didn’t get any offers but one of members, Graham Michell offered his services and came out to the Museum and did some minor repairs to get the computer working again. Not too sure for how long. Thanks very much Graham.

3. Recent Additions Dear Dan, I have sent you some slides that I took while I was in Vietnam with the Battalion in 1968-69. I hope they are suitable for your Museum. Gordon Howe

Editor’s Note: Gordon has sent down approx. 60 original slides and in due course they will be processed and placed up on the website in the Historical Photos under the Museum Collection Section. Thanks Gordon

Members’ Update Brian Daly and Tony Daniels are are working on organising a 2 Platoon and CHQ, reunion in Canberra around about 24 – 29 April 2014. If you are interested in attending let me or Brian know. Bruce Sutherland

An elderly couple had dinner at another couple's house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen. The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, 'Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly.' The other man said, 'What is the name of the restaurant?' The first man thought and thought and finally said, 'What's the name of that flower you give to someone you love? You know, the one that's red and has thorns.' 'Do you mean a rose?' 'Yes, that's the one,' replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, 'Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?'

L - R: Rod Slater, Ralph Brase, Rod Harlor, Jeff Rundle

Morris, an 82 year-old veteran, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm. A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, 'You're really doing great, aren't you?' Morris replied, 'Just doing what you said, Doc: 'Get a hot mamma and be cheerful.'' The doctor said, 'I didn't say that.. I said, 'You've got a heart murmur; be careful.'


Surname: …………………………………………………………………………….………

First name/s: ………………………………………………………………………………

Address: ……………………………………………………………………………..………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….……

…………………………………….… State: ..……..…. Post Code: ……………….

Home Telephone: ………………………………………………………………….…

Mobile Number: ………………………………………………………………….…….

Email Address: …………………………………………………………………………

Spouse/Partner’s Name: ………………………………………………………

Details for Name Tag: ……………………………………………………………

(Name Tags for new members are free; for existing members the cost is $6.50)

9th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment Association (Queensland)

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM New Member:□ Membership Renewal:□ Change of Address:□ (Please tick appropriate box)

Ordinary Member: $60.00 for 3 years □ Associate Member: $45.00 for 3 years □

(Please tick appropriate box) Enclosed is cheque/money order for $............ [Make payable to Nine RAR Association (Qld-br)]

Please return application form and payment to : 9 RAR Association (Qld)

P.O. Box 1221 Stafford City, Qld. 4053

MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM Battalion Plaque @ $45.00 ..…….

Battalion Tie @ $30.00 ……... 9 RAR mini Banner 90x70cm @ $75.00 ……...

Australian Flag 140x90cm @ $10.00 ……….

9 RAR Flag (small) 45x30cm @ $10.00 ……….

Back Pack with Ram emblem @ $20.00 ……….

Shoulder Bag with Ram emblem @ $20.00 ……….

Polo Shirt @ $32.50 Sizes (please specify number):

XXXL ………... XXL ………... XL ...……… L .……….. M ...………

9 RAR Cap (matching) @ $20.00 ........

(Please make all Cheques or Money Orders payable to Nine RAR Association (Qld-Br) Please find enclosed a cheque /money order for the sum of $_________, being payment for the items above plus postage and handling where appropriate. Mail my Order to: Name: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Address: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Postcode: ……………………. Telephone No: (H) …………………………………………….…….(Mob) ……………………………………………..….. Email: …………………………………………………………………………………….

Stubby Holder with Shaggy Ram @ $ 7.50 ……….

Cloth Patches with Shaggy Ram @ $10.00 ……….

ALL PRICES ON THE ABOVE ITEMS INCLUDE POSTAGE AND HANDLING. THIS WILL BE REVIEWED AT THE BGM IN NOVEMBER 2013. PLEASE NOTE for those items marked with *** below there is now a postage and handling fee of $10.00. This is due to the increase in cost of purchasing the satchels and especially the mailing tubes. Bunker Assault Print *** @ $15.00 ……... Dust Jacket Orig. Tour Book *** @ $ 5.00 ……... Publication: *** 9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment “Proud to Serve” @ $35.00 …….....

9th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment Association

9 RAR TOUR BOOK REPRINT - ORDER FORM

To purchase the 9 RAR Tour Book Reprint, fill out this Order Form and then mail the Form to the address below with a cheque or money order OR mail the Form to the address below and do a Direct Deposit of fees. Direct Deposit Details: BSB: 803 205 Account Number: 20365969 (Defence Bank) Reference: Ensure to include your name and State. If you make a Direct Deposit please ensure you fill out the Application Form on line or mail this Application Form back asap so they can be linked together. Make Cheques and Money orders payable to - Nine RAR Association (Qld Br) and attach to Form and post to

9 RAR Association (QLD) PO Box 1221 STAFFORD CITY QLD 4053

Quantity Cost 9 RAR Tour Book Reprint $60.00 per book …………………. $……………………. Postage: Brisbane - 1 or 2 books $10.00 $…………………….

All other areas - 1 or 2 books $15.00 $…………………….

All areas - 3 books or more (Contact us for separate cost)

Total Cost of Order: $……………………..

Mail my Order to:

Surname: ……………………………………....………………....First name: …………………………………………………………...

Address: ……………………………………………………………………………..……….................................................

…………………………………………………………………………………………….............................................................

State: ……..…..... Post Code: ……………..

Home Telephone: (0..…) ……………………………………… Mobile Number: ………………………………………………………

Email Address: ………………………………………………………………………….....................

Please find enclosed a cheque /money order for the sum of $_________, being payment for the purchase of the book/s above. I have made a Direct Deposit for the sum of $_________ on _________ (date), being payment for the purchase of the book/s above.

Enquiries can be directed via email to Dan Penman on [email protected]

Website: www.9rarqld.org


The Official Newsletter of 9 RAR Association (QLD) Issue 69 - November 2013

Mail Address: 9 RAR Association (Qld) PO Box 1221 STAFFORD CITY QLD 4053

Email Address Secretary

[email protected]

Internet Websites 9 RAR Association (Qld) www.9rarqld.org

9 RAR Association National www.9rar.org.au

RAR Association (Qld) www.rar.org.au

If undeliverable return to 9 RAR Association (Qld) PO Box 1221 STAFFORD CITY QLD 4053

PRINT POST

PP 415919/ 00001

POSTAGE PAID

AUSTRALIA

Laid up in the All Saints Chapel, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera

Duty First

9 RAR Association (Qld) Committee Contacts - 2013 President: Kevin Lynch ………………... (07) 5493 6129 Secretary: Dave McDonald ........... 0458 943 212 Treasurer: Dave McDonald ……………... 0458 943 212 Newsletter Editor: Dan Penman .............. (07) 3397 0087 Merchandise Ian Sanders………………… (07) 3822 3019 Committee Members: Kim Mongan ............... 0437 798 185 Derek Nixon-Smith ..... (07) 3352 6752

national patron: general p. cosgrove ac, mc (rtd) niner news news/niner news 69... · vietnam and...

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