national servicemen’s association of south …[email protected] don blackmore vice...
TRANSCRIPT
SEPTEMBER 2015
National Servicemen’s Association of South Australia
NASHO NEWS
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Cover story
Robert Chabert presenting
the Thompson machine gun
replica he developed and
mounted, to Colonel Mr.
Steve Larkins, from the
RSL. Colonel Larkins was
a guest speaker at the State
general meeting, and spoke
about “The Modern RSL-
Looking Forward”
Vern Cracknell who won the “Best scene”, and Doug Paterson who won “Best British Layout” at
the awards at the Stawell Model Railway Exhibition in July 2015.(Still in training)
HEADQUARTERS: SA BRANCH:
ABN: 521841344513
41 Surrey Road, Keswick, SA 5035
Post: P.O. Box 826. MARLESTON, SA 5033
Phone: 08 8293 6344 Fax: 08 8351 3227
Website: http://www.nashossa.org.au Email: [email protected]
PATRON: Col. William (Bill) DENNY. AM.
STATE EXECUTIVE and STATE COUNCILLORS.
NAME POSITION PHONE MOBILE EMAIL John Thorne. ESM. President 8382 4505 0408591658 [email protected]
Barry Presgrave. OAM . JP Vice President 8178 0775 0412066657
Don Blackmore Vice President 8248 5206 0439988942 dmblack-
Property Officer
Barry Phillips Vice President 8250 3160 0419781760 [email protected]
Asst/Secretary
John Piep Treasurer 0432687927 [email protected]
Marlene Blackmore Secretary 8248 5206 0417841917 dmblac-
[email protected] John Piep Social Coordinator
0432687927 [email protected]
Graham Wilson. JP. Past President 8262 2735 [email protected]
STATE COUNCILLORS. John Fuller 8268 6954
Henri Redman 8352 8656
Harold Dunn ANZAC Day Delegate 8256 1673
Patrick Lee No Number
Don Lehman 8379 0200
APPOINTMENTS (Not members of State Council) Harold Dunn Quartermaster 8256 1673
Ian Lambert Asst/Quartermaster 8362 6131
PADRES
Rev. Dr. Vern Cracknell. 8276 3490
Pastor. Rod Denton. 8396 2616
Captain. Gordon Hood. 8331 8010
COMMUNICATIONS
Editor . Christine Thorne 8382 4505
Email: [email protected]
Webmaster. Mr. Tony VanRoda. [email protected]
STATE BRANCH SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR 2015
September NSAA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
November 15th STATE BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
December 6th CHRISTMAS LUNCH
December 18th CHRISTMAS BREAKUP (LAST DAY AT H.Q)
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The material contained in this publication and on the website is in the nature of general comment only and is not intended to be advice on any particular mat-
ter. Readers should not act or rely upon any matter or information contained or implied by these publications without taking appropriate professional advice
that relates specifically to their circumstances. The publisher and their servants expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether an Association
member or not, who acts or fails to act as a consequence of reliance upon the whole or any part of these publications. Views expressed in any article or editorial
may not be those held by the Executive Committee of NSAA (SA Branch)
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT.
Firstly it’s great to be active in the Association again after just
over six months. I must thank the Executive for their support
and for keeping the organisation running smoothly in my
absence. Also the support from all parts of the Association
has been absolutely great, for which I am most grateful.
It just goes to show that when events happen in an
organisation we must be prepared to work together as a team.
It could be said that it should be like a bucket of water, when you take a spoon full
of water out there is no hole left. As one person is unable to continue for whatever
reason there should be people available to fill the gap.
The Memorial Garden is taking place with the guidance and efforts of Barry Pres-
grave. Support from the City of West Torrens had been forthcoming so that we can
have an excellent memorial for our members. Thanks to the McLaren Vale quarry
and their staff for providing the very large rock to be the focal point of the area with
the pavers to enhance the whole area. I am sure Barry will report further during the
meeting.
Since resuming duty I have attended three important functions. The first being the
opening of the RSL State Conference on Sat the 4th of July. Then the briefing of Fri-
day the 10th of July for the Walk of Remembrance development on Kintore Ave in
the City. This walk is for the remembrance of all not just a few. It will necessitate
taking a 3 metre strip of the Government House Grounds. All stake holders includ-
ing our organisation will be consulted during the development of this construction.
On the 2nd August 2015 in company with Chris and members of the Executive I at-
tended the “National Servicemen at the Hut” function at the Tanunda RSL. This
function is to be an annual event. There was an excellent attendance again this year
with about 65 people attending. Several presentations were given with a view of de-
veloping a Sub Branch in the area. Unfortunately there was not much interest on the
day. But we will continue to pursue the matter.
Although the year has moved on at a fast rate, we still have many events to keep us
busy. We must continue to work as a team to achieve the goals we have ahead of us.
So when we need assistance with projects, I encourage everybody that can assist to
participate if you are able.
John Thorne ESM
President.
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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER.
Now here’s a thought.
The difference between education and experience. Education is
what you get from reading the small print. Experience is what
you get from not reading.
It is like not bothering to read the instructions first, and the
wondering why the object won’t go together as you wish. The
experience becomes one of “muddlement”.
To look back is to realise that we have learned many things, some significant and
life-changing, some trivial and petty, and we have had many experiences, some we
wish we could forget, and some which give us delight to remember, any of which
may have been transformative. All that is the sum of our life. And it is different for
each of us.
But we can also sense that if we don’t keep on learning, and we don’t have experi-
ences to savour and reflect on, then our life is diminished. For to live in a fulfilling
way is to add value to our days by always learning and making positive uses of our
daily experiences.
As the ancient prophets might have said “The Lord said to me, take hold of your life
by the scruff and DO, LOOK, THINK and GROW, and the Lord be with you!”
NORTHERN CENTRAL AREA
SUB BRANCH REPORT. Greetings from Northern Central, well I’m sure that the cold of these winter days we have been
having lately has got into the bones of some of our sub branch members, likewise some of your
members, from other sub branches, yes our attendance has been down at our meetings, hopeful-
ly numbers will pick up once the winter chills have passed. Membership is still steady with 49
paid up members which include 3 life members with 2 unfinancial at the moment.
Our AGM which was conducted back in March 2015, thanks to Graham Wilson JP, and Graham
Sargent LM, who made sure everything was conducted as per the constitution of the association,
due to the Vice President having to stand down due to RSL commitments, the position o Vice
Pres. was taken up by Tom Camplin and committee filled by John Hadaway, it is pleasing that
both of these gentlemen are Vietnam Veterans, the rest of the committee has not changed, the
same as previous years. After the AGM a service was held in front of the RSL, with the cata-
falque party from the 2nd/25th Battalion, Legion of Frontiersmen SA Command in attendance
as in previous years, this was followed by a BBQ at the President’s residence.
A couple of venues have been discussed for future meetings, one confirmed, on the 25th Oct a
general meeting, BBQ including a tour of the Military Vehicle Museum and yet to be finalized a
general meeting, BBQ etc and tour of the Aircraft Museum located at the Parafield Airport.
Guest speakers are still being sought for normal meetings but unfortunately most of the organi-
zations that are of interest seem to like a reasonable donation, to get one of our own members to
give a short talk on their interests away from National Service, well that is another story.
Anzac Day was well represented by our members at the Enfield RSL.
Malcolm Kruss
President.
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UPPER SOUTH EAST There is no report from the Upper South East, as
they have gone into recess for the Winter months
as members have long distances to travel on some-
times hazardous road conditions.
We look forward to hearing from them again when
the weather improves,
There was no report from FLEURIEU or
Para districts.
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Nasho report for York Peninsula.
Our trip to Bute RSL on 17th May was once again very successful. We had 23
members attending and the meal was excellent. Graham Sargent and Norma, and
Keith and Margaret Prideaux made the trip to join us.
The visit to the Moonta cinema in June was not so well attended. I was on holiday
so Allan organised it, and tells me there were only 6 members to see the movie
“Testament to Youth” and 8 for lunch at the ROYAL Hotel.
On Sunday 12th July, 11 members enjoyed a BBQ lunch at the Wallaroo RSL. Our
group was very lucky on the money wheel. Ros Jackson won two prizes, Dean
Klinger, Jill Luders and I were lucky to get one each.
Our next meeting will be on Sunday 9th August
at the Curramulka Hotel for lunch. The last
visit we had there was well attended with an
excellent meal, so we are looking for a repeat
this time.
REPORT FROM BROKEN HILL. Surviving our extremely cold winter this year has been a challenge for all, but it did not stop the
great attendance that we had for Reserve Forces Day, held at the Broken
Hill Army depot on Sunday July 5th. Approximately 50 members of both our Sub Branch and
local Reservists, including Ian and Kris Burnet, who were travelling thee area, and were made
most welcome to our Reserve Forces Day Service.
The Commemorative Service began with National Serviceman’s Assoc. President Les McQuil-
lan, who spoke on the role of National Servicemen in the Reserves. Sgt. Branko Licul responded
on behalf of the Reservist, both past and present. National Serviceen’s Sub Branch Ross Mawby
offered the blessing for all Reservists past and present. Les the cited the Ode, which was fol-
lowed by the Last Post, Reveille and the National Anthem.
On a sadder note, our Sub Branch lost one of our Foundation members. Barry Pippen lost his
fight for life in July. Whilst in Flinders Medical Centre, Barry had several visits from our ever
faithful supporter Graham Sargent. We have also had a few members on the sick list. John
Holzberger, Arthur king, Cyril Waters, Jim Baird and Reg Pedergnana. Hope you all enjoy good
health soon.
Our next meeting is on August 9th, followed by our Annual General meeting on 18th October.
Pres. Les McQuillan,
Secretary. Merry
Pedergnana OAM
with visitors ;
Ian and Kris Burnet.
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SOCIAL CLUB REPORT.
The year has seen lunch numbers going
down, as a lot of our members are coming
fortnightly instead of weekly. Our BBQs
are keeping us afloat, so I hope the next
social co-ordinator will pursue these
options.
John Piep.
Beverley and Henri Redman, working in
the kitchen, doing a wonderful job cooking
Friday lunches. Not one complaint. Well
done.
EYRE PENINSULA SUB-BRNCH REPORT.
Well folks it is now ten years since we took on the mammoth task of upgrading the RSL
Cemetery in Port Lincoln in 2004. We had 20 members in the sub branch living in Port Lincoln,
when we started the project.
The first thing we had to do was raise money, and over the 10 years, we did that from
Community grants and fund raisers, beg, borrow materials, and did a lot of voluntary hours.
We laid pavers from the front gate to the back fence, replaced two cyclone fences with galvanised
iron, built a wall to hold ashes, and planted roses including the RSL rose and red bottle brushes
along the back fence.
We had plaques made and dedicated to those who lost their lives in all conflicts, and a plaque ded-
icated to aborigines and Torres Straight Islanders who gave their lives and to all merchant navy
personal who were killed at sea.
We searched around both civilian cemeteries next to the RSL cemetery and found 4 graves be-
longing to returned personal that were not being looked after, so we got out crow bars and sledge
hammers and removed all the broken concrete and made a new grave with cement top.
Our latest project is two flood lights aimed at the cross.
It is driven by solar power, but we are still having trouble get-
ting the timing switch to work properly, and I am
starting to think a ghost is playing with it.
I wish to thank all current members and past members for their
support to achieve the final results of the project.
The Port Lincoln RSL sub branch has allowed our members and
wives to be laid to rest in the Garden of Remembrance
And at present there are 5 members in the cemetery.
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RIVERLAND SUB BRANCH NEWS Greetings to all from a very cold Riverland. Our May meeting was held in the Morgan RSL rooms, a welcome venue in winter with a warm fire. 26 members were in attendance. President Peter reported on the Anzac Day services. Several members attended the Dawn Service at the Garden of Memory in Barmera, then he and Ted Maddern car-ried the banner at the Renmark Anzac march. I attended the small march in Morgan, followed by a brief but meaningful service at the RSL complex. Our Nasho Memorial plaque has been installed in Berri at the Vietnam Memorial site and President Peter has already had positive feedback from visiting tourists. A dedi-cation service will be held following our August meeting. Plans are well in hand for the Bash weekend in September – dinner at the Cobdogla Club, Sunday BBQ at the Kingston riverfront. Bring your chairs and loose change, as we will be holding a monster raffle. August 9
th, our meeting was held in Berri, thanking President Peter and wife Marie
for providing their patio as a venue. Only 19 members attended, many on the sick list. Regular attendant Ron Hill was celebrating his 80
th birthday with family mem-
bers. Congratulations to him and all other Nasho’s celebrating this special mile-stone. President Peter reported on the trip to the state meeting at headquarters in Adelaide and gave members the forms for the pavers project. As special thank you was given to the ladies of our branch for supplying the salads and sweets for our meetings. Members decided it would be good to have some so-cial outings other than our usual meetings, so Nov 18
th was suggested for a BBQ
lunch and maybe bocce at Lake Cullulleraine. A delicious lunch was enjoyed before members drove down to the riverfront for our dedication service. The Vietnam Memorial site is well worth a visit, with the two large glass picture “wings” and the various cairns listing all areas our forces have been posted to. Rev Rob Stoner from the Uniting Church gave a brief history of the Nasho’s, numbers of how many men spent time in Army, Navy and Airforce units. He then dedicated our memorial plaque, a wonderful reminder that the Riverland men played their role in the National Service. Our plaque is certainly well placed – the gold inscription on a black background, showing up clearly on the red brick cairn. Something we can be all proud of. I hope if you are ever visiting the Berri area, you will take time to pay this memorial a visit.
Roma Hausler
Scribe
Photos on back page of Nasho News
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THE WESTERN FRONT.
This is my story as a result of visiting many of the WW1 sites on the
Western Front in April 2015.
Anzac Day is so special to me, as it commemorates the Australian and
New Zealand Army Corps. It means much more after our adventure in
France and Belgium for 3 days.
My wife and I were on board a river cruise ship in France on Anzac Day, with 10 Aussies and 6
New Zealanders. Although not exactly what we had planned, it turned out to be just as emotional
as the Adelaide commemorations. This was also one of many unforgettable experiences in France
and adjacent areas.
Even after viewing documentaries, films and reading books on the Great War, it became obvious
that we knew very little until we visited battle areas including Amiens, Arras, Beaumont Hamel,
Bullecourt, LeHamel, Peronne, Pozieres, Somme, Theipval and Ypres. We saw first hand the vast
areas where many bloody battles were fought. We actually saw where The Red Baron was fatally
shot down by a rifleman.
The historical facts we heard were absolutely amazing and the bravery outstanding. We saw vide-
os on the WW1 showing the results of war and horrific conditions at “the front”. Many towns were
severely damaged and one was blown out of existence due to bombardment.
There are memorials over huge areas and “so many cemeteries”. In one Aussie cemetery there are
12,000 names of missing/killed, in another there were 10,000 and in the Australian National Me-
morial there are 11,000 unknown graves. In the huge memorial Notre Dame Lorretta, there are
500,000 names of allied troops killed in action. There are 20 Bushell’s included there. The Franco-
British Memorial at Theipval lists 73,000 names of British troops missing during WW1. On top of
this memorial flies the Union Jack and the French tri-colour. It doesn’t take very long before we
began to add up these numbers, and we found it hard to come to
grips with these facts. Tyne Cot Commonwealth Cemetery is the
largest Commonwealth War cemetery in the world.
In the Villers Bretonneux Museum there are photos of AIF troops
captured on glass negatives some of which were found in recent
years in French barns. There are also many small arms WW1 relics
and other war equipment. The photos are as good as we produce
today.
I
In the Bullecourt Museum there are gas launchers, gas masks, and
many WW1 relics which have been ploughed up to the surface
aver the post war years, bits of howitzers and tanks and many un-
exploded artillery shells to name a few. In 1916 the allies first used
tanks. There is a monument to the tank corps. On the South Bank
Museum in Brisbane there is a captured WW1 German tank.
Even today farmers plough up small WW1 relics. One of our group found a German 7.9mm spent
rifle cartridge...it was just sitting on top of the newly ploughed soil.
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Typical Oz attitude when resting; they would gamble and think of smartarse nicknames for French
locations, one called Monquet Farm the Aussies called the Moo Cow Farm. This larrikin attitude
must have helped them cope day after day in horrific conditions. There is another monument
showing Aussie Sergeant Simon Fraser carrying a wounded AIF soldier from no-man’s land. In all
he carried 9 men away from the no-man’s land. One wounded digger lying on the ground called to
Simon “don’t forget me COBBER”, Simon returned and took him back also. This monument is
simply called COBBERS.
At Beaumont Hamel we saw original trenches. In many locations the enemy trenches were not re-
ally that far apart from our trenches.
In all there were 30 countries fighting with France and England against Germany including Aus-
sies, NZ, Canada, India, South Africa, USA, Newfoundland, Burma, Pakistan, Barbados, Rhode-
sia, Irish Republic, Russia, Belgium, Italy, China, Morocco, Vietnam and Madagascar.
While in Ypres Belgium, we attended the Menin Gate “Last Post Ceremony”, held daily at 2000
hrs. Proudly I wore my very shiny shoes, my beret and medals kindly prepared by Barry Presgrave
for the occasion. It was a very emotional event, held daily since 1928, apart from WW2 years 1939
-1945.
The young Belgium people participated in the laying of Red Poppies and wreaths, and became to-
tally involved. They will continue their service in future years.
While in Belgium we visited the area where the Allied and enemy troops called a truce at Christ-
mas in 1914, quite a remarkable event.
One HUNDRED years ago, WW1 set in and troops who were just like you and me, everyday citi-
zens from 30 countries, who fought gallantly side by side to defeat the enemy. Many never saw
home again and many were never found...listed as killed/missing.
Only now do I fully understand the HUGE sacrifice by so may of our young “boys” and just how
sad it all is.
…….And in the morning, we WILL remember THEM
Never will I forget that where ALL HELL broke out from 1914-1918, today there is absolute
PEACE in the same fields. There are bees, birds, green grass, flowers, trees and scenes of beauty.
One outstanding fact is, BOTH the French tri-colour and our flag proudly fly side by side at EVE-
RY Aussie Monument, memorial and cemetery . All of these facilities are constantly immaculately
maintained. Names if damaged or need changing due to weather conditions, are changed, so the
overall appearance is kept up to maximum.
Can I highly recommend a visit to the Western Front to see firsthand the areas where huge battles
were fought by allied military personnel in an all out effort to return our world to peaceful times.
This script is written as a mark of respect for those who fought for our freedom, with special men-
tion of the may thousand who did not return home.
Nasho…. John Bushell.
What do you call a dog with no legs?
It doesn’t matter, it’s not going to come anyway.
I went to a really emotional wedding the other day.
Even the cake was in tiers.
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National Serviceman’s Rose.
Kym Syrus from Corporate Roses, addressed the
State General meeting, and the State Council
meeting and spoke about how we can develop a
National Servicemen’s rose.
It will be a National decision on the colour, and
name of the rose, and it will take 2 years to devel-
op. The Association would benefit with a
royalty from every rose sold. More information
will follow as the idea develops.
MEMORIAL GARDEN.
The South Australian branch of our Association is
creating a Memorial Garden, with a pathway of en-
graved pavers, a memorial stone and eventually gar-
den beds with roses planted by the families of de-
parted members.
Seating, barbecue facilities and lawns will also be
included in the gardens at Surrey Rd, Keswick, so
that all Association members, along with the fami-
lies of those who served, will have a place of reflec-
tion which they and the general public will be able
to enjoy,
More information about the memorial garden, in-
cluding paver forms for download can be found on
the Association’s website
http;//www.nashosa.org.au
The memorial stone has been put in
place, and with the Nat. Servicemen’s
plaque will be the centre piece of the me-
morial garden.
Pavers for National Servicemen killed in
action will surround the stone, with pav-
ers for members completing the design.
Prices for pavers start at $40, for an indi-
vidual paver.
$75 for a double paver.
$100 for a triple paver.
$130 for a four paver offer.
The offer closes on 31st December 2015.
NASHO NEWS PUBLISHING DEADLINES
1200 Hr’s FRIDAY 20th November 2015. Email: [email protected]. Photos welcome with articles, but obviously not all can be
published.
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TOURING CLUB REPORT.
The Nasho Touring club May bivouac was held
at the Lake Albert Caravan Club at Meningie.
23 members attended.
A tour of the Coorong Fish factory on the
Wednesday morning proved to be interesting.
Friday morning we were treated to bacon and
eggs for breakfast. Thanks go to Neil Wilkinson
and Lorna Jones for organising breakfast for us.
Bocce championship on Saturday was won by
Marlene Blackmore and John Fuller. Runners
up were Lorna Jones and Allan Luders.
Sunday evening dinner was held at the RSL–
Meningie. We enjoyed a roast meal and sweets
along with some of the RSL members.
The wooden spoon was awarded to Reg Do-
noghue for dropping the case of Bocce balls.
Despite the cold weather we all had a good
time.
Geoff Hewitt– President. Glenda Donoghue–
Secretary.
Bivouacs for 2015.
14th—21st September—Kingston –on–
Murray. (08) 8583 0209.
2nd—9th November– Pt. Broughton
Singing in the shower is all fun and
games, until you get shampoo in your
mouth and then it becomes a soap
opera.
REMEMBERANCE DAY. NOVEMBER 11TH
Last Post NAME: PASSED AWAY: BRANCH:
Geoffrey Hayter 22-7-2015 Headquarters.
Victor Kollosche 31-5-15 Headquarters.
Barry Pippen July Broken Hill.
“LEST WE FORGET” They went with songs to the battle - they were young, straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow - they fought against odds yet uncounted, they fell
with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We Will Remember Them!
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY 15TH NOVEMBER AT 41 SURREY ROAD
KESWICK AT 10.00AM.
Nomination forms for the position of President, Vice President (3), Secretary,
Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and 5 State Councillors must
be received by the Secretary no later than 5pm on Wednesday October 21, 2015.
Nomination forms are available from Head Quarters– please call in, phone or email
a request for a nomination form. Forms must be filled in correctly, and all signato-
ries, (nominee and 2 members proposing nominee) must be financial members of the
Association. Only one (1) nomination per form, instructions are on back page of
nomination form.
ANNUAL DUES.
At the General Meeting held in July, delegates requested that the amount of dues
paid be reviewed at the AGM. As a result of this– no dues renewal forms will be
sent out by the State Branch– NOR ANY SUB BRANCH, until delegates at the
AGM make a determination on this matter. The dues renewal notice will be on the
Reverse side of the address slip for the December edition of the “Nasho News”.
15
TANUNDA RSL
LUNCHEON.
The luncheon was held in
the hut at the Tanunda oval
on Sunday 2nd August.
2015.
About 60 people attended
and the day was filled with
many stories and camarade-
rie.
The cake was cut by Presi-
dent Trevor Whitehorne and
Neville Jaeschke of the RSL,
and President John Thorne
and Don Rowe, of the Na-
tional Servicemen’s Associa-
tion.
1951
Intake.
