Volume 11, Edition 2

August 2014

Mid-winter greetings to all.

As is usual for me, I am ensconced in the Snowy Mountains of

NSW for the winter, enjoying the best snow conditions for many

seasons. We had the most amazing blizzards a couple of weeks

ago, but now it is like spring, except for the cold clear nights,

getting down to minus 12 C sometimes. Teaching and coaching

adults and kids in Cross Country Skiing is a wonderful healthy

occupation and now, like most of the ‘older’ Rammers, into my

‘mid’ sixties, I delight in the exercise and fresh mountain air.

I was once more in Malacca for Anzac Day 2014 with a few Brit

gunners, a couple of score of ex-Slim School students and one

Extra 107 fella, that well known ‘spanner’ Terry Corcoran. I had

a wonderful couple of weeks starting in Penang, then KL, then

Malacca, spending Anzac Day at a lovely ceremony at the

Commonwealth War Graves cemetery in Terendak Camp. The Malaysian Army were amazing in

their hosting of our group. On the first day in the Camp, we gunner types had a full tour of the old

Regimental Lines and lunch in the Officers Mess hosted by the CO. After our Anzac Day service, The

Divisional Commander threw on a sumptuous Garden Party at his residence for us, Band and all.

The ceremony at the War Graves was huge. I think Malaysian Officers and Soldiers outnumbered

our group of 50 odd. Malaysian General Staff officers were everywhere and I was interviewed for

National TV which played that night. Terry Corcoran placed a wreath for 107 Battery and I placed

one for the whole Australian contingent present. Terry and I then placed tributes on individual

Australian graves with special attention to that of our first Battery Commander, Peter Badcoe VC and

Lt Bob Birse RAA whom the Battery buried with full military honours in December 1967.

I followed the Darwin Reunion with envy but had made my decision very early to go to Malaysia and

could not change that easily. I gather you all had a great time and my congratulations to the

organisation behind it all, especially Jim Wright who was going through some difficult times with

Jen’s health at the crucial run-up to the event.

I had a second visit to Kazakhstan in May this year, this time for three weeks. I taught English as a

volunteer teacher in a small private school in Kokshetau, North Kazakhstan, but the icing on the cake

was an immersion in the

Kazakh culture. I walked

on the Steppe amongst

wild camels and bactrians,

strolled in huge herds of

horses, flew eagles off my

arm, met dogs the size of

Mal Meninga, ate horse,

drank fermented mares’

milk and stood in an

archelogical dig of a 6,000

year old Kazakh dwelling

amongst pottery shards

and horse bone tools.

Many Kazakhs have a

direct lineage of about 30

generations to Genghis Khan. But earlier, from about 8,000 BC, Neolithic inhabitants of this vast

country domesticated horses, developed cattle-breeding, agriculture, mining, weaving and ceramics.

And no, I did not meet Borat…Borat is a Jewish Pom from Oxford, England. Is my Russian

improving?- конечно, but let’s just say it’s a difficult language to learn in one’s middle age, Однако

я могу улучшить.

2017 Planning.

Some Malaysian Veterans have had a bit of a natter and have decided to put on “Exercise Final Fling”

to Singapore and Malaysia in 2017. Jon Eaton is the “lets-go” man for the event and has sent me a

draft itinerary as an initial proposal. We plan to have Clive Palmer build us a replica of the LSL Sir

Lancelot which we will christen “Sir Lunch-A-Lot”. We will sail her from Breakfast Creek to Singers

after meeting in the Railway Hotel in Liverpool and taking a noisy coach to Brisbane but this time we

will smuggle “Big Julie” with us….Oops…only joking! Seriously though, Jon’s draft agenda appears

behind this Prez Pen. Of course, we would love to have as many of the post Malaysia Rammers with

us as possible so we can use our dim memories to show them the sites and sights of our younger

days.

All correspondence will be entered into regarding this trip, so get your ideas to Jon in the first

instance at jeato1@hotmail.com. Personally, I had a week in Georgetown on Penang at the Eastern

and Oriental Hotel before this years Malacca trip and it was so worthwhile. I could suggest Langkawi

or Batu Ferringhi (on Penang Island) as alternatives. Singapore has to be one of the most expensive

places on the planet!

On Association business, our untiring Sec/Treas has passed me the books to audit and we are in a

healthy financial position with current assets of almost $30,000, most of which is held in Trust, and a

stock of 107 trinkets to sell. Thanks Hilton; I do not know where your energy comes from. Please

notify me of your brand of Shiraz.

Attached are some photos of my Malacca/Terendak visit. Enjoy

Above. (L) Terry Corcoran outside his old workshop and (R) me outside our old battery HQ

The CO of the Para Regiment and an L5 ready for airdrop

Cheers, Noddy

THE SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR 2017

Jon’s Special Malaya Itinerary – can we eat our way through it?

Singapore. Meet and greet.

Day 1. Tour of Singapore City. China Town heritage centre, china town Complex,Telok Ayer

Street,Thian Hock Keng Temple, Kampong Glam, Orchard Road,Bum Boat tour Singapore River,

Dinner at Boat Quay, Singapore Sling in the Long Bar at Raffles.

Day 2. Singapore to Melaka. Johor Bahru,Royal Sultan Abu Bakar Museum,Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque,

Sultan Ibrahim Building, Yong Peng ( Famous Chicken Rice), Parit Sulong (Lay Wreath ), Bakri, Muar (

Famous for mee bandung Muar.).

Day 3. Melaka. Tour of Melaka, St. Pauls Hill, Muzium Budaya, Baba Nonya Heritage Museum

Day 4 Melaka. Terendak Garrison and commonwealth War Graves. River Cruise.

Day 5 Melaka to Kuala Lumpur. Port Dixon, Seremban, Batu Caves

Day 6 Kuala Lumpur Tour of Kuala Lumpur, Putra Jaya.

Day 7 Kuala Lumpur China Town and Central Markets

Day 8 Kuala Lumpur Petronas Towers, Majid Negara,

Day 9 Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands, Orang Asli Museum. Genting Highlands,

Sungai Palas Boh Tea Plantation, Tanah Rata, Strawberry Park.

Day 10 Cameron Highlands, Jungle Walk, Kampung Orang Asli, Butterfly Farm.

Day 11 Cameron Highlands to Penang, Ipoh Old Town, Kinta Valley, Perak Tong.

Day 12 Penang, Butterworth Air Base.

Day 13 Penang,City Tour.

Day 14 Penang,Taiping Commonwealth War Cemetery ( Lay Wreath )

Day 15 Penang to Australia Via Kuala Lumpur.

It is planned to hire our own bus with driver for the duration of the trip.

Around the Water Cart: Furphies and other good sometimes useful information acquired, scrounged and

stolen by your Secretary and others.

Vale Rex Robins

-------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Regiment Memorial Wall, an update by Paddy Durnford

An up dated photo of the Regiments Memorial. The parade ground is behind and Mt Stuart in the background. The walls are where the original HQ 4 Field Regiment once stood. The new HQ 4 Regt is now out of the photo just to the right, where the original brick Memorial Wall once stood. The Regimental Flag post remains in the original position. Note the four memorial brass panels are on the right of the right wall. They will move when there are 4 rocks cemented in to place then be transferred one to each rock. The memorial rocks are close to where the four sentries stand during memorial services. You can see one rock to the right of the photograph. To the north near the main Regimental road we are planting 15

Artillery adds dignity to what would otherwise be a vulgar brawl.

Frederick the Great

Born in Melbourne on 12 March 1949, Rex accepted his final posting

to the Great Gun Park on 27 March 2014. 3797553 Rex Robins was

conscripted into the Australian Army and served in 107 Battery at

Townsville and in Vietnam 7 May 70-5 May 71. Living at Ferntree

Gully, Victoria, Rex is survived by his partner Susie and families and

our thoughts are with them.

trees in a U shape to form a rear background to the memorial. The trees are only around .8m high at present, so they live off base whilst the grow to at least a metre tall. The left wall commemorates the 4 Field Artillery Brigade AIF, from the Great War (left) and the two 4 Field Regiments of World War 11, the 2/4 Field Regiment 2AIF (centre) and 4 Field Regiment [Jungle Division] right, from the militia. The 2/4 Field Regiment saw action in Palestine and Syria in the Mediterranean campaigns then in New Guinea at Nadzab, Lae, the Markham Valley campaign including the Shaggy Ridge Battle, then in Balikpapan Borneo. 4 Field Regiment, as part of the 3rd Australian Division saw little action in the New Guinea campaign. In fact they relieved the 2/4th in the north of New Guinea before deploying to Bougainville, This freed up the 2/4 Regiment to return to Australia for leave and retrain for operations in Borneo. It is a little known fact that the 2/4 Field Regiment was the first AIF unit to parachute into combat in WW2 deploying by air into Nadzab, near Lae. Without any previous parachute experience and only very basic parachute training they deployed operationally by parachute. This included their new short 25 pdr guns stripped into pallet size loads which the Gunner’s pushed out of the C47 aircraft and then jumped themselves. The centre wall commemorates 4 Field Regiment from 1960 to 2000 including two operational tours to the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) in 1967/68 and 1970/71. The right Wall commemorates 4 Field Regiment from 2001 to 2010 then 4 Regiment from 2011 to present. The last two, although not deploying as a regiment on operations, provided batteries, forward observer parties, detachments and individuals to operations to Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, plus several peace keeping forces and humanitarian operations.

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Reunion Darwin 2004 Report

Gathering in Darwin, sixty two Rammers, partners

and friends gathered in Darwin and Reunion 2014,

'Swim with the Crocs' commenced with the

traditional meet and greet in the Darwin RSL.

The next morning we attended the Anzac day

activities including the Dawn Service on the

Esplanade overlooking Darwin Harbor. The March

included over a thousand uniformed servicemen

and women from the RAN and RAAF and the

majority from the Army plus a large contingent of

US Marines.

In perfect conditions we marched in the lead

group of the parade, with all Rammers proudly

wearing the uniform black polo shirts. Jim Wright

and Tim Gommers lead the march and Brandon

Grimes with Brett Williams carried the Banner.

Tim, Brandon and Brett attended as the Battery

Commanders official representatives from

Townsville. All three are now members of the

Association.

All retired to the RSL for the usual fellowship

where Graeme Lucas and Peter Turner manned

More details and photos can be found on the Association website, www.107fdbty.com. Just one of the thank you notes and emails received was from Kerry Cooke: "Many thanks for all the effort you put into the Darwin re-union. Lesley & I had a fantastic time and I am sorry we left it so long to catch up with all at a reunion. Best regards Kerry Cooke. PS: Please find some zylietis & shekels to kick the can and boost the

fighting fund" Editor: Kerry, couldn't find zylietis & shekels in your card but there were some folding stuff called cash. Such member's donations are used to assist other Rammers who are enduring difficult times and are struggling to pay their subs and remain financial. So your zylietis & shekels are much appreciated. Thank you.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And more from Kerry, "Hello again Hilton, Many thanks for all the effort you and others put in for the

Darwin re-union. The dawn service was amazing and emotional and very moving. By gee to march to

the beat of drums makes you taller' straighter and prouder doesn't it? and to march into Cenotaph

Park with the crowd standing silently was something else again. After the service' to stand in the

park in the early light, overlooking the harbour with the birds singing in the trees was beautiful and

unforgettable.

The march was fantastic and the crowd most wonderfully enthusiastic. The flyover by the bi -plane

was unusual and when the Blackhawks thundered over' followed by the screaming Hornets it was

almost stunning. To march between the two 155's added a very nice artillery touch. I was very

impressed with the turnout of the young service people' particularly those with the emu plumes in

their slouch hats, it added very genuine Aussie touch. It was great to see the Americans as well and

The Reunion had breakfast with the Crocs and

a several actually swam with our saltwater

friends. The last day included visits to the RAA

NT Association Darwin Museum and the RAAF

Museum. The Reunion presented a cheque

for $200 to both museums and Jim undertook

the responsibility at each location.

didn't the Marines look stern and tough? Good blokes to have on our side I'm sure. I spoke briefly to

quite a number on the day and found them without exception exceedingly polite.

It was good to meet some of the Malaysian veterans for the first time and of course to catch up on

some Nam vets after 43 years and others after 23 years was fantastic. Crocosaurus Cove was an eye

opener' who'd expect to see a crocodile farm in the middle of a city? Only in Darwin I'd expect! The

military museum was great and the aircraft display was most interesting. I'll never complain about

putting fuel in my car ever again now I've learnt the B-72 can hold 188'000 litres. Bloody Hell,

Imagine pulling into servo and saying" Fill 'er up, mate, and check the oil and coolant and clean the

winders, thanks mate" You'd need a cut lunch and a long neck of beer just to check the flamin' tyres!

The whole weekend was bloody fantastic ended too soon but Lesley and I thoroughly enjoyed our

time with everyone and finished everything on a high note by riding The Ghan to Adelaide. A great

ride and even included free grog. Of course you can be certain I drank my share and a little more, just

to be on the safe side! A thoroughly enjoyable time and we look forward to the next re-union where

I'll be there front and centre. Best regards, Lesley and Kerry Cooke".

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 107 Battery at Holsworthy in 1936 Reading the book "The 25 Pounders from Egypt to Borneo - Campaigns in Syria, Kumusi River, Salamaua, Lae, Finschhafen and Balikpapan" an anecdotal history by John Warby, about the 2/6 Field Regiment during WW11. On page six your Watercart operator came upon this photo,

The book continues, "The nucleus of the Regiment came from several Militia Artillery Brigades, the 1st, 7th, 14th, 18th and 21 Field Brigades, as they were known. This Nucleus totalled well in excess of one hundred men, including Officers, NCOs and ORs. It was to be expected that a substantial majority of these came from the CO's unit, 7 Field Brigade, stationed at Willoughby NSW". The Militia 107 Battery in 1940, was one of the batteries that contributed to the experienced manning of the new 2nd AIF Divisions being raised, The 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Divisions.

On page 2, the book

states;

"On 26 April 1940 LtCol

Ralph Daly, CO of the

7th Field Brigade

(Militia) was given the

task of raising 2/6

Australian Field

Regiment RAA, 7th

Australian Division of

the 2nd AIF".

Later in the book, page 362, while describing the extensive 2/6 Field Regt 2nd AIF action around Finschhafen, on the north coast of Papua New Guinea, your Watercart operator also found the following pearl. "Citation for the Military Cross: NX13783 Lieutenant John Russell Bryant. As a Forward Observation Officer Lieutenant Bryant accompanied by a fighting patrol provided for his protection, worked around behind the Japanese positions. He went forward with reduced protection and fully reconnaissanced the area, getting to within 15 yards of the nearest enemy point. He returned to the patrol and brought effective fire on the enemy. On the following day he repeated this manoeuvre. Again acting as Forward Observation Officer, Lieutenant Bryant accompanied a patrol to Fortification Point where it came under fire. Leaving the patrol he moved forward, gained satisfactory observation over the enemy position and brought effective fire on them." Lieutenant John Bryant is the father of 2786514 Paul Allan Bryant who served as an Observation Party Sig with 107 Battery in Malaysia. Paul is a member of the Association. So must have been something in the 'genes' that passed on to Warren Feakes who served as an Observation Officer with the Battery in both Malaysia and Vietnam?

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And while on awards, the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division; "Mr Eric Ronald CARRIGAN, 2 Gwydir Street, Moree NSW 2400 For service to the community, particularly to people with a disability. Treasurer and Board Member, Gwydir Industries, since 2001. Secretary, Moree Division of Sydney Legacy, 2000-2010; President, 1997-1999; Vice-President, 1995-1996; Member, since 1992; Member, Rivergums Retirement Village Building Committee. Trustee, Gurley Sport and Recreational Ground, since 1989; former Chairman. President, Moree Picnic Race Club, for 4 years; Committee Member, 1982-2003. Patron, Gurley Pony Club, since 1995. Member, Gurley Rodeo Committee, 1978-1985. Committee Member, Moree Show Society, 1975-1982. Chairman, Gurley Silo Committee; Member, 1985-1988". __________________________________________________________

Tim Anderson from Launceston in the big southern isle, filed this report:

Hi Hilton. Hope all is good with you (editor, yes it is

thanks Tim). Graham Parlour , Les Nation joined with

me to marched in Launceston on Anzac Day this year.

It was a nice clear day with a big turnout. Afterwards

we retired to the Cock and Bull pub (editor, where else if

in Launceston?)

Do you know if there is any 107 boys in Tasmania. I

don't seem to remember any? (editor yes there is

Kevin Morgan at Launceston, Les Mullan at Kings

Meadows, Peter Ransom at Helen's and Peter Turner

at Bridgewater. The two Peters attended Reunion 14

at Darwin)

I am also a recent member of RUSI (Royal United

Services Institute) and we meet at the Barracks where

the 16th Field Battery is located.

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Robin Eade reports of his new mobile home with motto 'Aspire to inspire before you expire.'

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C130 on display at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas USA.

Just a few years later, the aircraft would be involved in a historic flight. On 29 April 1975, this

Hercules was the last out of Vietnam as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese invasion of the Republic

of Vietnam came to its final stages. With over 100 aircraft destroyed on the flight line at Tan Son

This C-130A Hercules was the 126th built by Lockheed

Aircraft corp. of Marietta, Georgia. It was accepted into

the Air Force inventory on 23 August 1957. It was the

126th built by Lockheed Aircraft corp. of Marietta,

Georgia. On 2 November 1972, it was given to the South

Vietnamese Air Force as part of the Military Assistance

Program

It is not quite an I Phone or even a tinnie, but a full

size PMC Hino diesel bus named Becausican III.

('Because-I-Can'). Robin reports, " I have been

travelling for almost six (6) years I started in a

Mazda T3500 (Becauseican l) I then graduated to

a 9 tonne 4x4 truck and slide on camper

(Becauseican ll). Having completed all the ruff

and rugged stuff decided to make myself a motor

home out of an old school bus (Becauseican lll)

from Tanunda SA, hence the name.

It has taken just over 12 months to arrive at this stage,

have a shower recess to install down the track. The name

originated from not knowing what was next and the

indifference of living by myself, and not knowing what

Australia could show me. I awake every morning feeling

grateful that I have a life and consequently have learnt to

live with my demons in a peaceful manner. I do get lonely

for a few seconds every now and then, to wit my travelling

partner, Ginge, soon snaps me out it. I wish all Rammers

well and could only hope they could feel the way I do

about life.

Cyaaa rob1anzac@bigpond.com

Aspire to inspire before you expire.

Nhut Air Base, some of them still burning, it was the last flyable C-130 remaining. In a very panicked

state, hundreds of people were rushing to get aboard, as the aircraft represented a final ticket to

freedom. People hurriedly crowded into the Hercules, packing in tighter and tighter. Eventually, the

loadmaster informed the pilot, Major Phuong, a South Vietnamese instructor pilot, that he could not

get the rear ramp closed due to the number of people standing on it. In a moment of inspiration,

Major Phuong slowly taxied forward, then hit the brakes. The loadmaster called forward again

stating he had successfully got the doors closed.

In all, 452 people were on board, including a staggering 32 in the cockpit alone. Using a conservative

estimate of 100 pounds per person, it translated into an overload of at least 10,000 pounds.

Consequently, the Hercules used every bit of the runway and overrun before it was able to get

airborne.

The destination was Thailand, which should have been just over a one hour flight. But after an hour

and a half, the aircraft was over the Gulf of Slam, and clearly lost. A map was located, some terrain

features identified and it was navigated to landed at Utapao, Thailand after a three and a half hour

flight.

Ground personnel were shocked at what "fell out" as the doors opened. It was clear that a longer

flight would almost certainly have resulted in a loss of life. In the end, however, all 452 people made

it to freedom aboard this historic C-130.

Upon landing, the aircraft was reclaimed by the United States Air Force and subsequently assigned

to two different Air National Guard units over the next 14 years. On 28 June 1989, it made its final

flight to Little Rock Air Force Base and placed on permanent display.

Stewards in Officers & Sergeants Messes - with thanks to Don Quin

Email dated 3 Jun 14 from Forces Command Victoria Barracks Paddington NSW. "Separate the rollout Defence agreed to a number of SRP initiatives to be introduced from 1 Jul 14, a brief outline of the changes: Changes to steward services in dining rooms across all Messes regardless of rank. This will see closer alignment of self-service arrangements for Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers (SNCO) with that of the Other Ranks Messes. The agreed position will remove the steward table services for the delivery of meals in the Officers and SNCO Mess dining rooms at each meal sitting. The steward service across all bases will now comprise of: Table set; Table clear; and Table reset. Stewarts will no longer take members orders nor serve plated meals at dining tables for regular meal sittings at these Messes. The casual meal rates to be charged in the Officers and SNCO Messes is in accordance with PACMAN Chap 7, Pert 7, Div 1 Clause 7.7.7 rate equivalent to a Corporal (E) or below as follows: Breakfast - $4.00; Lunch - $6.00; and Dinner - $6.00. The Fortnightly Living-In Meal (LIM) rates for all ranks is now $148.90 per fortnight." Don added the comment, What Next, paper plates and plastic knives, forks and spoons? Your Watercart Operator feel that the times are changing, yet still. Is all the change for the long term good of military operations? Time will show, but Don & I consider that it is not!

--------------------------------------------------------------------- A WAR GRAVE - by Frank Brennan In Bredbo there’s a monument to the fallen in all wars.

Where a hundred thousand dead must give us pause. On ANZAC Day, we gather there to remember those who served. We try to give the honour they’ve deserved. But there’ s another monument, not all that far away, Where the Aussie flag flies proudly every day. It’s the grave of a fallen soldier, returned here by his mates, And he’s given the respect a soldier rates. This soldier was an Army Dog, in the Aussie Engineers. He shared the misery of war, the fighting and the fears. He died in far Afghanistan, a long, long, way to roam. And at his end, his duty done, his comrades brought him home. His name was “Merlin” . A sniffer dog, and trained to use his nose, To find explosives…mines and bombs…any one of those. With his handler there beside him, he sought the hidden threat. The booby traps and roadside bombs. As bad as it can get. They were a team, the closest mates, to do the job they must, They needed full dependence. They needed total trust. We all can love our canine friends, whether working dog or pet. But when both your lives are on the line, it’s as close as it can get. Merlin was killed: his blood was shed, into the foreign dust. His mate survived to bring him home: fulfilled a sacred trust. Now he lies in Bredbo, still tended by his boss, And on this day, his story told, we all can share the loss.

---------------------------------------------------------- From Geoff Wade at Phillip Island Victoria, comes the request, "Hi Hilton, I have had a request from

the CEO at the Vietnam Vets Museum for any Artillery items that can be donated to the museum for

display in the artillery section that is being created. If any 107 Vietnam members can help it would be

much appreciated". Regards Geoff Wade.

You can contact Geoff on email gfwades@yahoo.com.au.

Portsea Victoria - firing of the 6” gun at Fort Nepean on Wed 5 Aug 1914 On Wed 5 Aug 1914, the brand-new German freighter S.S. Pfalz tried to escape from Port Phillip Bay to the open sea, before WW1 was declared. The Pfalz was built in 1913 and launched from the yard of Bremer-Vulcan, Vesesack, Germany and was 6,750 tons gross, 4,083 tone net and had refrigerated holds – “the finest of her type in the world” according to Frank Brennan, author of 1978 book The Australasian Commonwealth Shipping Line. The ship berthed at No 2, Victoria Dock, on Fri 31 Jul 1914 on its maiden voyage, under Captain W. Kuhiken (Kuluken?) on his first command.

War in Europe was declared on Tue 4 Aug 1914 at 11 pm (London time), which was 9 am on Wed 5 Aug 1914 (Melbourne time). At about 12.40 pm on Wed 5 Aug 1914 (Melbourne time), the S.S. Pfalz was underway and just short of the Port Phillip Heads, having been released from inspection by the RAN near Portsea, when news reached Fort Queenscliff that war had been declared in Europe. Fort Queenscliff (the local coastal artillery HQ controlling all the separate forts in the Point Nepean / Queenscliff / Swan Island vicinity) telephoned Fort Nepean to stop the S.S. Pfalz.

An initial flag signal from Fort Nepean for the Pfalz to heave to was not seen, the Pfalz continued to steam towards the Heads, which were now tantalisingly close from the perspective of the German Captain. Once it was confirmed that the Pfalz was not heaving to in accordance with the Fort Nepean signal, the order was given to fire a shot across the bows.

The shot fired from 6 inch Gun at Gun Emplacement No 6 (F/1) at Fort Nepean at about 12.45 pm on Wed 5 Aug 1914 – fired just three hours and forty five minutes after war was declared in London – was the first shot fired in the entire British Empire in WW1 – the first of all the hundreds of millions of rounds of all calibres that were subsequently fired over the next 1,560 days, until war ended on 11 November 1918.

SS Pfalz

6 inch Gun at Gun Position No 6 (F/1) – Fort Nepean, Aug 1914

And so it was that, at about 12.45 pm on Wed 5

Aug 1914, a 100 lb Prac 6” round was fired from 6

inch Gun at Gun Emplacement No 6 (also

described as F/1) at Fort Nepean to stop the S.S.

Pfalz, the exact time was not noted. The shot

worked, after a brief struggle on the bridge

between the German Captain and the Australian

pilot (CAPT Robinson), the German Captain

surrendered and the S.S. Pfalz was taken into

captivity.

The Commemoration is to be conducted at Point Nepean on Tue 5 Aug 2014 to recognise the significance of the stopping of the Pfalz in 1914 by the first shot fired in the British Empire in WW1. All of the area that used to include Fort Nepean and Officer Cadet School (OCS) Portsea is now controlled by Parks Victoria. The long term aim is to fully restore the gun. Subsequent history of the SS Pfalz SS Pfalz was subsequently requisitioned for the Royal Australian Navy and refitted as a troop ship at Williamstown. It was renamed A42 HMAT Boorara. Soon after it took part in the 2nd Australian convoy, with subsequent duties including the transportation of Turkish prisoners from the Dardanelles. While serving in the Aegean Sea in July 1915 the ship collided with the French Navy cruiser Kléber, was beached at Moudros and subsequently taken to Naples to be repaired. HMAT Boorara later was twice torpedoed in the English Channel. On the first occasion, on 20 March 1918, the ship was torpedoed 2.5 miles S 25° E of Beachy Head by German submarine UB 31 (Wilhelm Braun) whilst en route from London to Sydney, laden with general cargo. She managed to reach Southampton and was made seaworthy for a tow to Newcastle for extensive repairs. Those killed in the torpedoing of 20 March 1918 were: DRAKE, Ernest Alan - Fireman (killed); DUFFY, Martin - Donkeyman (killed); GRENNAN, John - Fireman (killed); HAITHWAITE, Albert - Fireman (drowned); TREMLETT, Henry Edward - Fireman (killed). However, she was torpedoed again off Whitby on 23 July 1918, 12 miles S of Tees whilst being towed to Tyne for further repairs, by the German submarine UC 70 (Karl Dobberstein). No-one was killed in this attack. Despite her engine room being wrecked twice, the sturdy

Group portrait of men of No 6 Company, Royal Australian Garrison Artillery, 3rd

Military District, who fired Australia's first shot in the Great War.

Back row, (l to r): Gnr W Carlin; Gnr J Gregory; Bdr H L Hope; Gnr J Ryan; Cpl W W

Young; Gnr A Brown; Cpl R A Britnell; Gnr E V Quirk; Sgt C R Carter; Gnr R J

Russell; Cpl J J Jack; Gnr F J Mealey; Bdr J Purdue; Bdr J Edwards; Gnr A Murray.

Front row: CAPT M D Williams; LTCOL A H Sandford; CSM E H Wheeler.

vessel was repaired in time to help repatriate Australian troops from the UK back home to Australia in 1919, see separate story on the Quarantine Station at Point Nepean Portsea, below .

After the war the ship was used by the Commonwealth Line for the transport of frozen cargo to the United Kingdom, using ports at Avon mouth, Liverpool and Glasgow. In 1926 the E. Hadjilias shipping line of Athens in Greece bought her, renamed her Nereus and registered her on the Cycladean island of Syra in the Aegean Sea. In August 1937, Nereus sailed in ballast from Moji in Japan for Port Alberni to load a cargo of lumber for the United Kingdom under charter to the Anglo-Canadian Shipping Co. On 8 August in heavy fog she ran aground on rocks about 1,000 feet (300 m) south-east of Cape Beale on Vancouver Island. The salvage steamer SS Salvage King from Victoria rescued her crew. Within 48 hours of grounding, Nereus broke her back and was lost. Thus ended the life of the ship that was once the SS Pfalz.

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In 1967, your Watercart operator had the pleasure of living in a room on the top floor of at this end

with balcony access looking over Port Phillip Bay towards Melbourne. The small white cottage

towards the base of the hill became the RSM's office overlooking the flat area which was the main

parade ground at Officer Cadet School, also in the Portsea reserve which housed the fortifications.

The quarantine furnace with large brick chimney and other administrative buildings for destroying

the possessions of those unfortunates once in quarantine, are just out of the photo to the left, close

to the jetty which has long since gone.

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New way to have your car stolen, a warning from Queensland Police - thanks to Mim Lunney. You walk across the car park, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine put it into Reverse. When you look into the rear-view mirror to back out of your space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you stop and get out to remove whatever it is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car, that is when the carjackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically run you over as they speed off in your car. And ladies your purse is still in the car. The carjacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised! Counter Measure if you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, lock your doors and drive quickly away. Remove the paper later.

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Aussie: Copper wire & Communication with thanks to Robin Eade and others After having dug to a depth of 10 feet last year, British scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 200 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 150 years ago. Not to be outdone by the British, in the weeks that followed, an American archaeologist dug to a depth of 20 feet, and shortly after, a story published in the New York Times: "American archaeologists, finding traces of 250-year-old copper wire, have concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech communications network 50 years earlier than the British".

On completion of the Great

War, many of those soldiers

returning to Victoria, did so

through the Quarantine

Station at Point Nepean at

Portsea. This photograph is

of such soldiers marching

up the hill to the quarantine

Station. The large building

on the top of the cliff was

one of the two main

buildings.

One week later, Australia 's Northern Territory Times reported the following: "After digging as deep as 30 feet in his backyard in Tennant Creek, NT, Knackers Johnson, a self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely bugger-all. Knackers has therefore concluded that 250 years ago, Australia had already gone wireless." Robyn concludes, "Makes ya feel bloody proud to be Australian don’t it?"

------------------------------------------------------------ Budget Report. With thanks to Dick Lawler from WA: The AMA has weighed in on Joe Hockey’s proposed changes to Australia’s health services The Allergists voted to scratch them, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves. The Gastroenterologists had a sort of a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought he had a lot of nerve. The Obstetricians felt he was labouring under a misconception. Ophthalmologists considered the ideas short-sighted. Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Paediatricians said, "Oh, Grow up!" The Psychiatrists thought the ideas were madness, while the Radiologists could see right through them. The Surgeons were fed up with the cuts and decided to wash their hands of the whole thing. The ENT specialists didn't swallow it, and just wouldn’t hear of it. The Pharmacists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said, "This puts a whole new face on the matter...." The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were pissed off at the whole idea. The Anaesthetists thought the ideas were a gas, but the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no. In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the arseholes in parliament!

Kapooka Military Area WW11 tragedy. Contributed by Ian Simpson and Hilton Lenard

The tragedy memorial is located on the site of the incident, just outside the main entrance to of Army

Recruit Training Area, Kapooka, some ten kilometres from Wagga. Many people in town and for long

distances from the surrounding countryside reported hearing the explosion. The two staff and the 24

students killed were buried with full military honours in the Wagga Wagga War Cemetery at Kooringal, on

the opposite side of town. The twenty-six coffins were carried on a fleet of flat-bed semi-trailers. The entire

city closed and turned out to line the road as a mark of respect to the dead soldiers.

Twenty six Engineers were killed by a

premature detonation of explosives during

WW11 training at the Kapooka Engineer

Training camp on 21 May 1945. It was the

largest death rate from any training accident in

wartime Australia. Total deaths at the Kapooka

camp during WW11 were forty.

The tragedy has always been remembered as part of the history of Kapooka. For many years the location

remained a mystery. Back in the 1980's your Watercart operator, when the Logistics Officer at Kapooka,

continued the research into the actual location. By the 40th anniversary in 1985, the area was identified as

being where the memorial is now located and a by the 45th anniversary a temporary memorial was erected

on private farm land close to the site. It was not until the classified archive documents of the incident were

located in Canberra and approval for their release was made, around ten years ago, that the actual location

was confirmed. This location had previously been identified by comparing witness statements and photos

of the time with an actual tree still on the site. The story of the funeral service can be viewed in the

excellent 'YouTube' report below. Your Watercart operator has one correction; as indicated, the tragedy

had not been forgotten by the servicemen of Kapooka, but had very much part of the Kapooka folk-law. See

the film clip at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVPIIVSuY_U

Veteran to Veteran by unknown

When a Veteran leaves the 'job' and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are leased, and

others, who may have already retired, wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we

already know.

1. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a

longing for those past times.

2. We know in the Military life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up

in the back of the closet.

3. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that

remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his

heart still is.

NOW... Civilian Friends vs. Veteran Friends Comparisons:

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation

you were having the last time you met.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Have cried with you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Will stand by you no matter what the crowd does.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Are for life.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences!

VETERAN FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, 'You better drink the rest of

that before you spill it!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Will forward this.

A veteran - whether active duty, retired, served one hitch, or reserve is someone who, at one point

in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The Government of the United States of America'

for an amount of 'up to and including my life'.

From one Veteran to another, it's an honor to be in your company. Thank you for your service to our

country and defending the freedoms we enjoy. You will always be "My Brother".

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SENIOR's PASS WORD - Too close to the truth for me and with thanks to Terry Corcoran!

Please enter your new Password: "cabbage"

Please re-enter your new Password: "cabbage"

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"boiled cabbage"

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"1 boiled cabbage"

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"50bloodyboiledcabbages"

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"50BloodyBoiledCabbagesShovedUpYourAss,IfYouDon'tGiveMeAccessnow"

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"ReallyPissedOff50BloodyBoiledCabbagesShovedUpYourAssIfYouDontGiveMeAccessnow"

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Secretary’s Report: We sadly acknowledge the posting of Rex Robins, see vale in this edition.

We have three new members Tim Goomers, Brandon Grimes and Brett Williams. Welcome to Tim,

Brandon and Brett, all currently serving in the Battery in Townsville and made the trip to Darwin to be part of Reunion 2014 'Swim with the Crocs.' And they did, see separate Reunion report!

Committee: Your current committee is:

ELECTED POSITIONS (Executive)

President: Warren (Noddy) Feakes – Wanniassa ACT – 0417 209 360

Vice Presidents: Brian Tapp – Narrabeen NSW - 0410 543 743

Secretary/Treasurer: Hilton Lenard – Kambah ACT - 0418 695 345

State/Territory Representatives:

Queensland: Neil Lunney – Sunshine Coast – 0419 712 136

NSW Bob Edmonds – Sydney - 0413 621 196

Victoria: Ken (Doc) Barclay – Mildura – 0428 251 364

Tasmania: Les Mullan – Launceston – 0408 449 006

SA: Adrian (Wally) Walford – Murray Bridge – 0418 818 776

WA: Bob White – Dudley Park - 08 9535 9411

ACT: Peter Moat – Weetangera - 0419 594 610

NT: Jim Wright – Palmerston – 0419 090 852

NON-ELECTED POSITIONS (Appointed by the Committee)

Editor RAM Ramblings: Warren (Noddy) Feakes – Wanniassa– 0417 209 360

Webmaster: Doc Barclay – Mildura – 0428 251 364

Historian: Hilton Lenard – Kambah ACT – 0418 695 345

Serving 107 Bty Member: Lt Tim Gommers - Townsville - 0410 720 015

Welfare Officer: Ian (Bozo) Simpson – Sydney - 0432 610 794

Hon Chaplin: Rick Burley – Wallsend NSW - 0412 455 301

Regional Representative for:

North Qld: Mike Dinnison – Townsville - 0429 777 786

Central Qld: Jon Eaton – Sarina - 0402 248 716

South Qld: Jim Bray – Miami - 0403 748 858

North NSW: Col Lowe – Tamworth – 02 6761 8936

Sydney: Ian (Bozo) Simpson – Sydney - 0432 610 794

South NSW: Ian Hughes – Sanctuary Point – 0417 140 250

Melbourne Vic: Noel Paterson – Rosebud – 0411 568 103

BOARD of TRUSTREES: Warren Feakes - Wanniassa – 0417 209 360

Hilton Lenard – Kambah - 0418 695 345

Jim Wright – Palmerston - 0419 090 852

Members List: There are 189 financial members. Association membership covers all regions of Australia plus Paul Gaff, USA and Gordon Pound, UK. Twelve members are currently serving in the Defence Force. Membership covers all periods of 107 Battery’s post 1965 history, with approx one third having served at Holsworthy and/or Malaysia (1965-1969) and/or Townsville then Vietnam (1969-1971) and/or Townsville (since 1971). Many served in more than one location. Like an updated membership list contact the Secretary. Treasurer’s Report: With 145 life subscribers, all life subscriptions are held in the Trustee accounts.

Your membership renewal information is included in this edition. Subscriptions for 2014 are now

due, at only $15 PA and life subscription at $150. As at 30 June 2013 the Association made a trading

profit of $870.91 for the previous twelve months. Most profits come from the sale of the Association

sale items. Current assets are $6,104.17 in working funds and $20,523.97 held by Trustees,

representing all life subscriptions and resulting interest received to date. A copy of the accounts is

available on request.

2014 Committee Election:

The Association constitution requires that Committee elections are held each four years and 2014 is

that year. Only the elected Committee members are involved, not the members appointed by the

Committee. At the last Committee meeting, held earlier this month, the following nominations

received:

President: Warren (Noddy) Feakes - Vice Presidents (2): Brian Tapp & vacant - Secretary/Treasurer:

Hilton Lenard.

State/Territory Representatives (one per state/territory): Queensland, Neil Lunney - NSW, Bob

Edmonds - Victoria, Ken (Doc) Barclay - Tasmania, Les Mullan - SA, Adrian (Wally) Walford - WA. Bob

White - NT, Jim Wright - ACT, Peter Moat.

No further nominations were received so each was declared elected to the Committee for a further

four years until the next election due in 2018

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The RAM Shed copies, acquires, scrounge and steals medical and related important information

considered worthy for Rampart RAMMERS. The RAM Shed compiler is not medically qualified or the originator of this information. It is passed it on ‘in good faith with a bit of cheek’ and the classic ‘if the CAP fits’ philosophy. Remember, if in doubt or the pain persists consult Doc Barclay or your medical advisor. If you have

a contribution or story, send it to mensshed@107fdbty.com. Our recent themes have covered potentially fatal aliments that affect otherwise fit, if ageing, Rammers. Stroke, heart attack, bowel cancer, prostate cancer and PTSD have all been covered. All have clear early detection signs. So you know the drill, get off your ‘bum’ and consult your local medical officer now. In this edition of the RAM Shed, a new Senator elect of a new political party has come up with a not completely new concept.

107 Battery Association is 'A-political' and does not support or recommend any political party. However RAM Ramblings will publish political information and media releases if the content is considered relevant and in the general interests of the Association membership. Read, if you wish, then make up your own mind.

Don’t make America’s mistake – establish DVA inquiry & automatically give Aussie Veterans Health Gold Cards a political media statement by Senator elect Jacqui Lambie on 1 June 2014 (one month prior to assuming her Senate seat).

Senator Elect for Tasmania and Palmer United spokesperson for Veterans’ Affairs Jacqui Lambie has called on the Abbott government to establish an Independent Judicial Inquiry into Veterans’ Affairs – while putting in place a new policy which automatically awards as a right of service, a health Gold Card to former ADF members who’ve served in peace keeping roles or combat zones. “There is substantial evidence and testimony from both young and old Australian Veterans - that the same systemic problems and delays in Veterans’ medical treatment, recently discovered in America has occurred for years in Australia.” said Senator Elect Lambie. “Veterans’ GP, Dr Ray Huntley reported at a recent public meeting in QLD that there were significant delays (3 months) for his digger clients to be admitted to hospital. However, the most compelling reason for an Independent Judicial Inquiry is the Australian Government cover up of the high suicide rate of former ADF members. Some Veterans’ advocates have informed me that it as high as 200 or greater.” Senator Elect Lambie said. “The Australian Vet Affairs Department chooses deliberately not to keep accurate official statistics on Veteran suicides - because those figures would be a political embarrassment and a national scandal. Another reason for an Independent Judicial Inquiry is that Australian Veterans report that the damage done to them by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs while processing their claims - is often worse than the damage done to them after they faced the enemy. One young Afghanistan Vet told me after Dr Ray’s meeting, that he’d rather fight the Afghan Taliban than the bureaucrats in the Australian Department of Vet Affairs. And that he’d buried 4 of his mates following their suicides after discharging from the Army.” Senator Elect Lambie said. Dr Huntley’s public meeting in Burpengary QLD was also attended by two Federal Liberal members of Parliament (Wyatt Roy/Teresa Gambaro) who heard first-hand from about 40 Veterans, just how dysfunctional, incompetent and dangerous the Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs has become. In good faith, I ask the Vet Affairs Minister Ronaldson and Prime Minster Abbott to immediately implement a policy - suggested from the floor of the meeting by a young returned digger – which ensures that Veterans who return from overseas active deployments after discharge, are automatically issued Health Gold Cards.” said Senator Elect Lambie. “This would remove and make redundant an expensive medico/legal industry and government bureaucracy, which has sprung up around the assessment, qualification and issuing of Gold Cards. For example, if every one of the approximately 60,000 young diggers* who have served in peace keeping roles or in active service since 1999 automatically received a Gold Card as a right of service on discharge – it would only cost the Department about $1.5 B a year. “said Senator Elect Lambie.

“The savings to the taxpayer by eliminating doctors’ reports, legal fees, departmental inquiries, appeals tribunals, and Veterans’ review boards – would more than compensate for the average annual cost of $25k for medical treatment for a Gold Card holder. Put simply, let’s direct scarce public funds to our Vets’ medical treatment instead of lawyers and bureaucrats for damaging and useless administrative fights. I invite the Minister to make public those administrative costs and debate this issue. Most importantly, the new Gold Card policy put forward by PUP and the Vets would drastically reduce any further physical and psychological trauma that former ADF members suffer after being forced to deal with a complicated, hostile and incompetent DVA bureaucracy.” said Senator Elect Lambie. “I also call on Minister Ronaldson to give a guarantee that his department managers didn’t have the same wicked political pressures and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) placed on them that has also been placed on their American counterparts. For example, Australian Veterans need to know that DVA managers do not receive financial incentives or promotion to meet departmental targets – or are the subject of threats of the sack - as a motivation to meet government budgets - and that official rejections of Gold Card applications, are not linked to unfair budget restrictions imposed by politicians.” said Senator Elect Lambie. “At Dr Huntley’s meeting it became obvious that many Veterans received their health Gold Card entitlements only after a deliberately long, exhaustive and expensive bureaucratic battle, with most lasting 5 years – some as long as10 years. That bureaucratic battle significantly harms our Vets and their families - and unnecessarily adds cost to the Australian taxpayer. It’s time to listen to the young Aussie Vets and make Gold Cards an automatic right for all ADF members who have served in peacekeeping, war, or war like conditions.” said Senator Elect Lambie. “Federal Liberal members Wyatt Roy and Teresa Gambaro met and heard Dr Huntley and his Veteran patients at the same time as myself – I expect them both to support my call for an Independent Judicial Inquiry into the Veteran suicide rate – and also support PUP’s new health Gold Card policy. There are about 10,000 young and older Vets in Tasmania, I also expect all local Liberal MP’s and Senators to support my call. This will guarantee that all Australian Veterans (unlike American veterans) receive timely medical treatment and our appalling suicide rate is properly examined and addressed.” said Senator Elect Lambie. Contact Senator Elect Lambie – 0439 354 177

Reference extracts: The Auditor-General Audit Report No.48 2011–12. Performance Audit - Administration of Mental Health Initiatives to Support Younger Veterans - Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

4. The profile of the Australian veteran and ex‐service community has changed over the years with the decline in World War II, Korean War and war widow populations and the emergence of a growing younger cohort. The younger veteran cohort includes the estimated 50000 ADF personnel deployed across the globe since the East Timor deployment in 1999, which marked the beginning of a heightened operational tempo by the ADF that continues to the present day. 5. Between 4000 and 6000 ADF personnel discharge each year, most of whom are relatively young—the average age of separation for officers is around 34 years and 27 for other ranks. Many of these young members will have been deployed several times and more than half are married or in long term relationships, and also have children.11 Further, the members of this younger cohort have indicated that they have different needs and expectations compared to their older counterparts (who are the majority of DVA clients), requiring DVA to adapt its programs and services accordingly. DVA has acknowledged that communicating and engaging effectively with the younger cohort is a particular challenge.12 11. DVA delivers mental health services to eligible members of the ADF and ex‐service communities19, and develops policy responses to the mental health needs of its clients, in a complex and evolving environment. The

profile of mental health disorders and the pattern of usage of mental health services by members of the ADF and ex‐service communities differ from that found in the wider community20, reflecting the unique demands of military service and culture. Further, the profile of the veteran community has been changing, with the emergence of a significant younger cohort of veterans, many of whom have served in the numerous ADF deployments of the past decade. The younger cohort of ADF members is particularly at risk of having a mental health disorder, with many of these individuals leaving the military with an undiagnosed and untreated mental health condition.21 These young ex‐service members are particularly at risk of not receiving the mental health treatment they need, as they do not necessarily maintain links with the ADF or engage with DVA after they leave the military, and they have proven difficult to reach through traditional means such as the ex‐service organizations.

------------------------------------------------------------------------ Non Violence. From no other than our own Doc Barclay, comes this single priceless gem for this edition: "It's only when you see a mosquito landing on your testicles that you realize that there is always a way to solve problems without using violence."

Membership Subscription Renewal & New Membership If applying for new membership, add $15 for the new member’s package. I currently serving then contact the

Secretary for the Serving Members life subscription rate. I enclose cheque/money order for $15 for Annual or $150

life Subscription OR I have paid $15/150 by web-bank direct credit to: Defence Bank BSB 803205 a/c

20689178 with my name & Subs.

OR (*) Please debit my Master Card/Visa (*) $_______. 00. Card number and expiry date

- - - --- / /

Full name on Credit Card: _____________________________

Signature .....................................................Date ........./........../2014

Mail to PO Box 199 ERINDALE, ACT 2903 OR Email: hiltonlenard@hotmail.com

Please confirm your personal details:

Full name ______________________________________________________________

D of B: __ /__ /19__ Preferred Name: ___________ Date of Enlistment: ___/___/___ Postal address: ________________________________________________________

City _____________ PC ________ Phone Home (0__) _______________ Mobile 04 _______________

Email: _________________________@________________________________ NOK Name __________ Relationship: _______ DoB ____/_____ Anniversary: ___/_____ NOK Phone (if different): ________________ (day and month only necessary for NOK) Regt No: _________ Date Enlistment: ___________Current/last rank: ________Date discharge_________ Dates & Postings/Attachments to 107 Fd Bty (please list years, locations & duties): ________________________________________________________________________ (attach if necessary) I give permission for my details to be published in Association publications and correspondence. Other comments: Please note your comments or other details on the rear or attached to this form,

107 Field Battery Association Association items for Members - fund raising

Association Book – 107 Fd Bty RAA – Australia, Malaysia and Vietnam,

1965-1971 - $62 (Members only price inc p&p).

Tracing the Battery and its members through the early years after re-raising at

Holsworthy through Malaysia, Townsville and to war in Vietnam, this book has 350

gloss pages, over 600 photos many in colour, vary many stories and lots of

historical data. This is a must have in any military library or collection. The

members price is $50 (RR $60) plus postage and packaging in Australia of $12 for

one or two copies. Cost for p&p for multiply copies on application.

Association Key ring: similar to your membership key tag, $10

(inc p&p)

RAM Pin: Our original discrete Black Sheep Association pin,

also $10 (inc p&p)

The Black Sheep Cap: The traditional Black Sheep Cap with

3D embroidered front & rear, $25 (inc p&p).

107 Ties: Two to choose from:

The traditional tie with our Black Sheep emblem in Red, Gold

and Black, $27 (inc p&p) Stock limited do not miss out.

The American western style Bo-Lo tie with leather tie cords held in

place by the Black Sheep broach, similar to the keytag, hand crafted

by John (Bo) Plenty, $18 (inc p&p) NOTE only one remaining

RAM Stubby Holder: A black holder with 107 Black

Sheep logo in red, black & silver with 107 Battery RAA on

each side, $10 (inc p&p). Just released at R14 Darwin.

Post this form or scan and email to hiltonlenard@hotmail.com

Please debit my Visa/MasterCard for $_______.00. Card number

- - - Expiry date /

Full name on Credit Card: __________________________ Signature ___________________Date: __/___/2014

ORDER: Please send me the following (incl p&p):

Book: 107 Bty 1965-71 qty___ $62 ea =

Black Sheep Key Ring qty___ $10 ea =

RAM Pin (quantity 2) qty___ $10 pr =

Black Sheep Baseball Cap qty___ $25 ea =

Tie conventional qty___ $27 ea =

RAM Stubby Holder qty___ $10 ea = ___________

Total = $

NAME: ________________________________ (please print)

Address: _________________________________________

Location: _________________________State____ PC _____

PAY Three options:

1. by cheque/MO and post to:

107 Fd Bty Assn, PO Box 199 ERINDALE

ACT 2903

2. Email order and direct credit to DefBank

107 Fd Bty a/c

BSB 803205 a/c 20689178 with your name in remarks

3. Use credit card form below.

Questions? Email: hiltonlenard@hotmail.com Mobile: 0418 695 345