HMAS LEEUWIN 6th & 7th Intake - Bereavement

Weekly News 2012

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 15 December 2012
http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours and hope it is happy and healthy. We have just completed 10 years as a group. Doesn't time fly. It has been fun and sad, fun to catch up with all you old farts as often as we have and sad to see our ranks thin out. The plusses still outweigh the minuses. I am planning to be here in another ten years, hope you are to.
This will be the final Weekly News for the year, I will pester you again in the second week of January. We are going away to Sabar for a few weeks. We will base out of Kota Kinabualu. Never made Borneo in the Puss; so should be interesting. There is no attachment this week.
There is no need to search for Perry Whitehouse anymore, Nev Barry has found him. Nev is a determined man, the Fugitive is lucky Nev wasn't the detective hunting him all those years ago.
Hometowns Thanks to all those who are still contributing to this. It would also be interesting to see where you came from. There are no names just addresses, a bit of a giggle. How well did you know your messmate? If you are interested in participating let me know.   The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm
Received this from Jack Davey. Spinning a warrie, don the Anti Flash:The Yanks can do it to. I remember being on Melbourne when a Gannet went through the crash barrier after shooting off the flaps. Launched rockets with the flaps down. Anyway the barrier wire snapped back and this Firey in a dreadnought suit went down flat out on his back. Fortunately he came to and survived. I was the Greenie on deck for the SAR Wessex and probably shouldn't have been there next to him. I must have been a bit of a Jonah. I also remember having a conversation with one of the Handlers just before we launched a Wessex off six spot in 1967. We'd been talking about sharks following the ship after the offal. The air hose used for external starts broke and he took two steps back. Unfortunately that was one too many and he went overboard, missed the aft antennas, and came up to see Melbourne disappearing into the distance. The rubber ducky picked him up and he was fine. Wonderful memories on cruise ship Melbourne. Cheers, Jack
50^th Reunion in Sydney October 2013 - The website is updated with all who have indicated they intend attending http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm> Please let Mike Hogan know mikehogan@ozemail.com.au
Face Book - Still updating Facebook with some more photos. Have a look at your facebook page and please upload your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963
Birthdays - Ted Hase, Michael Haining, Henry Ptak, Dave Ferguson, Warick Burns, Mick Gilfoyle, Gary Angel, Glen Butler, Sandy Powell, Ian Schubert, Terry Dack, Marty Hicks, Ray Cattermole, Tank Evans, Doug Brown, Moot Sutton, Perry Whitehouse and John Grenfell celebrate their birthday during this three week period.    Must have been a fairly slack old time in March/April 1945/1946. Give them a call, send an email. Don't die wondering if your old mate (and he is getting old) remembers you. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.
This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htmhttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week
This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-963.com/page29.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm>   has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week
This week the other Other Associations link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm
No new articles

Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 8 December 2012
http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. What a week, the new names for the Supply Branch are another innovation of the New Navy. Half the blokes in our time could not say let alone spell these titles. No more Warrior Writers, no more Pussers Cooks and Stores Bashers are a chain; give me a break, the world will not be the same. There is plenty of other really interesting stuff, including music.   Take your time and enjoy.
We had a very enjoyable afternoon Friday; three badges gold plus many more were needed to remember and/or tell some of the funny stories. We had Annie Oakley from Cairns, Wally Cook from outside Adelaide, Ted Hase and Schubes from Canberra, John Hatchman from Nowra, Sandy Michels from Cootamundra (just disembarked from a touring South West Pacific), Spook Cairns from Lake Macquarie, Doug Wilson from the Central Coast, Kev Bock from Penrith, Mike Hogan, Councillor Mick Gallagher and myself who were the locals. We were also entertained by/with a group of Stokers from one of the ships tied up at Fleet Base East, which was good fun. Apologies were received from Tom Houldsworth, Tassy Mason and Nev Barry
Mention was made of Alex Vujic's passing and the Dedication Plaque for Jessie James.
Earlier that day Mike Hogan and myself confirmed with 'The Rockers' the venue for our 'Meet and Greet'. We will have the area that in 1964 was the public bar. There were some there on Friday who had not been back to the Rockers for forty years. What about you!!!   This is wheel chair friendly and has wheel chair toilet facilities. This is great news.
We discussed those entitled to attend our functions and reaffirmed 1963 JR's and interested parties, ie anyone who has an interest in our group are very welcome. We did discuss the widows in our group and would like to send out a special invitation to them to attend this 50^th reunion.
The topic of cost for the main function was discussed. It is clear that to have a function in Sydney is not cheap, however, it is not cheap to hold a function anywhere. This is our 50^th, we want this function to be memorable. The Harbour Cruise will be the highlight of the weekend. Dress will be Lounge Suit. John Hatchman is making application to DVA for a grant to assist to reduce the costs as is Mike Hogan negiotiating with various carriers to get the best value. We have just under twelve months to go. Start saving your pennies and organizing your group. There still is accommodation available at reasonable rates as some hotels are not aware of the International Review. Get online and check out the scene.
Memorabilla will be restricted to 50^th reunion polo shirts only, we will have two colours navy and white. Schubes and Wally Cook have volunteered to assist in letting everybody know about the function. Spook has agreed to be our music director. All details will be included on the 50^th reunion page of our web site.
Earlier last week was speaking to Doug Heath (who promises to make a function one day) and Nev Barry who is house sitting in Darwin for a month. He was trying to look up Perry Whitehouse who is MIA. Anybody seen Perry and Marja.
Annie Oakley spent a few days with us in Dee Why, he went home this afternoon. It was great to catch up, races and beers were the only words mentioned for two days. Going to take me a week to recover.
Doug Wilson introduced the topic of 'NJF Exercise Physiologists'. Providing you can get a referral from a GP you can receive three free sessions a week. This is the opening paragraph from their website 'NJF Exercise Physiologists provides a friendly, supportive and professional service involving individualised and group gym conditioning and rehabilitation programs to eligible ex-service men & women with clinical need for the service'. If you are interested chase it up using their website or contact DVA.
Hometowns Thanks to all those who are still contributing to this. It would also be interesting to see where you came from. There are no names just addresses, a bit of a giggle. How well did you know your messmate? If you are interested in participating let me know.   The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm
50^th Reunion in Sydney October 2013 - The website is updated with all who have indicated they intend attending http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm> Please let Mike Hogan know mikehogan@ozemail.com.au
Face Book - Still updating Facebook with some more photos. Have a look at your facebook page and please upload your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963
Birthdays - Brissles Lassau and Trevor Bartlett celebrate their birthday this week. Does anybody know Brissles real Christian name. It is Geoffery. Hope I don't have to duck next time I see him and Lou. Give them a call, send an email. Don't die wondering if your old mate (and he is getting old) remembers you. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.
This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htmhttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week
This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-963.com/page29.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm>   has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week
This week the other Other Associations link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm
No new articles

Articles in the Attachments
Renaming of the Supply Category
New President calls for strong RSL Message (WA)
Navy Captain trial on fraud
Darby Ashton buys a new Toyota
Photos of Sailing ships in Codock
Music for all ages

Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 1 December 2012
http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. Been a quiet week, there are a few articles in the attachment which will interest you. You may have an opinion on 'RAN Mess and formal dinner toasts'. Have included a photo forwarded by Rocky Freier that he borrowed from a mate……. Lucky bugger. Next Friday is our day at Rockers; we have people coming from South Australia, North Queensland, Nowra, Central NSW, Central Coast, Newcastle, Canberra and of course Sydney; do you intend attending, if you do, turn up around midday for all of you that have forgotten what 1200 means. We will be in the main bar area.
Where - Rockers
When -  1200 on Friday 7 December
Turn up; enjoy the banter. Let me know if you intend to attend.  Have received emails from Ian Schubert, Doug Wilson, Spook Cairns, Mike Hogan, Sandy Michels, John Hatchman, Wally Cook, Annie Oakley, Kev Bock and Councillor Mick Gallagher. (Mick did remind me the 7^th is the 71^st anniversary of the attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor)
Hometowns Thanks to all those who are still contributing to this. It would also be interesting to see where you came from. There are no names just addresses, a bit of a giggle. How well did you know your messmate? If you are interested in participating let me know.   The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm
50^th Reunion in Sydney October 2013 - The website is updated with all who have indicated they intend attending http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm> Please let Mike Hogan know mikehogan@ozemail.com.au <mailto:mikehogan@ozemail.com.au>
Face Book - Still updating Facebook with some more photos. Have a look at your facebook page and please upload your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963
Birthdays - Rod King, Lew Smith, George Pike, celebrate their birthday this week. Give them a call, send an email. Don't die wondering if your old mate (and he is getting old) remembers you. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.
This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htmhttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
ADSO Update November 2012
This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-963.com/page29.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm>   has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week
This week the other Other Associations link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm
Articles in the Attachment
ADSO launch of new website  http://standto.org/cms/
ADSO update November 2012
RAN Mess and Formal Dinner Toasts
Rocky Freier making us jealous
End of an Era Navy Stokers Reunion Mandurah WA
Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 25 November 2012
http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. Sad news to hear that Alex Vujic passed over the bar this week on Wednesday 21 November. There are testimonial emails below from Jeff Wake and Moot Sutton. I have no details of funeral services to date.
Rugby, I joined JRTE with Alex and my Mum & dad sponsored him.
Great guy.   I lost contact when we left LEEUWIN. Another Magnificent 7^th intake gone.   RIP Alex
Jeff
Combat Scribes

So sorry to get this news. Alex was in Nakina with Peter Pagett and myself.
He was on Supply with me in 67/68 and his wife was having an operation for ovarian cancer and he was being flown home from Manila just after we had completed a SEATO ex, anyway a cyclone closed Manila airport while we were waiting to see him off and Qantas put him up in a posh hotel. The boats were all cancelled so all those on the landing waiting to get back onboard were in for a miserable time. But Alex and I had it made.
Strange thing but true, we decided to do a run through some of the bars to kill some time and were being pestered to go upstairs as it was "very nice, upstairs". Well we finally did and found just about all the wardroom save the CO,XO and OOD all enjoying themselves "upstairs".
Alex had a funny sense of humour
Q: If you were sitting on a river bank and a canoe floated past full of ice cream cones, how would you tell how many ice cream cones were in the canoe?
A: I don't know either because motor bikes don't have windows.
Q: If the definition of a brassier is
1. an over the shoulder boulder holder or
2. an upper decker flipper flopper stopper, and
if the definition of a jock strap is
1. an under the butt nut hut or
2. a lower decker knicker knacker checker
what is the definition of a punch drunk chinaman whose father has dysentery?
A: a slap happy chappy with a crap happy pappy.
It is amazing the little things you retain in your grey matter that links you to a person, place or time.
Alex was a cook extrordanaire. As a kellick he was on the Admirals staff on the Melbourne for RIMPAC 71 or 72.
He was a wizz at doing margarine and ice sculptures to wow the yanks at inter ship head honchos dinners.
Sad to get this news.           Moot Sutton

Where - Rockers
When -  1200 on Friday 7 December
Turn up; enjoy the banter. Let me know if you intend to attend.  Have received emails from Ian Schubert, Doug Wilson, Spook Cairns, Mike Hogan, Sandy Michels, John Hatchman, Wally Cook, Annie Oakley, Kev Bock and Councillor Mick Gallagher. (Mick did remind me the 7^th is the 71^st anniversary of the attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor)
Congratulations to Dolly Gray who is retiring; here is an excerpt of his email:
G'day Fellers,
               I am retiring on the 7^th December after 31.5 years at Ambit. I'm being deported from Victoria to Tasmania for the term of my natural life.
I have a couple of large blocks of land there on Little Norfolk Bay. One with a house on it.   Between Eaglehawk Neck & Port Arthur.
From my front patio I can cast a fishing line, with a good sinker, into Little N/B.   I'll have to get someone to hold the rod though as I'll have a cigar in one hand and a scotch in the other.
When I get a boat I'll be able to launch it straight off the front of the block. Fish galore !
So - don't send any more emails to my work address. My home email will remain the same as:    johndgray@iprimus.com.au
Hometowns Thanks to all those who are still contributing to this. It would also be interesting to see where you came from. There are no names just addresses, a bit of a giggle. How well did you know your messmate? If you are interested in participating let me know.   The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm
50^th Reunion in Sydney October 2013 - The website is updated with all who have indicated they intend attending http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm> Please let Mike Hogan know (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au <mailto:mikehogan@ozemail.com.au> )
Face Book - Still updating Facebook with some more photos. Have a look at your facebook page and please upload your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963
Birthdays - Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith and Col Mundt celebrate their birthdays this week. Give them a call, send an email. Don't die wondering if your old mate (and he is getting old) remembers you. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.
This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htmhttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week
This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-963.com/page29.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm>   has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week
This week the other Other Associations link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm
Articles in the Attachment
Vale Rear Admiral Rourke
Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 17 November 2012
http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. Received a call from Annie Oakley out of Cairns, he is going to meet us at the Rockers in a couple of weeks.  Coming down for two days.  Its only three weeks away.   In my experience this function is being supported by more interstate and intrastate blokes than ever before.  Great to see.   Again there are some great articles in the Attachment.  The RN'ers doing their Field Gun drill is brilliant - Mike Hogan one of the blokes from Navy Rugby (now a CMDR) RAN was in this league when he was a sailor in the RN.  Other good pictorials and dits to keep you happy as you reach for a coldie. A sobering article on Psych Records though.
Have received a few emails re' the protocol for wearing of the RAS badge with civilian clothing'.  Some agreed, some disagreed and wanted to do their own thing whenever they wish to commemorate an event.   Each to his own.  There is an article received from 'Honours and Awards' in the Attachment you may care to peruse.  I just had a shooftie through the recent edition of 'Reville', found some wearing it and some not.
Where - Rockers
When -  1200 on Friday 7 December
Turn up; enjoy the banter. Let me know if you intend to attend.  Have received emails from Ian Schubert, Doug Wilson, Spook Cairns, Mike Hogan, Sandy Michels, John Hatchman, Wally Cook and Annie Oakley.
Hometowns Thanks to all those who are still contributing to this. It would also be interesting to see where you came from. There are no names just addresses, a bit of a giggle. How well did you know your messmate? If you are interested in participating let me know.   The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm
50^th Reunion in Sydney October 2013 - The website is updated with all who have indicated they intend attending http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm> Please let Mike Hogan know (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au <mailto:mikehogan@ozemail.com.au> )
Face Book - Still updating Facebook with some more photos. Have a look at your facebook page and please upload your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963
Birthdays -Tom Houldsworth, Barry Andrew, Peewee Petherick, Kev Bock and Charles Burrows, celebrate their birthdays this week. Give them a call, send an email. Don't die wondering if your old mate (and he is getting old) remembers you. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.
This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htmhttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
Monthly ESO Update
This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm>   has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week
This week the other Other Associations link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

Articles in the Attachment
Glen Butler says G'day from USA
RN Field Gun Drill
RAS Badge protocolMinor Mishaps - worth a shooftieVALE - Commodore H.P. (Paul) Berger LVO RAN (RETIRED)VVCS CONFIDENTIAL PSYCH RECORDS
  FREE LEGAL HELP FOR WAR VETERANS - NON QUEENSLANDERS CHECK WITH LEGAL AID IN YOUR STATE
Lost Soul - CAPT Graeme McNally
AMAFTU 50 YEAR REUNION
VENDETTA VETERANS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PICNIC (QLD)HMAS SYDNEY - second book details
Cheers
Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 10 November 2012
http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. Less than a month before we have Christmas drinks at Rockers. There is an article about Diesel Exposure on the DVA web page plus a download of the book published on the RAN 1911-1961 in the Other Associations webpage. Do you know when to wear your RAS badge - protocol details are contained in the Attachment plus there is a good article on the 2013 International Fleet Review.
Where - Rockers
When -  1200 on Friday 7 December
Turn up; enjoy the banter. Let me know if you intend to attend.  Have received emails from Ian Schubert, Doug Wilson, Spook Cairns, Mike Hogan, Sandy Michels, John Hatchman and Wally Cook.
Hometowns Received from Rod Hazzell -
A note on where we joined from.
Barrie Q and Kim D both enlisted from Rockingham WA,
Mick P and I both enlisted from Medina WA
But we were all in Third year high at Kwinana High School at the same time, can anyone beat this???
Terry D and Sandy P both came out of Maitland NSW.
Cheers,  Rod H.
Thanks to all those who are still contributing to this. It would also be interesting to see where you came from. There are no names just addresses, a bit of a giggle. How well did you know your messmate? If you are interested in participating let me know.   The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm
The website is updated with all who have indicated they intend attending http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm> Please let Mike Hogan know (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au <mailto:mikehogan@ozemail.com.au> )
Face Book - Still updating Facebook with some more photos. Have a look at your facebook page and please upload your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963
Birthdays - Terry Coulthard, Peter Mc Millan, John Wright, Vic Soszynski, Max Neugent, Steve Coll, Peter Pagett  and John Stephens celebrate their birthdays this week. Give them a call, send an email. Don't die wondering if your old mate (and he is getting old) remembers you. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.
This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htmhttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
No items this week
This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm>   has been updated with articles on:
Diesel Exposure
This week the other Other Associations link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm
The Old RAN 1911-1961
Articles in the Attachment
2013 International Fleet Review
Wearing the RAS badge

Cheers
Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 3 November 2012
http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. Had a yarn with Mike Hogan and Knocker (Derek) White during the week, Knocker and Marilyn are enjoying themselves in a National Park south of Port Macquarie. Great to catch up. Met up with Bryan Cunnington from Herberton FNQ, he was a Sparker  from the 5^th intake.  Received a welcome email from Wally Cook informing he was coming to the function at the Rockers in December, he signed off as LTO Wally Cook - those days are gone now, he would be a LSCIS - (what does CIS represent) wasn't life simple.
We are going to meet at the Rockers at 1200 on Friday 7 December. Turn up enjoy the banter. Let me know if you intend to attend.
Rob Cavanagh is on the road; he sent the following email:  Hi Ron, just an update on our grey nomading.  For the past two months we have been meandering south thru NSW and am now at a place called Merrijig (40km's west of Mt Buller). We intend arriving back in BNE in late Nov/ early Dec.We are been presented with another grand child next March (must be at home for that event), then San & I will go on the road again In May 13, up to CNS then onto N.T we will meet up with another couple in Darwin(they will travel up from Perth), stay there for a while, then head south down the middle, explore S.A, then onto western Victoria, western NSW. We will plan to be in Sydney in late Oct and hopefully will catch up with everyone.

Cheers

Rob & Sandy Cavanagh
Hometowns Thanks to all those who are still contributing to this. It would also be interesting to see where you came from. There are no names just addresses, a bit of a giggle. How well did you know your messmate? If you are interested in participating let me know.   The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm
Reunion - Knocker rang to let me know, he had booked into the Hyde Park Inn and obtained the last two bedroom apartment available, there were single rooms still available as advised earlier this week.   There is a further update on rates in the attachment.   The website is updated with all who have indicated they intend attending http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm> Please let Mike Hogan know (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au <mailto:mikehogan@ozemail.com.au> )
Face Book - Still updating Facebook with some more photos. Have a look at your facebook page and please upload your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963
Birthdays - Rocky Frier, Guy Irwin, Wayne Godenzie and Bill Healey, celebrate their birthdays this week. Give them a call, send an email. Don't die wondering if your old mate (and he is getting old) remembers you. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.
This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htmhttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
Just ignore the 'Public Sector Pension' title and assume it is DFRDB because the same CPI indexation applies.

You just enter your date of discharge (month and year) and your current fortnightly gross DFRDB and it will 'reverse engineer' the total indexation by both CPI and Age Pension rates to present your comparison graph.
You will then see what we are all on about!
This is but one item we are fighting this government on.
 http://scoatas.info/indexation.php
This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm>   has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week
Articles in the Attachment
Hyde Park Inn rates
DFWA - Fair Indexation
Vale - Reggie Coldwell
Vale - Barry Nobes

Cheers
Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 20 October 2012

<http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm>
http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. I must thank all those that forward me items which I can onforward using this medium. Saying that, there is a lot on the attachment this week.  Two shipmates passing over the bar, not from our intakes.  There is information on the continuing battle for 'fair indexing' for superannuation.  There is a top story about the sinking of HMS DUCHESS in 1939.  You are even are treated to a music fest. Click on your birthday and see what occurs.  There is info on the WA RSL Presidency.  Unfortunately it is in a little convoluted state as it arrives in different formats, but it is easily readable.
We are now less than 12 months out from our 50^th anniversary reunion.  Our function commences on the Friday of the final week of the International Fleet Review which celebrates 100 years since the first RAN Fleet sailed in Sydney.  I watched a utube of the 75^th anniversary Fleet Review, chttp://youtu.be/Q05ErsQv9h8 it went on forever but it was worth it.  I did not know that when we joined in 63, we joined on the 50^th anniversary of the Fleet entering Sydney, maybe our Divisional Staff did tell us, anyway I missed it.  Anyway, what it means is October next year in Sydney is going to be big to really big.  There will be warships and sailors awash.  For the 75^th the Poms sent over Carriers.  I do not think the US will recommission the 'Big Mo' as their main representative, but imagine something big will turn up.  There will be hordes and hordes of hungry ORDS in Sydney, it will be the time for you also to be here.  This International Review will be the highlight of Sydney for the year - bigger than New Year's Eve or Australia Day.
With this in mind now is the time for you to do something about your time in Sydney next year.  Accommodation will be at a premium, talk to your old girl friends, relations and ex wives relations, but make sure you book now.  The NSW RSL has accommodation in the city, the Hyde Park Inn; Trevor Bartlett forwarded this:
Hi Ron,
Further to my previous email, if anyone wants to stay at the Hyde Park Inn, basically there are no rooms available at the moment. They are all reserved for RSL members, but if someone from the organising committee could give Peter from the Hyde Park Inn with possible numbers (029264 6001), we may be able to secure some rooms for those that need them. I have put my name on the waiting list to see if something is going to be available in the next week or so. I am told they may be able to accommodate up to 100 people.

By Ron - Please let me know if you are interested I am happy to do a group booking but need numbers.
We are going to meet at the Rockers at 1200 on Friday 7 December. Turn up enjoy the banter. Let me know if you intend to attend.
Hometowns Did you know one of our blokes now lives in the village of Arivruaich on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland; he joined from Adelaide. I know we have two others who live OS. It would also be interesting to see where you came from. There are no names just addresses, a bit of a giggle. How well did you know your messmate? If you are interested in participating let me know.   The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm
Reunion - The website is updated with all who have indicated they intend attending http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm> Please let Mike Hogan know (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au <mailto:mikehogan@ozemail.com.au> )
Face Book - Still updating Facebook with some more photos. Have a look at your facebook page and please upload your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963
Birthdays - It is scary, I have no record of any of our group celebrating their birthday this coming week.  If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.
This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htmhttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
In the attachment
This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm>   has been updated with articles on:

No new articles this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm>

None this week

Cheers
Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 13 October 2012

<http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm>

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. John Hatchman forwarded a few newspaper clips of years ago about the DFRDB issue when John Howard was PM, you really have to say little has changed.

We are going to meet at the Rockers at 1200 on Friday 7 December. Turn up enjoy the banter. Let me know if you intend to attend,

Heard the other day Sydney is expecting an additional 1 million visitors for the International Fleet Review next October. You know we tacked our 50th function on the end of this to allow all to attend. Accommodation may be an issue so book early. You are all aware there are plenty of accommodation deals in Sydney. A lot are available on the websites like Wotif and Lastminute.com <http://Lastminute.com/> . Some of our people have stayed at the Hyde Park Inn, it is run by the NSW RSL, is very competitive and I have not heard any poor reviews. This will be a once in a life time spectacle, so make sure you are in Sydney.

The Commonwealth Navies Rugby Competition wrapped up on Wednesday, the RAN were beaten by the RN 36-10, there were some positives out of it, some new players really stood up, but pretty disappointing really, the home team ran third out of three, beauty we won the bronze.

Hometowns Did you know one of our blokes now lives in the village of Arivruaich on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland; he joined from Adelaide. I know we have two others who live OS. It would also be interesting to see where you came from. There are no names just addresses, a bit of a giggle. How well did you know your messmate? If you are interested in participating let me know. The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm

Reunion - The website is updated with all who have indicated they intend attending http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm> Please let Mike Hogan know (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au <mailto:mikehogan@ozemail.com.au> )

Face Book - Still updating Facebook with some more photos. Have a look at your facebook page and please upload your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Birthdays - Grant Dernedde grabasia@hotmail.com Fred Auty johnbani@tpg.com.au John Amouris d.amourous@bigpond.com and Gavin Whitney celebrate their birthdays this coming week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, if I have the details I will give it to you. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Blokes from all of us If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htmhttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

no new articles

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm> has been updated with articles on:

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm>

Contained in the attachment

Cheers

Ron

Week

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 6 October 2012

<http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm>

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Havent had a phone call or coffee with any of our group this week, thank goodness for email. Happy to see there is an interest in the 'Home Town' web page. There are some good reads and photos in the attachments.

The Commonwealth Navies Rugby Competition commenced on Wednesday, the RAN were beaten by the RNZN and today the RN beat the RNZN 18-15. The RAN plays the RN at TG Milner Field at Eastwood commencing at 1430.

Reunion - All the Reunion 2013 information and a list of names of those that have indicated they intend attending is contained on the website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm> Please let Mike Hogan know (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au <mailto:mikehogan@ozemail.com.au> ) of your intentions to attend. You are all aware there are plenty of accommodation deals in Sydney. A lot are available on the websites like Wotif and Lastminute.com <http://Lastminute.com/> . Some of our people have stayed at the Hyde Park Inn, it is run by the NSW RSL, is very competitive and I have not heard any poor reviews.

Face Book - Still updating Facebook with some more photos. Have a look at your facebook page and please upload your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Birthdays - Russ Nelson outnaboutnelsons@gmail.com Gordon Davison gcd93814@bigpond.net.au and Jim Claypole are celebrating their birthdays this coming week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, if I have the details I will give it to you. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Blokes from all of us If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htmhttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

Contained in the attachment

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm> has been updated with articles on:

Contained in the attachment

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm>

No new articles this week

Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 29 September 2012

<http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm>
http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. Met up with Derek (Knocker) White again on Thursday and introduced him to today's payday raffles at KUTTABUL. I think he enjoyed himself. I certainly did, we met up with Tassy Mason and Jaffa Robinson and carried on from there. There are some good reads in the attachments. Take your time and wade through it.
For those that are interested the Commonwealth Navies Rugby Competition commences on Wednesday at TG Milner Field at Eastwood commencing at 1400 against the Kiwis. The centenary of Navy Rugby and the launching of the book to commemorate this event is being held in HMAS CHOULES tomorrow evening.
Hometowns    Could you look to see whether your hometown is on our website. It would also be interesting to see where you came from. I could put for example, joined from Montague Island now living in Muswellbrook. There are no names just addresses, a bit of a giggle. How well do you know your messmate? If you are interested in participating let me know.   The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm
Reunion - All the Reunion 2013 information and a list of names of those that have indicated they intend attending is contained on the website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm> Please let Mike Hogan know (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au <mailto:mikehogan@ozemail.com.au> ) of your intentions to attend. You are all aware there are plenty of accommodation deals in Sydney. A lot are available on the websites like Wotif and Lastminute.com <http://Lastminute.com/> . Some of our people have stayed at the Hyde Park Inn, it is run by the NSW RSL, is very competitive and I have not heard any poor reviews.
Face Book - Still updating Facebook with some more photos. Have a look at your facebook page and please upload your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963
Birthdays - Barry Quigley quigs1@bigpond.com Mick Roberts robertsk@bigpond.net.au  Ted Worcester ausibattla@iprimus.com.au and Rob McKinnon are celebrating their birthdays this coming week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, if I have the details I will give it to you. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Blokes from all of us   If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.
This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htmhttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
Contained in the attachment
This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm>   has been updated with articles on:
Contained in the attachment
This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm>
No new articles this week

Cheers
Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 22 September 2012

<http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm>

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Had a coffee with Knocker and Marilyn White this morning at South Curl Curl. They both look well; they are helping looking after their Grandkids at Curl Curl. Also been in contact with Phyllis Laundon, she has just returned to Sydney from Cairns after Pommies funeral; she was staying with her son Andrew who is serving in Patrol Boats; she has indicated she is a starter for our reunion next year. Onya Phyllis

Rick and Lea Avey forwarded this: G`Day Friends and Rellies

We have not deserted you, but have been travelling and camping out bush with little to no reception. We will be back in early Oct. when we get to Millmerran for the KOG. And Camp Oven Festival. Luv

It amazes me how many of our group are on the road, you could guarantee they would be passing each other every other day.

For those that are interested the Commonwealth Navies Rugby Competition commences early in October. The main matches are being played TG Milner Field at Eastwood.

Hometowns Could you look to see whether your hometown is on our website. It would also be interesting to see where you came from. I could put for example, joined from Montague Island now living in Muswellbrook. There are no names just addresses, a bit of a giggle. How well do you know your messmate? If you are interested in participating let me know. The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm

Face Book - Still updating Facebook with some more photos. Have a look at your facebook page and please upload your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Birthdays - Ron May, Selwyn Trott, Rick Avey, Russ Dale, Greg Williams, Vic Dzodz and Ken Dobbie are celebrating their birthdays this coming week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, if I have the details I will give it to you. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Blokes from all of us If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htmhttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

No articles this week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm> has been updated with articles on:

Veteran Pension Rate Rise on 20 September

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm <http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm>

Forwarded in the attachment

Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 8 September 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Have just returned from Adelaide with the Billy lids, spoke to Fred Howes, he is enjoying his retirement from firefighting in Wallaroo SA. He mentioned he may be bringing two mates to next years 50th reunion in Sydney. Scarcey has been to each function Fred has attended and had a great time. Remember, our mission statement includes 1963 EXJR'S and interested parties. Talk to your mates and family, see if they want to join you in your special celebration. It is only just over 12 months.

There's heaps this week, the ADSO reports, lost sailor, Tony Zajer advising of an opportunity to talk to the Minister for Veterans Affairs in SW West Australia, book reviews (they are a must read), an important message on looking out for your mates as part of World Suicide Prevention Day and a Sparker's photo that needs identification. Also thanks to all those that are updating the details on the Hometowns Web Page. What a week. Put your feet up and enjoy.

Navy held Mons Cup last week at Randwick Army Barracks. This was one of the major events to celebrate 100 years of Navy Rugby. For the record HMAS CAIRNS won for the cup for first time in history. A new dawn perhaps. KUTTABUL could not field a team and the team from ALBATROSS was the 816 Squadron team who had numbers for two teams. History no KUTTABUL and no ALBATROSS. Anyway CAIRNS beat ADFA in the final in extra time. A great day out and a top result. For those that are interested the Commonwealth Navies Rugby Competition commences early in October. The main matches are being played TG Milner Field at Eastwood.

I received some pics of a determined trio of triumphant walkers including Kev Uttley completing the fun run on Father's Day in Navy colours. Very inspiring photos. They will be on our Facebook page and are also in the attachment to this Weekly News.

Received this message, you may remember him, he was our age and our era, he was a real gentleman:

I regret to advise that David Ramsay died suddenly on the evening of 4 September while attending the current Ministerial talks in Jakarta as an advisor - he was working with the AusAID program. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Captain DJ Ramsay RAN (rtd), son of the late Commodore Sir James, served as a junior officer in BRISBANE 1970-1971, including the second gunline deployment, before joining the Fleet Air Arm where he was an A4 pilot.

Later he was commissioning XO of SUCCESS and subsequently CO. In the latter part of his career, he served as Naval Attaché in Jakarta and hence following his retirement from the Service he continued working with Indonesia.

As one of his yearmates, I mourn his loss - a fine man who has left us at too young an age (64).

PHOTO There is a photo of some young Sparkers supposedly at work in the mid 60's. Can you identify them all, there is a LEEUWIN 1963 biro to the first correct answer. Author of the photo stand fast.

HOMETOWNS Thanks to all who have responded so far in updating this page. If we all contribute and the page gets properly populated, it will provide some interesting stories and data. I have been interested for some time on the geographical spread of our group as we are now. Recently I have collected the current town addresses of all in our group. Could you look to see whether your hometown is there. It would also be interesting to see where you came from. I could put for example, joined from Montague Island now living in Muswellbrook. There are no names just addresses, a bit of a giggle. How well do you know your messmate? If you are interested in participating let me know. The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm

Reunion - All the Reunion 2013 information is contained on the website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm please let Mike Hogan know (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au) of your intentions to attend. You are all aware there are plenty of accommodation deals in Sydney. A lot are available on the websites like Wotif and Lastminute.com. Some of our people have stayed at the Hyde Park Inn, it is run by the NSW RSL, is very competitive and I have not heard any poor reviews.

Face Book - Still updating Facebook with some more photos. Have a look at your facebook page and please upload your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Birthdays - Norm Friebe, Hoss Potter, Peter Taudevin, Chris Neville, Max Hart, Ken Scarisbrick, Tiny Graves, Paul Finch, Andrew Hammond and Bob Deardon are celebrating their birthdays this coming week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, if I have the details I will give it to you. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Blokes from all of us If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

There is a lost soul add in the Attachment.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

Tony Zajer has forwarded an article for those who live in WA particularly the South West. See attachment

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm has been updated with articles on:

See attachments

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

Did you assist with loading SYDNEY on her trips to South Vietnam. If you idd please see the article in the attachments.

Cheers

Ron

News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 1 September 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. There has been quite a bit of correspondence this week. The items on DFRDB and Hometowns were prominent,we also received this sad news item:

To my dear friends,

Frances passed away this morning at 8.10am in the Holy Spirit Northside Hospital. Now she is no longer in pain.

Best wishes

Darby Ashton

1 Skylark Crt

Kallangur

QLD 4503

(07)32046037

0437012169

ourouse@bigpond.com

Ron Carroll also forwarded the sad news.

Received this from Larraine Uttley Hi Ron Kevin's HMAS Brisbane cap went missing during our last house move. Do you know if there are any floating around for sale.

Just an update on Kevin's progress. He has set himself a goal to walk In the Bridge to Brisbane 5klm walk on Fathers Day. This is a huge feat for him and we have been 'training' over the last couple of months. His son and physio will be assisting him as he will need to hold into someone's arm for support.

We have finally been given an Occupational Therapist to work on his right arm as he has not able to use it and are very hopeful that he will get some movement in the next few months.

Speech is the hardest part for Kevin but there is still slow improvement. So he is still defying the odds.

Will let you know how the walk goes. Regards Larraine

All the best Kev, our thoughts and best wishes go with you.

Cheers

Ron

Did you know Mick Gallagher is standing as a Councillor and as a Mayoral candidate for Hornsby at next weekend's NSW local elections. He has served in the Mayoral position previously. All the best Mick, I certainly hope you get over the line and sort out the council regulations on parking in Mt Colah. (You may make ACA again but from the other side of the fence) We should have a Mayor to help us celebrate our 50^th reunion. At some local swimming carnivals I have been competing, the Hornsby swimmers were talking up Mick's chances.

Doug Wilson forwarded: Hi Ron

Thank you for distributing that e-mail amongst our group and thanks also to the people who contributed notably Darby and Francis Ashton, Russ and Viv Loane, Neville Barnes of HMAS Perth Association and others I haven't got details on yet.

My son Peter, wanted to know what the comments meant that came with the donations such as referring to my wobbly legs (their team was called Sea Legs, they are a bunch of mates that go surfing together) I think the comments referred to my sometimes intemperate behaviour when I was in the navy. I told him not to take any notice, that these blokes are well into their sixties now and probably a bit senile and he accepted that straight away, when I say accepted, he was looking at me and nodding.

The walk started at Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River and finished 100km away at Mosman. I thought the place looked a bit familiar when I went down for the finish, it was just up the road from Penquin.

Sea Legs team raised $3095 for Oxfam and in total $2.495 million has been raised with an aim for $3.2 million. Their time was 26hours 53 min. 76% of walkers finished with an average of 29 hours 15 min. Fastest time was 12hours 18 mins

Many thanks once again Ron and to all who contributed.

Doug Wilson

HOMETOWNS I have been interested for some time on the geographical spread of our group as we are now. Recently I have collected the current town addresses of all in our group. Could you look to see whether your hometown is there. It would also be interesting to see where you came from. I could put for example, joined from Montague Island now living in Muswellbrook. There are no names just addresses, a bit of a giggle. How well do you know your messmate? If you are interested in participating let me know. The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm

Face Book - Still updating Facebook with some more photos. Have a look at your facebook page and please upload your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Birthdays - Doug Wilson, Darby Ashton, Don Muller, Trevor Clark, Nev Coghlan, Darryl Genrich, Jeff Wake and Chris Jamieson are celebrating their birthdays this coming week. There are four who were born on the same day. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, if I have the details I will give it to you. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Blokes from all of us If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

See attachment forwarded during the week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm has been updated with articles on:

See attachments

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

See attachments

Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 25 August 2012
http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm
G'day and Welcome,
Hope all is well on the home front. Checkers Aldridge, Mike Shepherd, Mick Gallagher, Mike Hogan and myself mustered at Martin Place on Long Tan Day for the ceremony. Jack Davey was sighted during the day. We enjoyed ourselves at the after function. It has been a quiet week for notices. You would have heard the motion to have the DFRDB aligned with the rest of Australia was defeated by a vote, with the proposer, Mr Oakshot, not turning up to vote.
I have advertised this previously but it is worth showing again. This is work done by Brent Balchin and it is brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u4Aafuojro&w=640&h=480
HOMETOWNS I have been interested for some time on the geographical spread of our group. Recently I have collected the town addresses of all in our group. Could you look to see whether your hometown is there. If it is not please let me know. The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm
Reunion - All the Reunion 2013 information is contained on the website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm please let Mike Hogan know (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au) of your intentions to attend. You are all aware there are plenty of accommodation deals in Sydney. A lot are available on the websites like Wotif and Lastminute.com. Some of our people have stayed at the Hyde Park Inn, it is run by the NSW RSL, is very competitive and I have not heard any poor reviews.
Face Book - Have updated Facebook with some more photos, this time with some of the photos taken in LEEUWIN in 63. I will put the Long Tan photos there also. Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963
Birthdays - Hielke Wieringa andJohn Stockings are celebrating their birthdays this coming week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, if I have the details I will give it to you. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Blokes from all of us If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.
This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
See attachment forwarded during the week
This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new items this week
This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm
No new items this week
Cheers
Ron

G'day and Welcome,

WWeekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 18 August 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. I attended Pommie Laundon's funeral on Monday, his wife Phyllis, two sons (Andrew) is a chef on a Patrol Boat out of Cairns and daughter, they were happy there was a navy presence. Pommie had the White Ensign over his coffin and a photo of him alongside a 4.5 gun at West Head. He was one proud sailor. His name was John David Laundon, does anybody recall him being called by his christian name John. By all accounts he was a passionate Cronulla Sharks football supporter, the congregration as one, laughed at his many feats on the side line. He also hated Manly Warringah and had a tshirt with the emblem I support Cronulla Sharks and any team playing Manly. Col Yench forwarded: Have been in touch with Phyllis, thanks for asking around for Harry, have a good week Regards Col

Moot (Peter) Sutton remembers an incident early in Pommie's career: Sorry to hear about Pommie Laundon.

He was doing ords sea time in Supply AO195 in 64/65 along with about 20 other ords various. Half from Cerberus and half ex JR's.

Supply was supporting the waries putting up the blockade during the Indonesian confrontation. We regularly had to go to the big Shell Oil depot just outside Singapore to top up before boing back out to resupply the wares.

We were within swimming distance of the Indonesian shore while taking on fuel so we had real live operation awkwards while taking on fuel.

Besides boats in the water we had six upper deck sentries at all times. These sentries were bow, midships and stern, both port and starboard. We had to wear full webbing with those scare charges that looked like tins of Johnson's baby powder ammo in our pouches, whistles and I think thunderflashes and pussers pissant 90 degree torches.

Pommie was given a trick up the bow and was going OK, just like the rest of us, nothing out of the ordinary. Then he went missing for a short while and his opposite number up the bow got curious and had a quick look for him and heard moaning coming from of all places down the hawse pipe.

Supply had bloody big hawse pipes. The anchors had been let out so that the length of cable on the deck, that is normally painted white, was now not visible as it was down the hawse pipe.

Being fairly shipshape, a tail end of our headrope had been cheesed down on the deck. Pommie said, in the dark he mistook the cheesed down rope to be the hawse pipe and jumped over it, two feet together, and landed in the real hawse pipe. He landed with his ribs hitting the rim or the hawse pipe winding himself and began sliding down the hawse pipe until he managed to grab onto something to stop his slide. We fished him out and he was taken away to sick bay, bruised and shaken (not stirred).

The strange thing is, what no one was able to figure out. And to this day the

mystery remains. He had taken off all his webbing, bombs bullets,hat,bayonet and rifle and had neatly stowed them against a weather break up in the foc'sle, fwd of the anchor windlass. Moot Sutton

Swapped a few messages with Spook Cairns this week, he is recovering from surgery. All the best mate, we will miss you at Martin Place for Viet Nam Veterans Day and afterwards.

Vietnam Veterans Day in Sydney - Our next function is being held tomorrow Saturday18 August. We will be meeting at Martin Place for the Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony. The ceremony normally starts about 1000ish, then on completion to the 'Hero of Waterloo'.

HOMETOWNS I have been interested for some time on the geographical spread of our group. Recently I have collected the town addresses of all in our group. Could you look to see whether your hometown is there. If it is not please let me know. The list is promulgated: http://www.hmas-leeuwin1963.com/page19.htm

Hypen Henderson-Smith forwarded the following: Hi Ron Looking through your list of hometowns I noticed that you missed two important places in Far North Queensland: Murray Upper - 'Nifty Nev Barry' and Mission Beach - yours truly. Incidently if anyone is thinking of a holiday up this way tell them to get in touch as Keri and I are currently in the accommodation business and can offer some attractive deals for ex JR's. Regards Hyphen H-S

Reunion - Have added new information on the International Fleet Review which will be held in early-mid October 2013 - you may wish to tie up the two functions with the one visit to Sydney. All the Reunion 2013 information is contained on the website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm please let Mike Hogan know (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au) of your intentions to attend.

Col Yench forwarded: Hi Ron, Wondering if you could do me a favour could you ask around and see if anyone knows the whereabouts of Harry Buttons, I was in Greenslopes for an overnighter and run into Mike Hobbs ex jr 1^st intake. We were talking about all the signalmen we knew and had come across, can remember Harry but haven't heard about him for ages could you please have an ask around for me. Thanking you Col Yench

Face Book - Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Birthdays - I missed Dinky Dallton's birthday last week, happy birthday mate. This week Tom Coulson, Roger Pearson, John Klich, Steve Sternbeck, Barry Barclay andMichael Moore are celebrating their birthdays this coming week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, if I have the details I will give it to you. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Blokes from all of us If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

See attachment forwarded during the week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new items this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

No new items this week

Cheers

RonHope all is well on the home front. I attended Pommie Laundon's funeral on Monday, his wife Phyllis, two sons (Andrew) is a chef on a Patrol Boat out of Cairns and daughter, they were happy there was a navy presence. Pommie had the White Ensign over his coffin and a photo of him alongside a 4.5 gun at West Head. He was one proud sailor. His name was John David Laundon, does anybody recall him being called by his christian name John. By all accounts he was a passionate Cronulla Sharks football supporter, the congregration as one, laughed at his many feats on the side line. He also hated Manly Warringah and had a tshirt with the emblem I support Cronulla Sharks and any team playing Manly. Col Yench forwarded: Have been in touch with Phyllis, thanks for asking around for Harry, have a good week Regards Col

Moot (Peter) Sutton remembers an incident early in Pommie's career: Sorry to hear about Pommie Laundon.

He was doing ords sea time in Supply AO195 in 64/65 along with about 20 other ords various. Half from Cerberus and half ex JR's.

We were within swimming distance of the Indonesian shore while taking on fuel so we had real live operation awkwards while taking on fuel.

Supply had bloody big hawse pipes. The anchors had been let out so that the length of cable on the deck, that is normally painted white, was now not visible as it was down the hawse pipe.

The strange thing is, what no one was able to figure out. And to this day the

mystery remains. He had taken off all his webbing, bombs bullets,hat,bayonet and rifle and had neatly stowed them against a weather break up in the foc'sle, fwd of the anchor windlass. Moot Sutton

Swapped a few messages with Spook Cairns this week, he is recovering from surgery. All the best mate, we will miss you at Martin Place for Viet Nam Veterans Day and afterwards.

Face Book - Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

See attachment forwarded during the week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new items this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

No new items this week

Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 11 August 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. As advised earlier Pommie Laundon passed over the bar on the 7th, he will be buried on Monday 13th. He had it pretty tough in the past 5 years without ever complaining, he is at peace now. If you need any further details of the funeral please let me know. There has been quite a bit of correspondence this week, it is all below.

Those that intend to attend on Vietnam Veterans Day on Saturday 18^th August read the note below.

Have forwarded the attachment, interesting to see how ships can be transported.

Vietnam Veterans Day in Sydney - Our next function is being held on Saturday18 August. We will be meeting at Martin Place for the Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony. The ceremony normally starts about 1000ish, then on completion to the 'Hero of Waterloo' - it's a Saturday, you might like to be there.

Trevor Bartlett - Trevor Bartlett you say, I remember that name….well he has contacted Irish O'Leary and consequently contacted me. I have collated his email trail …Hi Ron, I have just got hold of Irish O'Leary after all these years and he has given me your email address. I have been trying for some time to get in touch with someone regards the 6/7th intake site at Leeuwin and I am told that you are the man to see. I am interested in catching up with old mates from the 7th intake as I have lost track of them since leaving the navy. It appears that Irish has lived only 20 km or so from where my mother lived. I visit her every year, but did not know Irish lived "around the corner". I currently live in Nuriootpa in South Australia (Barossa Valley). Very few people in the navy knew me by my first name hence my use of Boong. I know it is not politically correct these days, but it is hard tracking down people when in a lot of cases all you knew was the nickname and last name. Look forward to hearing from you Thanks for the welcome. I have been looking at the website for several months now and trying to remember names. How time dims the memories. However things are coming back. I was in Kaiber I, in the old hut right up the very top by the road.. The email from you is most welcome so please keep it coming. I also have just recieived an email from Ken Railton who I believe you keep in touch with from time to time and via the weekly newsletter. I do have some photographs taken while on leave in Bunbury when scrawny a little JR with some-one who I cannot recall whose name. Perhaps some-one can put a name to him. I am in Ward 17 of the RGH in Adelaide for the next fortnight and will find it when I get home and send it to you. May have other stuff if I search the archives. I was also in the JR lightweight rowing 8 and have the crew photograph still of that. Look forward to hearing from you. Cheers Boong

HOMETOWNS I have been interested for some time on the geographical spread of our group. Recently I have collected the town addresses of all in our group. Could you look to see whether your hometown is there. If it is not please let me know. The list will be promulgated on the website when finished http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page19.htm

Brian Gorringe forwarded the following: G'day Ron,The attached PDF file is forwarded for information and distribution please. All of us would have been exposed to asbestos and other hazardous chemicals throughout our careers and I would encourage that all consider to register under the Defence Asbestos Exposure Evaluation Scheme. Details are on the attachment together with entitlements for a Health assessment medical for asbestos and other hazardous substances through Medibank solutions. cheers, Brian

Knocker White forwarded this, can anybody help: I was on Manus Island H.M.A.S. Tarangau from 1969 to 1971 my wife joined me in 1970 and my son was born in 1971. What I am chasing are the medical records of my wife and son whist at Tarangau I have had no luck with Cannberra just to be told they did not attach medical records to the members.

As PNG took over Tarangau in 1975 I was wondering if anybody out there could point me in the right direction as to who I would be best to cantact in this regard.

Thanks for any info.

Comment by: Stephen White

Larry Kent and wife have retired, they have left the B&B business - onya Larry enjoy yourself.

reunion - All the Reunion 2013 information is contained on the website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm please let Mike Hogan know (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au) of your intentions to attend.

Navy Rugby - On October 1 this year RAN Rugby will launch the Commonwealth Navies Rugby Championship. The venue is TG Milner and the game programme is below.

• 3 Oct - RAN v RNZN - kick off 1400

• 7 Oct - RAN Old Salts v ACT Vets - curtain raiser

RN v RNZN - kick off 1400

• 11 Oct RNZN v RAN Development 15 - curtain

RAN v RN - kick off 1400

• 13 Oct CNRC 7s comp - curtain

- Commonwealth Navies Barbarians 15 v Sydney University (TBC)

Face Book - Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photoshttps://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Birthdays - Garry Brown is celebrating his birthday this coming week. Send him an email, give him a ring if you don't have the details contact me, if I have the details I will give it to you. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Bloke from all of us If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

See attachment forwarded during the week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new items this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

No new items this week

Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 4 August 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. The Olympics are great viewing, does anyone have any lation representing. I feel for the rowing 8 kid who has been sprung - I think a lot of us have 'been there and done that'. The smarter ones did not get caught. Those that intend to attend on Vietnam Veterans Day on Saturday 18^th August read the note below.

Does anybody remember Jaffa Robinson, Jaffa was a few years after us, he was a Safety Equipment (SE) sailor. Well he celebrated his 60^th last Saturday and his squarrie Ann is organizing a surprise party tomorrow at Gosford. Jaffa for those that did not know is a bit of a legend, he is instrumental in organizing anything, from fishing trips to reunions, he was the first person or organization ever to sponsor Navy Rugby, is a Mess Life Member, winner of Lotto, hopeless punter and shitty dancer. What a legend.

Have forwarded the attachment, makes interesting reading. Also look below at the UK DoD link at their look at service pensions, I dare you to read but you may weep.

Jack Davey forwarded the following: Hi Gareth and Ron. Well I'm on the recovery trail after a short stint in hospital last week for some tummy repairs. Saw the doc yesterday and the staples come out next week. I'm off the grog so I guess that's a good thing, although my mates Chuck Hahn, James Squires and freinds at Kilkenny mightn't agree.

Anyway mate I hope all's well with you.

CYA,

John

2013 reunion - All the Reunion 2013 information is contained on the website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm please let Mike Hogan know (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au) of your intentions to attend.

Navy Rugby - On October 1 this year RAN Rugby will launch the Commonwealth Navies Rugby Championship. The venue is TG Milner and the game programme is below.

• 3 Oct - RAN v RNZN - kick off 1400

• 7 Oct - RAN Old Salts v ACT Vets - curtain raiser

RN v RNZN - kick off 1400

• 11 Oct RNZN v RAN Development 15 - curtain

RAN v RN - kick off 1400

• 13 Oct CNRC 7s comp - curtain

- Commonwealth Navies Barbarians 15 v Sydney University (TBC)

Face Book - Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photoshttps://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Birthdays - Barry Parker, Phil Longdon and Phil Narramore are celebrating their birthdays this coming week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, if I have the details I will give it to you. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Blokes from all of us If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

See attachment

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new items this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

UK Department of Defence pensions

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/NewArmedForcesPensionProposed.htm

Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 28July 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. How exciting, the Olympic weeks are here again.

Read the attachment, the treatment David Jamieson received from the PM is well documented there. There are other items you will enjoy reading and find interesting. There is a new medal being issued; the Operational Service Medal, the conditions are on line.

Ken Dobbie writes -G'day Gents, as previously advised a small plaque has been added to the JR Memorial (lower left hand panel). It is situated such that it is not imposing and blends in well with the overall design. Jim Benny did the work as he did with all the other bronze work associated with the memorial. Next time you happen to be in Ballarat call in and buy him a beer, we certainly owe him big time for his contributions to this work.

Tiny Graves forwarded an email in respect of claiming for 'Life Support Electricity Rebate' have a look below for the link.

Fleet Review - "In October of 2011, Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Griggs sent letters of invitation to over 50 international counterparts to participate in an International Fleet Review to be held in Sydney from the 4th to 11th of October 2013," Captain Nick Bramwell, Director of the RAN's International Fleet Review, told the Seapower Conference in Sydney on Thursday.

"This review is being held to commemorate the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian fleet into Sydney, which occurred on the 4th of October, 1913."

The event will be reminiscent of the RAN's 75th anniversary in 1986, and the Bicentennial Naval Salute in 1988, but will also include a significant tallship component.

The intent, Bramwell said, was for as many warships as possible to rendezvous off the NSW South Coast before making a final push into Sydney, arriving on Friday, October 4 2013, exactly 100 years to the day after the first entry.

On leaving the Harbour on October 11, the international vessels will be invited to participate in a combined naval exercise, tentatively titled Exercise Triton Centenary."

Navy Rugby - On October 1 this year RAN Rugby will launch the Commonwealth Navies Rugby Championship. The venues and exact dates of games have not been worked out yet, there will be games in Sydney. I went to the previous CNRC in UK and it was terrific. If you like the game and/or want to catch up, this is a good opportunity to do both.

Face Book - Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photoshttps://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Birthdays - Rob Cavanagh, Hector Hart, Stew Dewar, Dennis Elliot, John Ryder, John Kean, Alan McManus and Errol Delaney are celebrating their birthdays this coming week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, if I have the details I will give it to you. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Blokes from all of us If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

DFWA Monthly update

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page29.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new items this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

LEEUWIN Plaque

Operational Service Medal

Application for the NSW Government Life Support Electricity Rebate

Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 21July 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. There are heaps of items this week. I am sending out three emails, the first one I have forwarded as it would be dated if I waited to send it as a collective document. The second one is an addendum to this newsletter. There is some real good reads in this lot.

Last week I forwarded a document on allegations of abuse in the ADF, this week, I have received and am onforwarding a document stating this type of conduct was not systemic, was not acceptable at any time and most sailors were unaware of this type of behavior occurring. The letter was written by Bob Trotter. Bob's credentials are in his signature block.

This notice was posted on our web site: please update my e-mail address to james_wilson1@optusnet.com.au 94150 Winjan then Kaiber1-2 i was a exalted ljr to any one who remembers me I`m still alive though i see that a lot of us have gone to heaven the years have surely passed but i must admit that i have managed to survive them does anyone know if and when we can all meet again as my 65th birthday told me that time is scarce so regards to all of you from me (clarry)later (tug)wilson

Our next function is being held on Saturday18 August. We will be meeting at Martin Place for the Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony. The ceremony normally starts about 1000ish, then on completion to the 'Hero of Waterloo' - its a Saturday, you might like to be there.

All the Reunion 2013 information is contained on the website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Please let Mike Hogan know (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au) of your intentions to attend.

Received this email from Ken Dobbie, you would recall Ken successfully led the committee for the JR's 50^th Anniversary. The money received which was not used is being used as an Award to promote cadets:

'G'day Gents

Hope all is well with you.all

Find attached a Letter of Thanks from Teisha Benedetti - TS Perth Leading Cadet who was this years winner of the Tingira Award. I am pleased with her stated intentions to use the money for her education. The award was presented at a parade of cadets and a group of ex JR's attending a reunion there at the JR Memorial by Jim Benny who you will recall did some terrific work for the committee and was responsible for all of the castings on the memorial including the medallions sold(most of which was at his own cost). While he was there Jim added to the memorial by fixing a small plaque to the left hand panel listing the names of those who formed the committee including Brian Adams, the Patron.

Cheers

Ken D

John Oakes forwarded this email, it refers to Navy Rugby

Hi all,

I have started a facebook site for Navy Old salts, some for you by now may have been invited to join so please feel free to put up some photo's and messages.

Can I also ask you to pass this onto your own contacts to let them know it is up and running.

Hope to put up some news and events as they come to hand to let everyone know what is going on.

Look forward to your posts in the future,

John Oakes

oakesj@live.com

0457537164

On October 1 this year RAN Rugby will launch the Commonwealth Navies Rugby Championship. The venues and exact dates of games have not been worked out yet, there will be games in Sydney. I went to the previous CNRC in UK and it was terrific. If you like the game and/or want to catch up, this is a good opportunity to do both.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photoshttps://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Max Borthwick, Boong Franklin, Ross Gowers, Tony Zajer and Nev Jorgensen are celebrating their birthday's this coming week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Blokes from all of us If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:

Forwarded separately.

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new items this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

Cerberus JR's 50^th Reunionhttp://hmascerberusjrsreunion.wordpress.com

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT DLA Piper Report - Allegations of abuse within the ADF

Dear Sir/Madam,

In your reporting of the revelations of the DLA Piper Report regarding allegations of abuse within the Australian Defence Force, can you please acknowledge the fact that tens of thousands of young men and women have served and are now serving this nation with exemplary honour, honesty, courage, integrity and loyalty (the latter sorely tested by the neglect by omission on the part of their political leadership and some media reports)? Their voices if heard would reveal that there is no systemic, endemic or culture of abuse in the ADF and there never has been.

Of course there have been serious offences by individuals over the years and there will be more in the future. The ADF is after all populated by people inducted from the broader Australian public and can expect that a number of miscreants will slip through the recruiting filters. The ADF does not train people to behave badly unless forming them into teams to trust each others skill to defeat an enemy is bad behaviour; indeed quite the reverse because it expects its members to perform to those values mentioned above. Regrettably, occasions will arise when even the best systems are beaten by those with wrongful intent and in my experience of the Navy, when they are detected the system works swiftly to bring them to account.

I am a veteran of 35 years active service in the Navy and after retiring in 1998 I have continued to serve the interests of Navy veterans. Summing all of my experience starting as an 18 year old in an old destroyer used as the Training Ship, as a junior and senior officer in surface warships and submarines; in senior management positions including those with responsibility for behavioural programs and the assimilation of women into combat ships and submarines; I have never seen or heard of the types of serious abuse that has been alleged and gone unreported. Yes, some summary and very tough discipline by the civilian standards of the day.

The DLA Piper Review seems to cover some 50 years or more! Is it not a false premise to examine practices of past generations through the prism of contemporary values and then condemn those practices as if they were today's? All reasonable persons will of course readily agree that if abuse did happen then certainly it should be dealt with firmly. But was it all abuse? Conditions on ships during the fifties, sixties and early seventies were tough and the men who taught us to handle those conditions were tough ex-World War Two and Korean War Veterans who were unyielding in passing on their standards learned the hard way, in combat. These are also the men who saw the conditions under which they served and strived tirelessly over many years to improve them to what sailors enjoy today. Many young men and women under them failed and discharged some blaming the system rather than praising the men who may have simply done them a favour, indeed maybe even saved their lives by weeding them out. Those men and women of all ranks who fought long and hard to improve conditions of service would quite rightly feel betrayed if they could witness the politicisation of their Service's management for the sake of a very, very few untested allegations.

And what is the numbers context? When I was last involved in ADF people numbers in the mid-90s, the average annual turnover of personnel was about 10% and I suspect that it is little different today. If current strength of the ADF of 60,000 (excluding Active Reserves) is the average over the last 50 years of the DLA Piper investigation, the number of people separating each year for all reasons would be 6000 or 300,000 total. If all of those 700 with an allegation of abuse separated from the ADF because of it then 0.23% or less that one person in every 400 might have done so because of what are now plausible but untested allegations. If any alleged victims continued to serve then this is much lower. Are we to spend scarce taxpayer funds on a witch hunt based on these figures or, even worse, sit in judgement over the whole ADF based on the untested allegations of so few?

Whenever the subject of the alleged "culture of abuse" comes up my email Inbox lights up with messages from men who served as sailors and officers in careers from four to forty years in old steam ships, modern frigates or submarines; who were Cadets at the Naval College; Junior Recruits at HMAS Leeuwin; Apprentices at HMAS Nirimba; General Entry at HMAS Cerberus and all of whom have absolutely no recollection of any of the abuse being witnessed nor had any even heard of it on the very powerful sailors grapevine. Yes, sometimes sailors were tough on each other within their peer groups, as young men and women can be in many varieties of institutional living not exclusive to the ADF. Yes, in a previous era there were peer group rites, initiation ceremonies and admonishments that were themselves relics of an even earlier era across many sections of the community but now quite rightly purged from the psyche (I recall getting the boot black treatment as a new Boy Scout in the fifties!). But, the management skill of the Naval Divisional System which has survived the test of a century of success was there to report and detect unhealthy actions and mostly did so.

Please speak up for the sailors, soldiers and airmen and women who have served and are serving exemplarily and who daily disprove the proposition that there is a culture of abuse in the ADF?

Yours faithfully

Commodore Bob Trotter OAM RAN (Ret'd) FIEAust
Past Director, Finding Sydney Foundation (2001-11)

Past National & WA President, Naval Association of Australia
1/9 Cornwall St, Swanbourne, WA, 6010

0418 487 158

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 14 July 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. It has been a quiet week (or quite a week) for us looking after the Grandkids during the school holidays. Have a read of the article below 'pay increases illogical' - well worth a read.

Received the following good news from Butch Cousins ' Just a quick update on the refit of the kidneys. Went into hospital last Monday and had the stent removed and the stones blasted. So far I'm feeling better than I have in a long time. Tubes cleared, all Good. Thanks to all who sent their regards, much appreciated, Regards to all. Butch.'

There is another 7:30 report article about the MELBOURNE/EVANS incident which has been forwarded by Stan Church.

All the Reunion 2013 information is contained on the website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Please let Mike Hogan (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au) of your intentions to attend.

In early October this year Navy Rugby will be hosting the Commonwealth Navies Rugby Championship. The venues and exact dates of games have not been worked out yet, there will be games in Sydney. I went to the previous CNRC in UK and it was terrific. If you like the game and/or want to catch up, this is a good opportunity to do both.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photoshttps://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Chris Sargent, Trevor Elias and Jim Wilson are celebrating their birthday's this coming week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Blokes from all of us If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:

Forwarded separately.

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new items this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

MELBOURNE - FRANK E EVANS Incident - 7:30 Report

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT PAY INCREASE ILLOGICAL

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2012/07/07/344661_defence.html

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 7 July 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Look at some of the articles below, 'History of the RAN', 'MELBOURNE - EVANS incident', to name two, they are well worth having a look at.

Have worked out why things have been so quiet, I have lost so many contacts since transferring to Mac. Sorry about that, hope to have it back online sooner rather than later. Not only contacts also lost some birthdays when transferring the spreadsheets, Pie Pieda and David Lowe missed out - sorry about that, hope you both enjoyed your big days, you are the elder statesman of our intakes.

The 7:30 report highlighted one of our group, Steve Coll, Steve reported on unsavoury incidents which occurred to him during his time in LEEUWIN. I know there are others who have contacted me who had similar experiences. These incidents occurred nearly 50 years ago, hopefully, closure may now have occurred. Thanks to those who forwarded emails in respect of the allegations.

I have forwarded via snail mail a Newsletter containing a précis of the Weekly News to those who do not have email. If you receive one of these newsletters and are on email please let me know.

All the Reunion 2013 information is contained on the website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Please let Mike Hogan (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au) of your intentions to attend.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photoshttps://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Kev Smith, Neil Gibbons, Bob Scharper, Glen Singline are celebrating their birthday's this coming week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Blokes from all of us If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new items this week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

DVA travel reimbursement form

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

Naval Victoria Network Newsletter

History of the RAN - Great read

MELBOURNE - FRANK E EVANS Incident - some of us were there

Inquiry re posting expression of interest for Doctoral Research participation in anger management

Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 30 June 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Been a quiet week here. There have been issues in the Nations Capital that have dominated the news.

Received some further feedback on the TPI - car and spare parts issue from Brian (Moses) Mosely, Brian is our vintage and a Mobi. I think quite a few of us know him. He responded….. Additional information the TPI Federation has negotiated an additional Vehicle National Fleet Discount with some car manufactures. I don't know how it works but possibly anybody who is interested should contact their TPI Association.

All the Reunion 2013 information is contained on the website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page8.htm Please let Mike Hogan (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au) of your intentions to attend.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photoshttps://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Allan Kirkman is celebrating his birthday this coming week. Send him an email, give him a ring if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Allan from all of us. First week we have had only one birthday during the week. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new items this week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new items this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our websitehttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

No new items this week

Also this week

History of HMAS HARMAN

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT HISTORY OF HMAS HARMAN

From: Wheeler, Susan LCDR [ mailto:susan.wheeler@defence.gov.au]

Sent: Friday, 16 March 2012 7:42 AM

To:'secretary@wransact.org''president@wransact.org'

Update to History of HMAS HARMAN

Hi Beth & Judith,

How is life with you both. In the last couple of months I have been busy holidaying overseas, taking my mum to the Opera House for front row seats to see Il Divo (the most amazing show ever) and of course work is now back in full swing.

The reason for my email is:

You may recall that LCDR Annette Nelson published a booklet on the history or HMAS HARMAN during Harman's 60th Anniversary celebrations (same time as our first memorial dedication service). She has now been asked to update the book and is being given a grant from the Welfare Fund to carry out the work and publish it.

In order for the book to cover all the eras of Harman history, Annette is looking for more individual stories of life at HMAS HARMAN in the 1950s & 60s and has asked whether any WRANS who served at HARMAN during that period would be willing to pass on ay stories, and photos if possible, from their time at the base.

I agreed to forward on her request to the WRANS ACT association, in the hope that our members may have such stories and/or photos that could be included in the book. Also, could her request be forwarded to the other associations to allow their members to provide input as well as I am sure there are many stories out there to be told.

For anyone interested in contributing to the update of the book, could they please forward their stories and scanned photos to annette.nelson@defence.gova.au or, if people are willing to lend her photos she scan then here at work and she promises to return them.

Her postal address is:

LCDR Annette Nelson

R1-4-C077 Russell Offices

Department of Defence

CANBERRA ACT 2600

Annette has requested that if possible, she would appreciate any stories and/or photoes by 30 Jun 12 so that she can start editing to ensure the book is published to coincide with the anniversary next year.

Sue Wheeler

LCDR, RANR

Deputy Director Remuneration

Directorate of Navy Employment Conditions

Ph: (02) 6265 1074

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR'S 23 June 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Did you know - if you are a TPI once every 2 years or 40,000 km, eligible veterans are entitled to GST exemption on the purchase of a new car. GST exemption is also available on spare parts necessary for the running of a motor car, this includes tyres. I didn't.

Check out the new design of the Military Exposures website www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures. The user-friendly "4 Ways to Find Exposures" serves as a kind of virtual compass pointing visitors to information on a range of chemical, physical and environmental hazards during military service. Visitors can search by: related health concerns, wars and operations, exposure categories, and exposure topics A to Z.

REUNION 2013Mike Hogan (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au) is the Chairman of the Reunion committee. Tony Zajer has offered his services if required. The dates for the reunion have been settled, the Meet and Greet will be on Friday 11 October and the reunion will conclude on Sunday 13 October. Broadly speaking, the intention is to meet somewhere in Sydney (possibly the top deck of the Rockers) to conduct the Meet and Greet. A Harbour Cruise for the Saturday night major function. An Establishment for our BBQ function to conclude the weekend.

This is a once in a lifetime function - spend your Carbon Tax bonus wisely in Sydney in October 2013 - on yourself.

Mike Hogan will be negotiating with various companies to get us a deal where we will be the only customers on the Saturday night. As of now I have no idea on cost, but, the cost is generally determined by the numbers. To that end, it is vital we know who is intending to go on the Ferry Trip as soon as possible. Please respond as early as possible.

Don't forget this will also be your opportunity to go to the G.I. Chapel and see the dedication plaques that have been inserted for your mates. Hopefully we will have a few more there by then.

Any questions please email Mike at mikehogan@ozemail.com.au

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photoshttps://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

John Law, Spook Cairns, Ron Mitchell, Alex Vujic, Billy Bacon and Russ Loane are celebrating their birthdays this coming week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new items this week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new items this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our websitehttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

VENDETTA Veterans Reunion

Ballina All Ships Reunion

Community Veterans forum at Kedron Services Club

3 Nation DDG reunion in 2013

Reserve Forces Day 2012

Petition - RESTORE TRAVEL ALLOWANCE FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL

EX RANRU Players and Officials Database

Navy Reunion Mandurah

Phd by Kel Ryan - Explore the manner in which the issues of the Defence Force Family will be addressed into the 21st Century."

Tingira Association

Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR's 10 and 17 June 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. We had our little function at the Rockers today. Six of us turned up. Kev Bock for the second time, Mick Gallagher, Mike Hogan, Spook Cairns, John Hatchman and myself. Apologies were received from Tom Houldsworth, Ian Schubert, Doug Wilson, Jack Davey, Ted Hase and Tassie Mason.

The meeting was used to consolidate the committee for our 50th reunion in Sydney in 2013. Mike Hogan (mikehogan@ozemail.com.au) is the Chairman of the Reunion committee. The other members are Spook Cairns, Ian Schubert, Tom Houldsworth, Mick Gallagher (PR), Bongo diBetta and myself. John Hatchman is also helping. The dates for the reunion have been settled, the Meet and Greet will be on Friday 13 October and the reunion will conclude on Sunday 15 October. Broadly speaking, the intention is to meet somewhere in Sydney (possibly the top deck of the Rockers) to conduct the Meet and Greet. A Harbour Cruise for the Saturday night major function. An Establishment for our BBQ function to conclude the weekend.

The NSW School holidays conclude on Monday 7 Oct 13.

The RAN Centenary Review is being held from 28 September -13 October; we will be in the area for the last few days. Mick Gallagher is chasing up the programme of events, it is anticipated about 40 ships will be included.

As I have indicated earlier, put aside your money the Federal Government is giving you for the Carbon Tax and put it to a good cause - Yours

Don't forget this will also be your opportunity to go to the G.I. Chapel and see the dedication plaques that have been inserted for your mates. Hopefully we will have a few more there by then.

Any questions please email Mike at mikehogan@ozemail.com.au

Kev Uttley is improving, Larraine has informed us he is taking a few steps without a walking stick - onya Kev, keep up the good work. Your hard work and determination is paying off.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photoshttps://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Surfie Richards, Nick Bryant, Sid Hooper, Peter Craker, Geoff Harte, Buck (Terry) Rogers, Mal Chatfield, John Miscamble, Ron Carroll, Dave Rhook, Gordon Stringer, John Gray, Bill Smith, Chris Bayly and Lindsay Stiles have celebrated this past week or are celebrating their birthdays this coming week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new items this week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new items this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our websitehttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

TINGIRA Association Foundation Members

Also

HIGHLY SPECIALISED NAVY BOATS USED FOR "ILLEGAL MIGRANT" FERRY SERVICE

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT HIGHLY SPECIALISED NAVY BOATS USED FOR "ILLEGAL MIGRANT" FERRY SERVICE

Navy survey ships being used as 'water taxis' for boatpeople

· BY: MARK DODD

· From:The Australian

· May 16,

THE navy's two hydrographic survey ships and their highly skilled crews have been taken off vital work charting Australia's coastline to serve as "water taxis" ferrying asylum-seekers to Christmas Island.

HMAS Leeuwin and HMAS Melville, based in Cairns, were taken off survey work last year, according to a Defenceinsider who asked not to be named. "Many of the sizeable crews of these vessels are highly specialised in hydrographic work. "Yet since last year both ships have been redeployed most of the time transporting apprehended boatpeople to Christmas Island. Very little hydrographic work has been possible because of this," the insider said. The hydrographic ships have provided predominantly long-haul transportation capability for potential irregular immigrants as directed by government."

In answer to questions from The Australian, the Department of Defence confirmed the ships had recently been used to ferry asylum-seekers as part of the border protection mission, Operation Resolute. HMAS Leeuwin is in maintenance while HMAS Melville, is on survey operations off the northwest coast, ready to assist in transporting asylum-seekers.

Federal opposition defence personnel spokesman Stuart Robert said he had independently verified the claims about the ships. The Royal Australian Navy has oversight of the Australian Hydrographic Service, which is responsible for the publication of nautical charts and surveys. Equipped with state-of-the-art mapping systems, the two 2500-tonne ships, each carrying a specialised crew of 46, enable the AHS to compile world-class hydrographic information for mariners. Detaching them from core mapping duties would further degrade defence capability, .

"I've personally spoken to navy personnel who have a grave fear that their skills and knowledge and experience in their core discipline, which is hydrographic work, is actually being threatened because they're being used to solve the government's border problems," he said.

"There's no greater example of a government that has lost control of its borders than when they've got so many people coming into the country they've got absolutely no capacity to move them unless they take people away from core work, in this case, running hydrographic ships.

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR's 3 June 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Still in Atherton recovering from the fishing trip, not too may fish, it was too windy and the pub was 100 yards away. Not much to report this week. There is a good poem 'Old Sailors' below which Max Hart sent this week and of course don't forget Friday week the 15th at the Rockers.

Pommie Laundon jdplaundon@bigpond.com would like to know if anyone has a copy of the names of the blokes in Winjan 4 and Nakina 2 7^th intake July 63.

Put Friday 15 June in your calendar. We are having a meeting at the Rockers. It is our regular Sydney function, however, the main item on the agenda is the 50^th Reunion. If you wish to have a say, or are on the committee, or just want to catch up, be there. We will be starting at 1200. We are looking at the School holidays for 2013 and are trying to see what Navy functions are available as we are trying to tee the reunion up with Navy Week.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photoshttps://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

John Tant, Ron Pope, Dean Russell, Bongo DiBetta, Sandy Michels and Tony Bath are celebrating their birthdays this week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:

DFWA POSITION ON DECA / WRA OUTCOMES - OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS SUPPORT

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

Essential Medical Equipment Payment

My Account registration number used to access your dva file and lodge enquiries/travelling expenses etc.

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our websitehttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

2012 MORETON Reunion Dinner

Launceston South Naval Association Annual Dinner 12 August 2012

Also

ABWM/CK Robert James Franklin, R64686 crossed the bar

Old Sailors (a poem)

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT ROBERT JAMES FRANKLIN

I have been advised ABWM/CK Robert James Franklin, R64686 crossed the bar yesterday afternoon,28 May at Strathmerton, Vic. He was 64. We were Waller Division 25-9-65. Generally saw him when we went back to Strathy (Leonie comes from there) and has had aneurism problems. John Riley

SUBJECT OLD SAILORS

"OLD SAILORS"

Old sailors sit and talk about things that used to be, of the things they've seen.

The places they've been when they ventured out to sea.

They remembered friends from long ago, the times they had back then,

the money they spent, the beer they drank, in their days as sailing men.

Their lives are lived in the days gone by, with the thoughts that forever last.

Of the bell bottom blues, round white hats, and good times in their past.

They recall long nights, with the moon so bright far out into the lonely sea.

The thoughts they had as youthful lads, when their lives were wild and free.

They know so well how their hearts would swell, when the flag fluttered proud and free.

The underway pennant, such a beautiful sight, as they plowed through an angry sea.

They talked of the scran Ol' cookie would make, and the shrill of the bos'n pipe.

How salt spray would fall like sparks from hell, when a storm struck in the night.

They remember old shipmates already gone, who forever hold a spot in their heart,

When sailors were bold, and friendships would hold, until death would rip them apart.

They speak of nights spent in bawdy houses on many a foreign shore,

Of the beer they'd down, as gathering around, telling jokes with a busty whore.

Their sailing days are gone away, never again will they cross the brow.

They have no regrets, they know they are blessed, for honoring the sacred vow.

Their numbers grow less with each passing day, as the final muster begins,

There's nothing to lose, all have paid their dues, and they'll sail with shipmates again.

I've heard them say, before getting underway, that there's still some sailing to do,

They'll say with a grin that their ship has come in, and the Good Lord is commanding the crew.

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR's 27 May 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. I am in Atherton departing for Karumba tomorrow morning for 9 days fishing.

Mike Hogan joined me last Saturday to watch the Navy Army game at Victoria Barracks. We were knocked off by 4 points, but what a game, was the best game of Interservice football I have seen for a very long time.

As I type this there is an article on Queensland's 7:30 report on the DFRDB issues. The two army blokes being interviewed are putting up a good show with there argument. The former financial minister is arguing the case against us. Strange though, he hasn't mentioned the Pollies are on the MAWE and not the CPI.

Jack Davey has contacted Roger Williams, I mentioned he had contacted us on our website. His email address is rognell@internode.on.net. He was in the 7^th intake, do not know what division. Was he one of your mates?

Pommie Laundon jdplaundon@bigpond.com would like to know if anyone has a copy of the names of the blokes in Winjan 4 and Nakina 2 7^th intake July 63.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photoshttps://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

John Tant, Jack Davey and Doug Rasmussen are celebrating their birthdays this week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:

DFWA Monthly update

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

DVA Budget Summary

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our websitehttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm

Gunnery Branch Reunion

8^th Intake LEEUWIN 50^th reunion 2014

Also

Offer on new Peugeot for TPI's

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT NEW PEUGEOT FOR TPI'S

For those who may be contemplating purchasing a new car.

Attached is the special Peugeot offer for TPI Members.

The offer is available to all 308 & 508 vehicles ordered this month that can be delivered by June 30^th 2012

Good time to buy a car! - Thanks for communicating this message to your member base.

Regards

Trevor Palmer

Corporate & Fleet Manager

Sime Darby Automobiles Pty Ltd

t/as Peugeot Automobiles Australia

ABN 26 000 426 282

Heritage Office Building A

Campus Business Park

350 Parramatta Road

Homebush NSW 2140

Phone: +61 2 8737 7900

Fax: +61 2 8737 7989

Mob 0419 795 999

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR's 20 May 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. An earlier edition this week. This Australian Services Rugby week. Navy knocked off RAAF yesterday 42-3 after a spirited display in the second half when they realised they were on the park to play rugby by the skyblues. Was a good game, Navy has unearthed some new talent. Army had demolished RAAF on Sunday. The Navy/Army game will be played at Victoria Barracks on Saturday afternoon. Games start at 1200 with the main game commencing at 1500. 3pm for those that have been out too long.

Who remembers Roger Williams, he has contacted us on our website. His email address is rognell@internode.on.net. He was in the 7th intake, do not know what division. Was he one of your mates?

There are two articles below commenting on the federal budget. The first on how it impacts on Navy by Chief of Navy, the other commenting generally about Defence by the ADSO. Both worth reading.

Pommie Laundon jdplaundon@bigpond.com would like to know if anyone has a copy of the names of the blokes in Winjan 4 and Nakina 2 7th intake July 63.

Put Friday 15 June in your calendar. We are having a meeting at the Rockers. It is our regular Sydney function, however, the main item on the agenda is the 50th Reunion. If you wish to have a say, or are on the committee, or just want to catch up, be there. We will be starting at 1200

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Lindsay Best, Michael Aylmer (aylmer547@gmail.com), Terry Burgess, Jim Clegg (jean@molongmotorinn.com.au) , Ken Fielding (kenandmarrilyn@gmail.com), and Garry McGrath (coolgaz@bigpond.com) are celebrating their birthdays this week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week.

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm   has been updated with articles on:
Veteran Service goes online
Remembering Australia's Servicemen and women

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm
Sea Shadow   http://www.hnsa.org/seashadow/bow1.php?pano=nr
Defence Alumini Network http://dan.cmail2.com/t/ViewEmail/y/7895835458BB3387/823D66671B9CD0496E6039C17E42EE19

Also

RAN and the budget
ADSO comments on budget

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT CN BUDGET MESSAGE

1. Last night the Government announced the Federal Budget for the Financial Year 2012/13. It has come, as you would be aware, following several days of media coverage relating to the amount of savings to be delivered by Defence as part of the Government's fiscal strategy to return a small budget surplus. The Minister for Defence has made it clear that Defence had to play its part, along with the rest of the public sector in contributing to the surplus. I have been involved throughout in the process of developing the suite of Defence saving measures. I have had the opportunity to propose measures, and work through the various prioritisation processes that have been employed. I believe the process has been a very fair and collegiate one and I stand by the decisions that we, as a senior Defence leadership team, have taken in this regard.

2. Importantly for Navy this budget recognises our particular challenges and contains a number of initiatives which were foreshadowed in announcements made last week by the Prime Minister, the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Defence Materiel. These included the reaffirmation of the Government's ongoing commitment to the future submarine program, commitments to hold our uniformed workforce strength at current levels and to provide additional funds to maintain Navy's aging capabilities.
3. However, there are savings measures that will require some changes on our part. The following is a list of implications from these measures that will impact Navy not only in FY 12/13 but going forward for the next few years. It is important to understand that this is not a one year adjustment that we must deal with but an adjustment that causes us to rethink our ongoing approach to a number of issues. The key implications are:

a. There will be a 20 per cent overall reduction in travel. Following the travel challenge that I set last year, we should already have a higher level of awareness of cost consciousness relating to travel. I intend to develop a centrally managed Navy International Travel Plan which will control ALL international travel conducted by Navy. This plan will be in place prior to 1 July 2012 and will be the single authority for overseas travel. Domestically, I need all leaders and managers to critically assess the need for travel and to maximise alternatives such as teleconferencing to achieve desired outcomes. I expect significant management scrutiny of all proposed travel plans and budgets.
b. There will be no changes to service conditions arising from the budget, other than those already recommended under the Strategic Reform Program. These changes include the removal of the twice yearly entitlement of recreational leave travel for single members over the age of 21 but do not impact on or apply to remote locality leave travel or reunion travel. This change reflects the substantial improvements in accommodation options for single members in recent years. Additionally, there will be a 10 per cent reduction in the number of posting relocations for the coming financial year.

c. APS Workforce Size: Regretably Navy's APS workforce size will be reduced by around 5% commencing in the next Financial Year (2012-13), this will be achieved largely through natural attrition.

d. Consistent with the other Services, there will be no further recruiting to the Gap Year program from 2012-13. This will have no impact on Navy's operational capability and minimal impact on our Navy recruitment.

e. The current Defence Capability Plan has been reviewed in the context of this budget and will result in the reshaping and reprogramming of some Navy projects. Full details will be provided as part of the publicly released DCP in due course.

f. A further saving has been made in the area of explosive ordnance, where a minor reprogramming has resulted in some funding reduction in this coming financial year, however, it is envisaged that this will have only limited impact on the support to the fleet.

g. There have also been cost reductions in Navy's minor capital equipment program for 2012-13. However, all currently approved minor projects will continue but unapproved projects will be reprioritised and developed during 2012-13 in order to be ready for commencement in 2013-14.
h. The major capital facilities investment program has also been rebalanced with the result that a number of Navy facilities redevelopment programs will be re-scoped and/or re-scheduled over the next four years.
i. Navy has also had a significant reduction in fuel funding. However, under SRP Navy has already made significant fuel savings through various initiatives. This has positioned us well and will allow Navy to live within its current and forecast fuel allowance over the next few years provided we make some adjustments to our exercise and overseas commitments.
4. In managing the impact of these adjustments on Navy, my focus remains on the provision of ships, aircraft and properly trained people for operations and the generation of our core maritime and war fighting skills. Therefore you should expect that these activities will remain the priority in any adjustments to the Fleet operating profile. However, I have asked the Fleet Commander to review his plans for the Fleet over FY12-13 and advise me on those activities which should be afforded highest priority given my stated focus. Of course, most pressing will be Navy's capacity to support Exercise RIMPAC 2012 with two ships and a submarine which are shortly due to begin their deployments. I do not anticipate that participation in RIMPAC will be changed, but subsequent programs are being reviewed.

5. Our uniformed workforce strength and the numbers of ships, submarines and aircraft are unaffected by the budget outcomes. There will be pressure on our sustainment budgets, we will have to carefully prioritise and manage the maintenance and engineering change work that is done. Over the past few years Navy has made significant savings and although Navy is making further savings contribution in a number of areas, overall and consistent with CDF's stated priorities we will receive additional funding to sustain some of our older ships including TOBRUK and SUCCESS. Furthermore, critical funding has been allocated so that we do not lose any momentum on the development of the Rizzo Review recommendations and the introduction of the Seaworthiness Management System in July of this year.
6. In addition to the $214m announced by the Prime Minister to conduct a range of future submarine studies, Navy will also receive an additional $100m to contribute to submarine capability by enabling the transition to the first performance-based contract for the upkeep of the submarine fleet since acquisition of the Collins Class. This contract is an important step to assist in the remediation of our submarine availability challenge.
7. This is going to be a tough period and neither I, the CDF or the other Service Chiefs have taken any of the initiatives lightly. I know many of you have grappled with the cost reductions associated with SRP and that these further savings measures will be seen as a continuation of this. The reality is that our national fiscal position has changed, we must live within our means - we have no other choice. Your leadership in explaining the changed fiscal reality to our people is going to be pivotal; it is you that provide that interface between the strategic level and our people. I have been saying to the Navy since I assumed command that there are tough times ahead and that we all need to understand that we fit into the bigger and broader public sector machinery and that we have our particular role within it, it is times like this that we need to reinforce these messages.
8. When talking to your teams I ask that you stand back and look at the outcomes from this budget strategically. If you do you will see that we have tried to maintain what is really important, generating capability for SLIPPER and RESOLUTE and focussing on the generation of trained personnel so that we can get our workforce shape back to where it needs to be so that we are in a position to introduce the new capabilities that are nearly upon us. We do need to continue to drive to be more efficient if the money we are allocated is to be spent on the things that will truly sustain our capability. We must become truly cost-conscious, we must understand the cost of even the most basic activities and view that through the lens of the responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
9. Notwithstanding, we stand on the cusp of a very exciting time in Navy, LHD CANBERRA arrives in Australia this year, ADELAIDE will be launched, HOBART will start to be consolidated in Adelaide, ARUNTA will enter ASMD upgrade, the Naval Combat Helicopter project marches on, our new Fleet Support Unit Structure will take shape and we will introduce our Seaworthiness system to provide greater assurance of the technical integrity of the fleet. All of this is happening against a change to a better and more contemporary organisational culture. We do have much to manage as well as what we do every day at sea, largely unseen, helping to maintain a secure global common, keeping Australia's economic highways open and maintaining our warfighting skills so that we are ready to fight and win at sea should that need ever arise.
10. I require all Commanding Officers and Branch heads to gather your people to outline the implications of the budget as I have outlined here. For those of you outside the Navy Group I require you to ensure that all Navy people in your Group are personally briefed on the Navy specific aspects of the budget. I need you to reinforce with all of your people the of the contents of DI(G) 8-1 - Public comment and dissemination of official information by Defence personnel. As I have said before, unauthorised comment is nearly always unhelpful to Navy's cause - comment on the budget is no different - I remain the only Navy spokesperson on budget related matters.

SUBJECT ADSO BUDGET COMMENT

Media Contacts DFWA Executive Director: Alf Jaugietis 0438 282 284 www.dfwa.org.au DFWA National President: David Jamison 0416 107557
* The Alliance comprises the Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA); the Naval Association of Australia (NAA); the Royal Australian Regiment Corporation (RARC); the Australian Special Air Services Association (ASASA); and the RAAF Association (RAAFA).
10 May 2012
MEDIA RELEASE BUDGET COMMENT - SOME GOOD OUTCOMES BUT MUCH MORE NEEDED
Australian Ex Service men and women in receipt of military superannuation pensions could not have been more impressed with the opening words the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Warren Snowdon, used in his budget-related media statement on Tuesday when he said "Our priority is to make sure we look after those who have sacrificed so much for this country," The aspiration of that comment is applauded. And for that reason the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations welcomes the Government's budgetary response to the Review of Military Compensation Arrangements and its $17.4 million commitment over the next four years to implement 96 recommendations flowing from the 108 recommendations of the Review. This commitment will deliver improvements to current arrangements for compensation and health care; increase financial compensation for eligible members and families; and improve training for those who provide advice to the veteran community on entitlements. The Alliance is nonetheless disappointed that the Government has not taken the opportunity to increase the Veteran Disability Pension which was excluded from the pension improvements included in the 2009 budget or restore a condition of employment relating to military superannuation indexation, the condition being that superannuation payments (pensions) would be indexed to maintain their purchasing power. This has not been the case since the 1990s. In its budget submission the Alliance asked that superannuation payments be indexed to the same percentage as that which applies to age and service pensions.
million commitment over the next four years to implement 96 recommendations flowing from the 108 recommendations of the Review. This commitment will deliver improvements to current arrangements for compensation and health care; increase financial compensation for eligible members and families; and improve training for those who provide advice to the veteran community on entitlements. The Alliance is nonetheless disappointed that the Government has not taken the opportunity to increase the Veteran Disability Pension which was excluded from the pension improvements included in the 2009 budget or restore a condition of employment relating to military superannuation indexation, the condition being that superannuation payments (pensions) would be indexed to maintain their purchasing power. This has not been the case since the 1990s. In its budget submission the Alliance asked that superannuation payments be indexed to the same percentage as that which applies to age and service pensions.

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR's 13 May 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Allan (Tug) Wilson has passed over the bar, his funeral was held on Thursday. What a legend, a man who devoted his life to his family, his mess mates, his shipmates and to the community in general and ex servicemen in particular. He will be sorely missed by all. I have responded to Margaret indicating our condolences to her and Tug's family.

Our collective condolences go out to Kev Bock ke47ka44@optusnet.com.au who sent in a message informing us his wife Kay passed away on ANZAC Day after a long battle with emphysema. I know he was her carer for a long time. They had been married for 46 years.

Has anybody heard or seen of Trevor Lally. There has been a death notice in a WA newspaper indicating a T.A. Lally passing away. Rod Hazell has indicate he will let us know if he finds out any more.

Pommie Laundon jdplaundon@bigpond.com would like to know if anyone has a copy of the names of the blokes in Winjan 4 and Nakina 2 7th intake July 63.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

John Hatchman john.hatchman@hotmail.com , John Hume furballanddom@bigpond.com, Max Delahunty delamars@bigpond.net.au and Doug Heath warrenheath@supernerd.com.au celebrate their birthday this week. Send them an email, give them a ring if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week.

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
BUDGET VA038 - SNOWDON RELEASE - IMPROVING OUR MILITARY REHABILITATION AND COMPENSATION

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm
No new articles this week.

Also

The demise of Jack Tar (Although it has been around a few times it is still a good read)

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT THE DEMISE OF JACK TAR

Memories...... The Demise of Jack Tar
The traditional male sailor was not defined by his looks. He was defined by his attitude; his name was Jack Tar. He was a happy go lucky sort of a bloke; he took the good times with the bad. He didn't cry victimisation, discrimination or for his mum when things didn't go his way. He took responsibility for his own, sometimes, self-destructive actions. He loved a laugh at anything or anybody. Rank, gender, race, creed or behaviour, it didn't matter to Jack, he would take the piss out of anyone, including himself. If someone took it out of him he didn't get offended; it was a natural part of life. If he offended someone else, so be it. Free from many of the rules of polite society, Jack's manners were somewhat rough. His ability to swear was legendary. He would stand up for his mates. Jack was extravagant with his support to those he thought needed it. He may have been right or wrong, but that didn't matter. Jack's mate was one of the luckiest people alive. Jack loved women. He loved to chase them to the ends of the earth and sometimes he even caught one. (Less often than he would have you believe though) His tales of the chase and its conclusion win or lose, is the stuff of legends. Jack's favourite drink was beer, and he could drink it like a fish. His actions when inebriated would, on occasion, land him in trouble. But, he took it on the chin, did his punishment and then went and did it all again. Jack loved his job. He took an immense pride in what he did. His radar was always the best in the fleet. His engines always worked better than anyone else's. His eyes could spot a contact before anyone else's and shoot at it first. It was a matter of personal pride. Jack was the consummate professional when he was at work and sober. He was a bit like a mischievous child. He had a gleam in his eye and a larger than life outlook. He was as rough as guts. You had to be pig headed and thick skinned to survive. He worked hard and played hard. His masters tut-tutted at some of his more exuberant expressions of joie de vivre, and the occasional bout of number 9's or stoppage let him know where his limits were.
The late 20th Century and on, has seen the demise of Jack. The workplace no longer echoes with ribald comment and bawdy tales. Someone is sure to take offence. Where as, those stories of daring do and ingenuity in the face of adversity, usually whilst pissed, lack the audacity of the past. A wicked sense of humour is now a liability, rather than a necessity. Jack has been socially engineered out of existence. What was once normal is now offensive. Denting someone else's over inflated opinion of their own self worth is now a crime. And so a culture dies...

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR's 6 May 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Am in Adelaide this weekend, drove across from Sydney with wife, pet rabbit, rabbit hutch strapped to roof racks and fish. Our youngest daughter and two grandchildren have recently moved there. We drove her car there, it looked like we were doing a removal in a third world country.

Received an email from Butch Cousins petercousins2012@hotmail.com during the week, he is not travelling very smoothly. All the best Mate, hopefully there are better days ahead.

Thanks to all those who responded to the request for info on the photo of PERTH being straddled. The inquirer was overwhelmed with the response.

Has anybody heard or seen of Trevor Lally. There has been a death notice in a WA newspaper indicating a T.A. Lally passing away. Rod Hazell has indicate he will let us know if he finds out any more.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

(Geoff Anderson, glynhaven@optusnet.com.au ) Dave Walker and Vic Purvey celebrate their birthday this week. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
Update 18 - Operation Aware Update Report

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm
Naval and Family History Research

Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR's 29 April 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Hope you enjoyed ANZAC Day. We had a luncheon at the Cairns RSL on Thursday, Bob and Pat Stupple, Annie and Jerry Oakley, Greg Henderson-Smith, Nev Barry, Tassy Browning and myself were there. What a great way to spend a lazy Thursday afternoon. The laughs and the views just kept on coming and were true value.

Has anybody heard or seen of Trevor Lally. There has been a death notice in a WA newspaper indicating a T.A. Lally passing away. Rod Hazell has indicate he will let us know if he finds out any more.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Merv Semfel, Kev Rowland, Charlie Russell, Ron Giveen, Ian Hine (McLean), Wally Jankiwskyj, John Woodward and Pat Zegenhagen celebrate their birthday this week. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week

Also this week:
Movie - Act of Valor
PERTH being straddled in Vietnam in 1967

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT MOVIE - ACT OF VALOR

An elite team of Navy SEAL's embark on a covert mission to recover a kidnapped CIA agent. An unprecedented blend of real-life heroism and original filmmaking, Act of Valour stars a group of active-duty Navy SEALs in a powerful story of contemporary global anti-terrorism. Inspired by true events, the film combines stunning combat sequences, up-to-the minute battlefield technology and heart-pumping emotion for the ultimate action adventure.

Act of Valor takes audiences deep into the secretive world of the most elite, highly trained group of warriors in the modern world.

Roadshow Films is generously offering tickets to selected advance screenings of Act of Valour in return for a minimum $5 donation per ticket to the Commando Welfare Trust.

TO SECURE YOUR TICKETS:- Make your donation by direct debit to the Trust, email your receipt or screen print to Navy Ticketing (cheryl.sayers@defence.gov.au or lorraine.wright@defence.gov.au), or fax to (02) 9393 3347 and don't forget to include Your name, City and Cinema you wish to attend, the total number of tickets, and a contact telephone number. We will send you a confirmation email within 5 working days to confirm your booking.

To collect your tickets, show ID at the box office on the night of the screening.

BOOK EARLY, AS TICKETS ARE LIMITED!!
(Please note: donations are non-refundable if a session is booked out)

Make donations by direct transfer to:
Commando Welfare Trust
Commonwealth Bank
BSB 062 000
Account no. 1389 8012

www.commandotrust.com
DATES AND TIMES FOR SPECIAL PREVIEWS
Sydney  Event Cinema George St Cinema 3 Monday 30 April, 6.30pm
Melbourne Village Cinemas Jam Factory Cinema 3 Monday 30 April, 6.00pm
Adelaide Event Cinemas Marion  Cinema 18 Monday 30 April, 6.30pm
Perth  Event Cinemas Innaloo  Cinema 2 Monday 30 April, 6.30pm
Canberra Limelight Cinemas Canberra Cinema 5 Wednesday 2 May, 6.30pm
Townsville BCC Townsville    Cinema VMAX Wednesday 2 May, 6.30pm
Darwin  BCC Darwin City  Cinema 1 Wednesday 2 May, 6.30pm
Brisbane BCC Myer Centre   Cinema 7 Wednesday 2 May, 6.30pm

SUBJECT PERTH BEING STRADDLED IN VIETNAM IN 1967

If you are able to assist with the following request please contact Ken Heberle at email address: kenheberle@gmail.com
Could you ask around for anyone who might have the photograph of the Perth being straddled in Vietnam on 18th October, 1967. \
The photo was taken by an American sailor in US Newport News. Thanks Ken Heberle

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN JR's 22 April 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Am in Atherton for a while. We are having a luncheon next Thursday 26 April, meeting at the Cairns RSL at 1230 for lunch. John and Lyn Hatchman, Bob and Pat Stupple, Annie and Jerry Oakley, Greg Henderson-Smith, Nev Barry, Tom and Val Houldsworth, Jim Carroll and myself are in the area. Have had a few apologies, Tom and Val are going back to Nowra on Thursday and Jim left Cairns today for Europe to do ANZAC Day in France.

There has been continuing activity in respect of the 'Fair Go' campaign. Look at the website to catch up on this.

There is a further promotion for ANZAC Day for those living in Brisbane Area and want a free car wash and of course Greyhound has offered free travel to veterans and their partners for this ANZAC Day. The flyers are on the website.

Here is an interesting link for anyone wanting to check their deficit due to unfair indexation - a very clever piece of programming. Just ignore the 'Public Sector Pension' title and assume it is DFRDB because the same CPI indexation applies. You just enter your date of discharge (month and year) and your current fortnightly gross DFRDB and it will 'reverse engineer' the total indexation by both CPI and Age Pension rates to present your comparison graph. You will then see what we are all on about! http://scoatas.info/indexation.php

There is a new charity called Soldier On, it is a charity to help our wounded ADF people and their families. It is similar to a charity in the UK, where it is very popular.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Jim Juleff, Barry Nichols, John Shinn, Wally Cook and Greg Peers celebrate their birthday this week. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
The Challenge - 2UE broadcast with Peter Criss
Channel 10 Morning Show Interview
RSL Sub Branch Support for ADSO Campaign - A letter to the Sub Branch by a member - have a read
Goodna RSL Sub Branch Support for ADSO Campaign

Also this week:

Vale - Ian Wailes

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT VALE - IAN WAILES

Dear Colleagues,

It is my duty to inform you that our friend and ship mate Ian Wailes has crossed the bar. Ian passed away on Tuesday evening after a short illness. He was comforted by his wife Ruth, son Richard and daughter Julie. Ian said at the end, "I have had a good life".

He was the President of the HMAS STUART and Scrap Iron Flotilla Association for fifty years. Ian was a gentleman, respectful of others and very well liked. He particularly enjoyed the company of his ship mates. Many of us had the privilege of joining Ian and several of his WWII veteran shipmates at the recent Scrap Iron Flotilla Association annual lunch.

Ian expressly requested a very private funeral with his immediate family only to attend.

Our thoughts are with Ruth, Richard and Julie and may the memory of Ian remain with us forever.

Terry Makings
Convenor
Scrap Iron Flotilla Association
STUART, VAMPIRE, VOYAGER, VENDETTA, WATERHEN

Weekly News 15 April 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Am in Brisbane for the weekend, heading to Cairns for a week or two as my brother is crook. The rage is continuing on the 'Fair Go' campaign. Over to you. Don't forget Greyhound has offered free travel to veterans and their partners for this ANZAC Day. The flyer is on the website below.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Gordon Duncan, Rod Hazell, Bill Broome and Col Yench celebrate their birthday this week. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
Operation Aware poster
Minutes from AVADSC AGM 2012

Also this week:

Cheers

Ron

1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 8 April 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front and Happy Easter to one and all. The major item this week is the promotion of the "Fair Go" campaign. The campaign has been initiated to draw attention in the short term to the unfair or iniquitous indexation method used in respect of the DFRDB recipients. Which in effect is all of us. Whether we completed the 20 years service to be eligible for a pension or not is certainly relevant, however, we were all at one stage in the same boat and each one of us should be affronted by how the respective Governments have treated or rather mistreated the sailors, soldiers and airmen in respect of their pensions. Stand up for your Mates. Additionally, you may find the info on the Vietnam War very interesting.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Trevor Kay, Neil Duckworth, Dave McFarlane, Scott Pascoe-Lambert and Kev Uttley celebrate their birthday this week. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
The honourable thing to do
Punch

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
Navy Scare Charges

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page30.htm
Vietnam War Information Site http://www-static.cc.gatech.edu/fac/Thomas.Pilsch/Vietnam..html
Accor accommodation ANZAC Day offer discount

Also this week:
The honourable thing to do

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT     THE HONOURABLE THING TO DO
Issue # 17 Dated: 5 April 2012

VIDEO - THE HONOURABLE THING
This ADSO Update announces the general release of a new video that brilliantly captures the injustice of Unfair Indexation for current and former members of the ADF. The Video was created independently by retired Colonel Ray Martin with the full support of the ADSO Fair Go Campaign.
Watch the video here.
The video is addressed to the Members of the 43rd Parliament of Australia with a direct challenge to them to do the honourable thing. The YouTube link was specially released to every sitting member of the House of Representatives and the Senate on 3 April to provide them the courtesy of viewing the clip before the general release today.
You may be interested to learn that at the time of making this public release fewer than 53 of the current 226 members of Parliament (or their staff) have bothered to spend 6 minutes of their time to watch it. This sends a very clear message about the level of interest and concern our Parliamentarians have for the Military Family.
We will be distributing the video link widely to all media in Australia.
We must get this video into full viral circulation around Australia and we need your help to do that.
This is what we ask you to do.
1. Please watch the video as soon as possible. It only takes 6 minutes of your time.
2. Then send this message with the YouTube link to every contact in your address book. This is a video that deserves to be seen by every person in the Nation who calls themselves Australian. Also add it your facebook page where you have one.
3. Contact your local MP and State Senators, preferably face to face, but if not, then by phone or email or fax. Ask them the following questions (as appropriate), and don't accept unsatisfactory fob-off answers:
• Have you watched the video clip that was sent to you from the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations via an email link on 3 April?
• If not, will you give a personal commitment to watch the video, and get back to me with your intentions after you have watched it?
• If you have watched the video, what have you done about it, or what do you intend to do about it?
Regarding Action 2 above, here are some sobering mathematics:
• There are approximately 16,000 ADSO members who have email capability;
• If each of them forwards this message to just 4 of their contacts on email, 64,000 people would see the video;
• If each of those contacts forwards this email to just 4 of their contacts, 256,000 people would see the video;
• From there, there would be no stopping the viral circulation of this important message and it would have a profound effect on the future actions of members of our Parliament.
So, what are you going to do?
You can choose to not lift your fingers, and let yourself and your mates down,
OR
You can choose to do the honourable thing and help get this video to every corner of the Country.
Let's do this together
All for One and One for All!

From the "Fair Go!" Team
Campaign Directors: Ted Chitham , Ray Gibson
Campaign National Spokesperson: David Jamison
Stay current with the Campaign at www.standto.org

1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 1 April 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Some interesting articles this week, your Medical and Service Records, your entitlement to War Service, and a reiteration on the Jubilee Medal. There are other articles also.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Fred Howes, Pete Robinson, Howie Foot, Speedy Hannant, Larry Kent and Jim Harris celebrate their birthday this week. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
See below for the link to Ships eligibility for war service

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv26/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page29.htm
DUCHESS Reunion
Veteran Retreats around Australia

Also this week:

Medical and Service Records
Diamond Jubilee Medal

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR MEDICAL AND SERVICE RECORDS

If it has been over 30 years since your discharge (Pre 1970) the addresses to obtain medical and service records is:-
Royal Australian Navy
Navy Personnel Records
Queanbeyan Annexe
Department of Defence
Russell Offices
CANBERRA ACT 2600

To obtain medical and service records information up to 30 years since your discharge, the addresses are:-
Royal Australian Navy
DSP/SOR
D-2-24
Dept of Defence (Naval Office)
PO Box E33
Queen Victoria Terrace
Canberra ACT 2600

The information you will need to supply :- If some of these details are unavailable, give as much as you can.
Surname
Given Names
Service Number
Date of Birth
Date of Enlistment
Date of Discharge

The three services also offer a EULOGY SERVICE for ex-members.
Army, RAN and RAAF now provide a eulogy service to those conducting graveside services. It is helpful if you are able to supply information such as service number and given names etc. Often timing is crucial so contact :
RAN Eulogy Hotline:
(02) 6266 5850
Facsimile Number: (02) 6266 5851

SUBJECT SHIPS ELIGIBILITY FOR WAR SERVICE

http://www.vrb.gov.au/service_eligibility/shipservice.html

SUBJECT DIAMOND JUBILEE MEDAL

The government is maintaining the tradition of not establishing any Jubilee medals in the Australian honours system. Since the establishment of the Australian honours system in 1975 there has been no Australian medal created to celebrate the Queen's Jubilees. British Imperial honours (except for a few which are in the personal gift of the Queen) are no longer awarded to Australians as Australia has its own distinctive honours system.

1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 25 March 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. A fairly quiet week for me, hope it was for you also. Rob Cavanagh forwarded a photo recently about one of our birthday boys when he was up top in the 60's. It is great to have mates, and what better than to have mates who remember. I cannot understand why he is in that position as Rations and Quarters were free in those days. Happy birthday Terry. The photo is the attachment.

There is an ad below in the ESO group for volunteers "We Need You" to help in the Fair Go campaign. Please have a look, you may be the person they are looking for.

There is an article below forwarded by John Miscamble in respect of 'Civilians manning RAN ships'. I have also read about it in a recent Maritime Paper. We were all around when Jeparit and Boonaroo were commissioned. Worth the read.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Trevor Lally, Tony Toolen, Allan Kay and Terry Hume celebrate their birthday this week. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
DFWA March update
Operation Aware Message

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
Vietnam Veterans Education Centre Washington DC
Increase to Veteran pension rates on 20 March
Carbon Tax offsets

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv26/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page29.htm
No new articles this week

Also this week:
Civilians to fill Navy's skill void

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT CIVILIANS TO FILL NAVY'S SKILL VOID

A ship operated by the Royal Australian Navy will be crewed by civilians, as the service explores ways to keep its fleet at sea in the face of rampant poaching of sailors by cashed-up mining firms.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith yesterday announced that the navy's newest ship, a $130 million, 6500 tonne amphibious support vessel called the Skandi Bergen -- would operate "under a civilian crewing arrangement".
More on the story below................
08:59 GMT, March 20, 2012 Australian Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that the Government had agreed to purchase the Offshore Support Vessel MSV Skandi Bergen.

The Skandi Bergen will add to the Royal Australian Navy's current amphibious ships, HMAS Choules and HMAS Tobruk. The 6,500 tonne ship is 105m long and 21m wide. It has accommodation for up to 100 people, more than 1000 metres of deck area, and a helipad.

The purchase of the Skandi Bergen - at a cost of less than $130 million - will ensure that Defence has the humanitarian and disaster relief capability required between now and the arrival of the two new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships in the middle of the decade.

It will primarily be used to transport troops and supplies in support of humanitarian and disaster relief operations domestically and in the region.

The purchase of this vessel will also provide a long term capability for Customs and Border Protection.

After Defence introduces the LHDs into service, the vessel will be transferred to Customs and Border Protection.

The Skandi Bergen will be able to undertake patrols in the Southern Ocean providing surveillance, detection and apprehension of any vessels operating illegally. The vessel is able to operate in sub-Antarctic weather conditions.

The commercial off-the-shelf vessel will require minimal modifications and will enter into service in the middle of the year and will be operated under a civilian crewing arrangement.

The Skandi Bergen is the sister ship of the ACV Ocean Protector, currently operated by Customs and Border Protection.

1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 18 March 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. There is some interesting articles in the ESO pages this week - worth the read. Rob Cavanagh forwarded an article on the USS ENTERPRISE. I wouldn't normally include an article on a US ship in this forum, but I think nearly all of us have crossed paths with or Exercised with her. It is included below.

Kev Uttley is feeling much better and started to take some steps without a walking stick which is nothing shirt of a miracle, however still no breakthrough with his speech.

Knocker White wrote - pleased to read "Dinky" Dalton has been in touch. Lost touch with him when he paid off after the 12. Would be most appreciative if you could give me a phone number, email, whatever, be nice to communicate with him again. And while were on that subject, do you have a contact for Glen "Gus" Washbourne. Dinky, Gus, myself and Irish O'Leary were pretty much inseparable during those years as ORD's Venomous, with "Dinky" ending up as my Best Man. Regards Alan (Knocker) White R94143 ( Alzheimer's or not, we're never gonna forget the old R.94 etc.)

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Reg Turnbull, Dave Cargill, Bill Hay, Ross Muller and Dave Clifford celebrate their birthday this week. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the details. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
ADSO Update 15 March 2012
Grandparents in the Veteran Community Information Seminar
Retreat in South West NSW & Wagga

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
No articles this week.

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv26/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page29.htm
HMAS CANBERRA Newsletter - 13 March 2012
Vendetta Veterans - Anzac Day 2012 Brisbane
Defence Response to the Reviews of Defence and Australian Defence Force Culture

Also this week:
USS ENTERPRISE

Cheers

Ron
SUBJECT USS ENTERPRISE
Storied carrier, 'the Big E,' makes final voyage
When the makers of "Top Gun" were filming on board the USS Enterprise, they donated a set of black fuzzy dice to liven up the ship's otherwise drab interior.
A quarter-century later, the dice will still be dangling inside the tower of "the Big E" as the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier sets sail on its final voyage Sunday.
The trinket is a reminder of the ship's storied 50-year history that includes action in several wars, a prominent role in the Cuban missile crisis and serving as a spotter ship for John Glenn's historic orbit of the earth.
"To serve on this ship, certainly in this capacity, you certainly have to be a student of the ship's history," said Rear Adm. Walter Carter, commander of the Enterprise strike group. "Fifty years of service, in our nation's history, we've never had a warship in service that long."
The Enterprise is the longest aircraft carrier in the U.S. fleet. It is also the oldest, a distinction that brings pride as well as plenty of headaches for the ship's more than 4,000 crew members. The ship is effectively a small city that frequently needs repairs because of its age. It was originally designed to last 25 years, but a major overhaul in 1979 and other improvements have extended its life.
The ship largely looks like any other carrier on the inside and has modern amenities like gyms, a coffee shop and a television station with dozens of channels. It even produces its own daily newspaper while at sea.
But even the best-maintained ship faces challenges as it ages.
"It's kind of like when you get older and you know it's harder to get out of the bed in the morning. It takes you a couple hours to kind of really get up and then you're fine. Well, it's the same sort of thing here with Enterprise," Capt. William Hamilton, the ship's commanding officer, said days before the ship was set to deploy from Naval Station Norfolk.
Hamilton acknowledged all aircraft carriers have problems they're supposed to anticipate, but he said the Enterprise is more likely to have "unknown unknowns" than newer ships.
Machinists in charge of fixing unexpected problems say the things that can break down range from critical air conditioner units to elevators that lift fighter jets from the hangar bay to the flight deck not working. Moreover, the Enterprise has eight nuclear reactors to maintain _ six more than any other U.S. carrier.
The problems are so notorious that sailors reporting to work aboard the Enterprise are often given joking condolences by their colleagues on shore and on other ships.
The ship regularly has to make its own parts from scratch when something breaks down. Spare parts for much of the ship, which is the only one of its class, simply don't exist.
"Life is hard on Enterprise," Hamilton said. "But when they leave here, they leave knowing if they can do this, they can do anything."
The challenges aboard the ship and the need to keep spirits up were highlighted last year, when former commanding officer Capt. Owen Honors was fired for airing raunchy videos that he said were intended to boost morale. During a hearing in which Honors was trying to avoid being kicked out of the Navy, he and his lawyers frequently referenced the difficult conditions on board. Honors was found to have committed misconduct, but ultimately allowed to stay in the service. He is retiring in April.
Hamilton acknowledged that maintaining morale on the ship _ which has unofficial mottos like "There's tough, and then there's Enterprise tough" and "We eat pain like candy" _ is still vital.
"As much as anything, it's just telling them face to face that you appreciate, the Navy appreciates, the nation appreciates what they're doing and then that goes a long, long way," he said.
There's also the added bonus of the ship's crew members feeling particularly proud to serve on a ship whose name has a distinguished place in naval history and pop culture.
Crew members who weren't even alive when "Top Gun" was in theaters in 1986 use the film to explain what it is they do on the ship, as well as exactly where it is they do it.
For Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Dennis, there's also pride in his ship having the same name as the ship featured in the "Star Trek" series. He's from Cairo, Ga., the same home town as "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry.
"In a way I wanted to be part of this ship, to be on the last deployment, to be a part of that. Being from Cairo, that's real huge," he said. "I always wanted to be a part of history, so being on this last deployment it'll be something I can definitely tell my children and grandchildren."
The Enterprise is heading to the Middle East on its seven-month deployment, where it will be on standby in case of conflict with Iran or piracy threats off Somalia, among other things. The ship has experience with both scenarios, participating in a retaliatory strike against Iran for mining the Arabian Gulf in 1988 and responding last year to the hijacking of a sailing vessel by Somali pirates, during which all four Americans on board were shot and killed.
The deployment will be the ship's 22nd. Following its return to Virginia in the fall, tens of thousands are expected to be on hand for a deactivation ceremony Dec. 1 that President Barack Obama has been invited to attend. But if "Top Gun" producer Jerry Bruckheimer wants to film a sequel, he'll have to find another ship.
The following summer, Enterprise will be towed to the shipyard where it was built in nearby Newport News so its nuclear fuel can be removed, a process that will take until 2015. What remains of the ship after that will then be taken to Washington state so it can be scrapped.
The ship, among the first to respond after the Sept. 11 attacks, won't be turned into a museum like some other carriers. Crews have to cut large holes in the vessel to remove the nuclear fuel, and it would be too expensive to repair, said Lt. Cmdr. Sarah Self-Kyler, the Enterprise's public affairs officer.
Instead, many of the ship's alumni want another carrier to be named Enterprise in the future, which is not uncommon, she said.
This is the eighth ship to bear the name Enterprise, and there's a room on board dedicated as a museum to past incarnations. The preceding USS Enterprise was the most decorated ship in World War II, while the first Enterprise joined the U.S. fleet after it was captured from the British in 1775.
If a future carrier is renamed Enterprise, it's unclear if the fuzzy dice will make journeys on board that ship, too, or remain in a Navy museum.

1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 11 March 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Did anybody look up the sites last week on the Navy and Navy News, I quite liked the Navy site. Mike Shephard has helped us out in relation to the signs of 'having a stroke. Mike Hogan forwarded an email on popular music, I found it entertaining, it has been forwarded separately.

Dinky Dalton gave me a call during the week. I think it is our first correspondence since we started in 2002. He is well and intends to make it to the 50th . He said to say G'day to everybody, he did mention Glen Washbourne, Alan White, Tom Kinross, and Jim Harris.

The Quinlan's have had another tragic loss, Gail has lost her son, James. On behalf of our group please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences.

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Brent Balchin, Neil Turner, Jim Bush and Mike Hogan celebrate their birthday this week. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the address. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us. If I have missed your birthday or have recorded it on the wrong date, please let me know.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
Treasurer Swan's Press Club 2012
Coalition committed to Military superannuation reform (I have edited out all parts not concerned with Super)
ANZAC Day Poster

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
Vehicle Modifications for Impaired Serving and Former ADF Members

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv26/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page29.htm
Federation of Naval Ships luncheon 12 April at Government House
Fairmile Association Plaque Dedication Ceremony
Scrap Iron Flotilla luncheon 23 March
KUTTABUL Commemoration newsletter
YARRA Centenary Church Service Wed 11 April

Also this week:
None

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT STROKE SIGNS

Hi Ron, this is another chain email, been doing the rounds since 2005 at least. This one has some good stuff , but not complete. See this from Hoax Slayer - scroll down

Identify Stroke Email - Three Simple Questions

Summary:
Email forward claims that you can help identify a stroke by asking the victim three simple questions (Full commentary below.)

Status:
True

Example:(Submitted, April 2005)
Subject: Is it a stroke?

A true story -

Susie is recouping at an incredible pace for someone with a massive stroke - all because Sherry saw Susie stumble - -that is the key that isn't mentioned below - and then she asked Susie the 3 questions. So simple - - this literally saved Susie's life - - I received this very same e-mail the week Susie had her stroke. Some angel sent it to me and I did just what it said to do. She failed all three and I did call 911. Even though she had normal blood pressure readings and did not appear to be a stroke as she could converse to some extent with the Paramedics they took her to the hospital right away.

I thank God for the sense to remember the 3 steps!

Read and Learn!
SOMETHING WE ALL NEED TO KNOW, IS IT A STROKE? Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

*Ask the individual to SMILE.

*Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

*Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE.

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 read 000 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
After discovering that a group of nonmedical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions.

They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people, you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

BE A FRIEND AND SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE.
It could save their lives!

Commentary:
The procedure for identifying a stroke that is outlined in this email forward is valid. According to information available on the American Stroke Association's website, the three questions outlined in the email are a medically viable method for a layperson to ascertain if a person is presenting with stroke symptoms.

The procedure was originally outlined in a report to the American Stroke Association's 28th International Stroke Conference. The report states that a bystander may be able to spot someone having a stroke by giving the person a simple, quick test to see if they can smile, raise both arms and keep them up, and speak a simple sentence coherently...

Certainly, the core information in the email is worth heeding. Knowing how to conduct this simple test could indeed save a person's life. The aforementioned report explains that if bystanders can relay results of this test to an emergency dispatcher, it could speed treatment to stroke patients. Time is crucial in treating stroke.

America's National Stroke Association lists the following as common symptoms of stroke:
Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination Sudden severe headache with no known cause Given this list of symptoms, it is easy to see how the simple three-question test could help identify a stroke.

However, there is an important point that needs to be considered. While the central information in the email is true, the absence of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate that a person is NOT having a stroke. It could be extremely dangerous to reach the conclusion that a person did not require medical attention just because he or she could successfully carry out the three steps outlined in the test. A site visitor relates the following real life experience, which graphically illustrates this potential danger:

My mother-in-law suffered a stroke this morning. I had just told her last week about the three simple tests for identifying someone who might be having a stroke (which I received via e-mail). She was having difficulty walking and had a little numbness on one side of her face but she was able to smile, lift her hands above her head and speak in coherent sentences. Thus, she concluded that she was not having a stroke and delayed seeing her doctor. The three simple tests certainly could help a bystander identify someone who might be having a stroke but the absence of these symptoms doesn't mean that a person is NOT having a stroke. I feel just awful that she delayed treatment because of what I told her and that she missed the window of opportunity to receive the thrombolytic (clot-busting) therapy. The damage is already done.
Furthermore, it appears that someone has seen fit to embellish the story by adding a description of an alleged incident in which the diagnostic test was used to good effect. However, there is no way of telling if "Susie" and "Sherry" are real people or just fictional characters designed to emphasize the information and add a folksy element to the message. Interestingly, the sentence, "A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people, you can bet that at least one life will be saved" is lifted verbatim from a hoax email that outlines a dubious "cough CPR" procedure for heart attack victims. Notably, earlier versions of the email did not include the "Susie and Sherry" story.

In any case, such embellishments are completely unnecessary and detract from the underlying message. A problem with email forwards is that the core information tends to become garbled or diluted as various individuals decide to add to or modify the message as it travels through cyberspace. For example, the current version implies that stumbling is potentially a key element in diagnosing a stroke. However, there is nothing about stumbling mentioned in the Stroke Association report. Although the NSA does identify loss of balance and difficulty walking as potential stroke symptoms, stumbling alone is hardly a valid indicator of an impending stroke.

This unfortunate tendency for messages to mutate as they travel means that it may not always be a good idea to pass on even those rare email forwards that contain factual and verifiable information. Also, as explained above, the misuse of such information due to false assumptions or lack of understanding can have dangerous repercussions. If you do decide to forward this email, I would suggest that you first remove the superfluous information it contains. Secondly, include a warning about the danger of not seeking medical attention just because a person can successfully perform the three steps. Thirdly, I think it would also be a good idea to add a link to the original source so that recipients can check the information for themselves. The link to the American Stroke Association report is included below:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3008841
Write-up by Brett M.Christensen
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Latest Email Hoaxes - Current Internet Scams - Hoax-Slayer Newsletter

1963LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 4 March 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. The article last week on Gold Card recipients receiving exemption from stamp duty and gst has created a little interest. As it turns out each state has its own version of what its respective veterans should receive. In SA where Ron Pope lives you are entitled to the exemption. My thanks to Jim Bush who has done some hard yards doing research on the topic and he has forwarded advice which is below. Thanks to Ron Pope for forwarding the email on 'Thyroid Cancer' - it is included below. There is an article on Beryllium. This article is a must read and should interest you if you served on the MELBOURNE or SUPPLY. There is a good utube article on 'Navy' and a link to 'Navy News'

Greg Hyphen did a follow up on his wife Keri summary from last week: Hi Ron Just thought I'd let you know that I escaped from the above establishment on Saturday afternoon knowing that I had my beautiful girl to get home to and proving that there isn't a nurse that can hold me.
Everything seemed to be moving along slowly until Wednesday when they considered it safe enough for me to have my Cat Scan.
Things moved fairly quickly from then on and I was in theatre on Thursday. Fortunately the cancer wasn't as big as first thought because it had a number of blood clots attached making it appear larger. Anyway they were able to remove the entire tumour in one go with no need for radiation. The worst part is the three feet of garden hose they use for drainage and I have that to look forward to again in 4 months time, but they've assured me that that won't be life threatening next time either.
Thank you for all your good wishes and remember we luvs yous all.
Hyphen & Keri

Jim Bush response to the article on exemptions from last week: Hi Ron I read with interest the message below from Ron Pope regarding Stamp Duty and GST Exemption on purchase of cars or car parts. I would like to forward the following additional comments regarding these concessions.
GST Exemption on the purchase of motor cars or car parts is a concession provided by the Australian Government through the Australian Taxation Office. Veteran's, receiving a Disability Pension over 70% of the General Rate with or without a Gold Card are not entitled for these concessions, unless they are an eligible disabled veteran as defined by the ATO. I have attached DVA Fact Sheet DP79, Supply of Cars and Car Parts GST Free that sets out the definition of eligible disabled veterans and entitlements for these concessions.
The concessions for Drivers Licence fees, Motor Vehicle Registration fees and Stamp Duty Exemptions are concessions provided by State and Territory Governments, and these vary between the states & territories and not all are as generous as each other. I have attached the DVA Concessions Fact Sheets recently updated on 10 February 2012 listing the range of concessions and discounts provided by each State and Territory Government for eligible veterans receiving TPI, EDA & MRCA Pensions and payments, Disability Pensions at and over 70% & 100% of the General Rate, and other Gold Card Holders and Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) holders for information and distribution as you see fit. The Motor Vehicle and Driver's Licence concessions are listed under the Vehicle Concessions section in each fact sheet.
From Ron's message, I presume he is from South Australia and if he is a Gold Card holder the SA Government Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure may provide him with the Stamp Duty Exemption concession on both the Compulsory Third Party Insurance and the value of the motor vehicle and other concessions relating to the registration fee and Drivers Licence fee.
I trust this information may be useful and can be accessed from the DVA Web Site at www.dva.gov.au , click on fact sheets under quick links. Search under the topic index and click & select concessions.
Cheers and regards Jim

Have a look at the photos on our facebook page and include your photos https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Bob Stupple, Jock McGreggor, Eddie Sheavils, Bryan Stapley, Glen Washbourne and Dan Tiley celebrate their birthday this week, four on the eighth,(this looks to be the most popular day). Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the address. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
National Presidents Message No 1

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
Veterans Children's Education Scheme
DVA E - News (several articles on different topics - including 'Do you want to organise your own ANZAC Day Ceremony' worth the read
70 years since PERTH sunk in Sunda Strait
Veterans Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Scheme
DVA Concessions for cars and car parts (as advised by Jim Bush)

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv26/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page29.htm
Beryllium -
Response on Diamond Jubilee Defence Medal
RAN Gunnery Branch Reunion

Also this week:
Thyroid Cancer
Navy - Proud to Serve
Navy News (a link to Navy News)

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT THYROID CANCER

On Wednesday, Dr. Oz had a show on the fastest growing cancer in women, Thyroid cancer. It was a very interesting program and he mentioned that the increase could possibly be related to the use of dental x-rays and mammograms. He demonstrated that on the apron the dentist puts on you for your dental x-rays there is a little flap that can be lifted up and wrapped around your neck. Many dentists don't bother to use it.

Also, there is something called a "thyroid guard" for use during mammograms.

By coincidence, I had my yearly mammogram yesterday. I felt a little silly, but I asked about the guard and sure enough, the technician had one
In a drawer. I asked why it wasn't routinely used. Answer: "I don't know. You have to ask for it."

Well, if I hadn't seen the show, how would I have known to ask?

SUBJECT NAVY - PROUD TO SERVE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlA2eCAP06Q&feature=share

SUBJECT NAVY NEWS

http://digital.realviewtechnologies.com/default.aspx?xml=defencenews_navy.xml

1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 26 February 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Have received a few comments on the February Newsletter which was distributed during the week. Some of the comments are below. Again plenty of interesting stuff to read. Retired Politicians are complaining about indexation. In the last week Bristles and Lou Lassau have just celebrated the arrival of their youngest grandson. Congratulations from all of us. Thanks to Mick Aylmer for forwarding the email on 'The Stroke Indicator' - it is included below. You may also like to pass on to the missus the article on - Defence Widows Support Group in the ACT, they are looking for real articles.

These are articles from you:

Ray Poole contacted me, he has finally retired, happened last week and is really happy about it, congratulations Pooley, hope you enjoy your retirement.

Keri Henderson Smith forwarded the following:
Hello there,    You are special to us and I just wanted to let you know my precious man is in hospital in Cairns Private at the moment and is not very well. Both Greg and I thought originally that he was suffering from another stone in the kidney, but after ultrasound it appears that there is a mass in the bladder consistent with a carcinoma.
He was to have a cat scan tomorrow , which hopefully would have made clear just what is going on, but this has had to be cancelled as his kidneys have taken a bit of a beating, so the plan for the next couple of days is to rehydrate and monitor his progress.
He is still his funny, beautiful self and giving the nurses 'grief' as he usually does . I never cease to be amazed hearing "Oh here's trouble again! " and "Not again, white and one isn't it? I'm supposed to be a nurse, not your personal tea lady!" But it doesn't stop them from ducking in to his room for a yarn and a giggle and swapping jokes.
Please, please if you can send as much positive energy to my beautiful man and and the odd prayer wouldn't go astray. I'd be forever grateful. I'll keep you up to speed once we know more.
Take care,   Keri    for He & Me xx
Hi Ron, Thank you so much for your kind wishes which I passed on to Greg on the phone last night and he said to say hello and thank you also. Things are moving ahead a little quicker than we thought and he is to have the cat scan sometime today, which is good in that we will know exactly what we are dealing with ( everything crossed for a better prognosis) and once known can plan what action to take.
I just had to let you know Greg is in Medical Ward at Cairns Private Hospital , not Cairns Base. We are missing him so much, our two puppies just can't work out where Dad is , so may have to take them up to gardens outside the hospital for a visit - don't think dressing them up will get them into his room!
Anyway, take care and once again thank you for your kind wishes ... hopefully one of these days we may be able to attend one of the northern get togethers or a reunion down south.
Regards, Keri H-S   for My Man & Me

Ron Pope forwarded the following - Hi Ron, I can't remember if I have seen this before but I think this is new to some DVA gold card holders. Last month I received my news letter from the local RSL, and in it was a sentence stating that veterans with more than 70% disability pension could claim stamp duty & gst exempt to purchase a car or car parts. After a lot of mucking around with the dealer and a drive to Adelaide we were given the exemption from motor registration department. The department of veterans affairs just supplied me with the letter stating I received a disability rate of more than 70%. I was told by the registration department manager that the dealer only has to access the rego data base to check your eligibility. Even the rego office at first didn't realise this had changed. hoping this may help others, or they may email me to find out more. cheers Ron Pope

Speedie Hannant - Hi Ron Thought I should get back in touch and let you know I am still in the land of the living. I read with interest each of your emails and check out the website regularly. I am a bit slack when it comes to email though. I think it is because I did so much of it when I was working that I am trying to get away from it.
I am retired now and thoroughly enjoying it. I go to the Whittlesea Men's Shed every Monday and Thursday and the rest of the week is always busy. Kaye and I get to the horse races a lot, especially the country meetings.
Last year was not the best as I had to have some "Spinal fusion" done. Needless to say, lots of screws and rods in the back now which certainly makes me stand straight and tall. Just like being on parade only for 24 hours a day. The only things I cannot do are bend, twist and lift. Other than that, no worries. I have got over the operation very well and we have already been travelling overseas without any problems.
I have attached a photo of Kaye and I which was taken on Christmas day 2011 in Tahiti. As you can see, we are enjoying life as I hope everyone is.
The reunion in Sydney next year sounds great and at this point in time, we will definitely be starters.
Please pass on my best wishes to everyone and I look forward to catching up with old mates next year.
Regards Speedie (Daryl)

Glen Butler - G'day Ron Thanks for the update newsworthy as usual.... I had an opportunity to catch up with Tank Evans in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago ... he was on a cruise (sort of what he did in the Navy!) It was great to catchup up. I have been back in the US for nearly 6 months now and enjoying a new found energy level (right up to nap time in the afternoon) I will be back in July to see the family do a bit of business etc and will keep in touch with the boys.. I hope to get to Canberra for a day or two so there are quite a few of them taking refuge still... You'd think they would have woken up by now especially with Julia and her band of merry men. Need to update the "heaven" list on website there's a few who have taken the journey (don't include me please only parts of me warrant that) Anyway take care thanks for all of your good work Glen Butler

There has been an update to the photos in 'facebook', have included a photo of Speedie and Kaye Hannant, have a look and get onto our page https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Max Lampo, Terry Pitt, Len Jones, Warren French and Stan Church celebrate their birthday this week. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the email address. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
Retired Politicians fight for perks

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new material this week.

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv26/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page29.htm
The HMAS STUART & SCRAP IRON FLOTILLA ASSOCIATION invite members to attend a luncheon on 23 March, 2012
Tingira Association website update of Voice Pipe www.tingira.org
Defence Widows Support Group in the ACT
RAN - 100 Years
VENDETTA Association Luncheon March

Also this week:
Stroke Indicators

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT STROKE INDICATORS

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a BBQ, a woman stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) ....she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Jane went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Jane's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 pm Jane passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Jane would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this.

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR. Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(I.e. It is sunny out today.)
R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 19 February 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Have had contact with Neil Turner for the first time, he is still working in Queensland. His email address is on the web site 'members' page. Welcome Neil. Neil forwarded a few pics of Gavin Whitney. Again plenty of interesting stuff to read and comment on eg the amalgamation of the Senior Sailors Messes and the Wardroom in some Establishments. Tiny Graves has his say about same sex marriages.

There has been an update to the photos in 'facebook' by Marian and Roger Pearson, have a look and get onto our page https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Dick Lewin, Ray Poole, Bob Newton, Bob Johnson, Steve White, Garry Freak , Peter Hartwell and Les Allen celebrate their birthday this week. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the email address. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
ADSO update 12 - Peter Criss video 10 : An inconvenient truth
DFWA Update

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
PTSD Launch
Veterans' Health and Wellbeing Health Programs
Overseas Medical Vaccinations for Gold Card Holders
Carbon Price Household Assistance Measures Veteran Community

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv26/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page29.htm
A tribute to our Submariners (there is an article on Destroyermen also)
Queensland Naval Centenary Memorial Committee
RANCBA REUNION EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Also this week:
Same Sex Marriages
Combined Messes
Lost souls

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT SAME SEX MARRIAGES

I would like to submit a formal protest to the Same Sex Marriage Bill on the grounds it is unconstitutional and against he wishes of the Majority of the Australian people, it should be determined by the People of Australia by referendum.

Marriage was instituted by Heavenly Father for Man and Woman and no amount of Social Engineering will change the fact it is immoral and unnatural.
Not to mention the legalising of Sodomy as a optional judicially protected lifestyle and calling it part of the new morality.

I do not hate Gays but I certainly do not believe their lifestyle is right, if they must have their unions call it a civil union but please retain the definition of Marriage as between a Man and Woman.

I am an ex Vietnam vet and 20 year veteran of the Australian Armed Forces and served because I believed in individual freedoms one of which is the freedom to worship God and the freedom to voice my opinion.

Will there be safeguards in any bill to protect those clergy who will not perform Gay marriage otherwise the bill is an attack on free conscious.

In summation I would like to state that I will continue to inform my grandchildren that Gay marriage is totally wrong and an abomination in the eyes of our creator.

Yours faithfully
John R Graves
133 Burns Rd
Springwood, NSW 2777

SUBJECT COMBINED MESSES

END OF SENIOR SAILORS MESS

SUBJ: STRATEGIC REFORM INITIATIVE - HOSPITALITY AND CATERING REFORMS ACROSS NAVY - CHANGES TO ESTABLISHMENT MESSING AND CATERING
1. DEFENCE SPENDS APPROXIMATELY $130M ON HOSPITALITY AND CATERING SERVICES EACH YEAR WITH MUCH OF THAT ON SERVICE PROVISION AND GALLEY AND MESSING INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH IN MANY CASES IS SEVERELY UNDER UTILISED.   CONSEQUENTLY REFORMING THE WAY THE DEFENCE SUPPORT GROUP AND THE THREE SERVICES DELIVER HOSPITALITY AND CATERING SERVICES ACROSS DEFENCE HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT STRATEGIC REFORM INITIATIVE TO ENSURE MONEY IS AVAILABLE TO RE-INVEST IN NEW DEFENCE AND NAVY CAPABILITIES.
2. A DETAILED REVIEW WAS CONDUCTED INTO HOSPITALITY AND CATERING, ASPART OF THE NON-EQUIPMENT PROCUREMENT STREAM OF THE STRATEGIC REFORM PROGRAM (SRP), TO DETERMINE HOW NAVY AND DEFENCE COULD DELIVER THE SAME QUALITY OF SERVICE BUT IN A MORE COST EFFICIENT MANNER. THE FOCUS OF THE REVIEW HAS BEEN TO ENSURE THAT FUTURE DEFENCE HOSPITALITY AND CATERING ARRANGEMENTS REMAIN EFFECTIVE, CONSISTENT WITH CONTEMPORARY STANDARDS, AND AFFORDABLE WITHOUT IMPACTING UPON CAPABILITY DELIVERY. IT ALSO CONSIDERED POSSIBLE PERSONNEL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH DELIVERING AFFORDABLE AND SUSTAINABLE SERVICES IN THE
LONG TERM.
3. IN NAVY'S CASE THE REVIEW IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF INSTANCES IN WHICH ESTABLISHMENT DINING FACILITIES, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN MAJOR CITIES, EXPERIENCED SUSTAINED LOW LEVELS OF PATRONAGE BUT INCURRED SIGNIFICANT COSTS. IN GENERAL RESPONSE TO THESE FINDINGS, THE REVIEW RECOMMENDED SHARED FACILITIES WHEREVER POSSIBLE SUCH AS THE USE OF SHARED GALLEYS AND COMBINED MESSING ARRANGEMENTS.    IMPORTANTLY, NONE OF THESE PRACTICES ARE NEW TO NAVY AS WE HAVE BEEN OPERATING WITH SHARED GALLEYSAND SHARED MESS FACILITIES DURING REDUCED ACTIVITY PERIODS FOR MANY YEARS.
4. I HAVE CONSIDERED THE REVIEW AND ITS FINDINGS IN RELATION TO NAVY AND HAVE ACCEPTED THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AMALGAMATING DINING AND MESSING FACILITIES IN THOSE SITUATIONS WHERE UNSUSTAINABLY LOW LEVELS OF PATRONAGE HAVE PERSISTED RENDERING SEPARATE MESSING AND DINING FACILITIES FINANCIALLY UNVIABLE. ON THE ISSUE OF BAR HOUR OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES, WHICH WAS ALSO IDENTIFIED AS AN UNDER-UTILISED SERVICE, FURTHER ANALYSIS IS UNDERWAY AND I EXPECT TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT IN RELATION TO NAVY REFORMS IN THIS AREA LATER IN 2012. FOR THE TIME BEING, MY FOCUS IN THIS MESSAGE IS TO OUTLINE THE PLAN
TO REFORM DINING AND MESSING FACILITIES ACROSS NAVY.
5. I AM COMMITTED TO IMPLEMENTING THESE REFORMS IN LINE WITH OUR SIGNATURE BEHAVIOUR OF COST CONSCIOUSNESS. THE FIRST COMBINED DINING FACILITY AND BAR WAS IMPLEMENTED IN HMAS PENGUIN ON 16 JANUARY 2012. THE SUCCESS OF THE PENGUIN IMPLEMENTATION WILL BE ASSESSED IN ORDER TO GUIDE PLANNING FOR OTHER BASES WITH THE IMPACT ON PERSONNEL BEING ONE OF MANY CONSIDERATIONS. THESE CHANGES WILL BE SUBJECT TO A PROGRESSIVE ROLL OUT ACROSS NAVY BASES IN 2012.
6. FLEET COMMAND STAFF HAVE BEEN ENGAGING WITH COMMAND ELEMENTS IN BASES ON THESE REFORMS. THE SOLUTIONS PROPOSED REFLECT THE PREFERENCES OF LOCAL BASE COMMAND TEAMS. FURTHER INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED TO COMMANDS ON THE PROPOSED CHANGES AS PART OF THE COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY. THE SCHEDULE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE REFORMS WILL BE PROMULGATED SEPARATELY.
7. IN BROAD TERMS THE FOLLOWING CHANGES ARE PLANNED:
A. HMAS CAIRNS: ALL LIVING IN ACCOMMODATION (LIA) CATERING WILL BE COMBINED TO THE NORTHERN HERITAGE, USING THE ONE GALLEY AND DINING
ROOM FOR ALL RANKS. SEGREGATED ARRANGEMENTS WITHIN THE DINING ROOM ARE AVAILABLE. ALL LIA BAR FACILITIES WILL BE COMBINED AT THE NORTHERN HERITAGE
B. HMAS HARMAN: ALL MEALS WILL BE SERVED FROM THE CURRENT JUNIOR SAILORS/SENIOR SAILORS FACILITY USING A SINGLE GALLEY WITH COMBINED
DINING ARRANGEMENTS FOR OFFICERS AND SENIOR SAILORS.   THE INTENTION IS FOR THE WARDROOM MESS TO BECOME THE COMBINED OFFICERS AND SENIOR
SAILORS BAR.
C. HMAS KUTTABUL: THE SENIOR SAILORS BAR WILL BE CLOSED AND OFFICERS AND SENIOR SAILORS WILL SHARE THE EXISTING WARDROOM FACILITY. MRU
STAFF WILL OPERATE THE COMBINED OFFICERS/SENIOR SAILORS GALLEY/DINING AND BAR FACILITIES AS A CORE FUNCTION.   THE JUNIOR SAILORS GALLEY
AND DINING FACILITY WILL BE RETAINED AT KUTTABUL. A DECISION ON THE HOMEBUSH LIA FACILITY IS BEING FURTHER INVESTIGATED AND WILL BE
ADVISED SEPARATELY.
D. HMAS WATSON: AS A TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT ALL EXISTING BAR, DINING AND MESSING FACILITIES WILL BE RETAINED IN THEIR CURRENT
CONFIGURATION DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME AND GEOGRAPHIC LAYOUT OF EXISTNG FACILITIES.
E. HMAS WATERHEN: ALL EXISTING BAR, DINING AND MESSING FACILITIES WILL BE RETAINED IN THEIR CURRENT CONFIGURATION GIVEN THE EXISTING
SHARED GALLEY FACILITIES.
F. HMAS PENGUIN: THE FIRST SITE FOR IMPLEMENTATION, THE AMALGAMATION OF THE OFFICERS AND SENIOR SAILORS DINING AND BAR FACILITIES COMBINED
IN THE EXISTING SENIOR SAILORS MESS ON 16 JANUARY 2012. THIS HAS ENABLED THE USE OF ONE CENTRAL GALLEY TO PROVIDE ALL MEALS. THE JUNIOR SAILORS DINING AND BAR FACILITIES WILL REMAIN IN THEIR CURRENT CONFIGURATION.
G. HMAS ALBATROSS: THE PLAN FOR ALBATROSS WILL NOT BE FINALISED PENDING FURTHER DETAIL ON THE PLANNED ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HELICOPTER TRAINING SCHOOL. I EXPECT AN ANNOUNCEMENT ON ALBATROSS BY MID 2012. IN THE INTERIM HOWEVER A NUMBER OF STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO RATIONALISE MEAL DELIVERY IN THE WARDROOM/ SENIOR SAILORS MESS.
H. HMAS CRESWELL:   AS AN INITIAL TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT AND NOTING THE HIGH VOLUME AND GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF THE FACILITIES, ALL EXISTING BAR, DINING AND MESSING FACILITIES WILL BE RETAINED IN THEIR CURRENT CONFIGURATION.
I. HMAS STIRLING: COMBINED OFFICERS AND SENIOR SAILORS DINING ROOM AND BARS WILL BE ESTABLISHED USING THE EXISTING WARDROOM MESS. THE JUNIOR SAILORS DINING AND BAR FACILITIES WILL REMAIN IN THEIR CURRENT CONFIGURATION.
J. HMAS CERBERUS: AS AN INITIAL TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT AND NOTING THE HIGH VOLUME AND GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF THE FACILITIES, ALL EXISTING BAR, DINING AND MESSING FACILITIES WILL BE RETAINED IN THEIR CURRENT CONFIGURATION.
8. THE DECISION TO RETAIN THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS AT HMA ESTABLISHMENTS WATSON, CRESWELL AND CERBERUS WAS BASED ON CLEAR EVIDENCE OF THE HIGH DEMANDS IN EACH MESS AND THE DESIRABILITY OF RETAINING SEPARATE FACILITIES IN TRAINING ESTABLISHMENTS.
9. THE IMPORTANT ROLE THAT MESSES PLAY IN SERVICE CULTURE AND HERITAGE IS RECOGNISED AND WELL UNDERSTOOD. AS SUCH, MY INTENT AND EXPECTATION IS THAT SHARED FACILITIES WILL NOT BECOME A BARRIER TO THE CURRENT PRACTICE OF DEDICATED MESS EVENTS SUCH AS WARDROOM MESS DINNERS AND SENIOR SAILOR MESS FUNCTIONS. THESE ACTIVITIES CAN HAPPILY SIT ALONGSIDE WHOLE OF MESS FUNCTIONS. THESE ELEMENTS OF OUR SERVICE TRADITION MUST CONTINUE BUT IN A CONTEMPORARY FRAMEWORK IN WHICH OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE AUSTRALIAN TAXPAYER IS ALSO UPHELD.
10. I KNOW THAT SOME WILL HAVE CONCERNS WITH THESE PROPOSALS, AS SOME OF THESE CHANGES MAY PRESENT CHALLENGES TO OUR TRADITONAL MESS ARRANGEMENTS. HOWEVER, AT HQJOC, HMAS CAIRNS AND LEEUWIN BARRACKS THESE SORTS OF ARRANGEMENTS ARE ALREADY IN PLACE AND WORK. OUR REDUCED USAGE OF SOME MESSES HAS SIMPLY RENDERED THEM ECONOMICALLY UNVIABLE.
11. WE MUST MOVE ON THIS, I NEED THE OFFICER AND SENIOR SAILOR COMMUNITY TO APPROACH THESE CHANGES WITH AN OPEN MIND AND A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND SUPPORT THE COMMAND TEAMS THAT NEED TO DELIVER THE CHANGES.
BT

SUBJECT LOST SOULS

Assistance is required to locate the following ex Navy Stokers for help with a VRB hearing.
LSMTP George Gerrick ABMTP Samson   ABMTP Paterson   If you are able to assist please contact Lee Wells - contact details are as follow:

Lee Wells   170 Pratten Street   Warwick        4370      Phone: 07.4661.2166   Email:   wellslm.1@bigpond.com
and
If you are able to help with the following please contact Eleanor Maher at email address: maher.farms@bigpond.com

My name is Eleanor Maher (nee Berry) and my uncle Jim Berry, (service number B 3089) was serving on the depot ship HMAS Anking and was one of the 25 sailors who died when she was sunk.

In an article in the Sydney Daily Telegraph dated Feb 12th , 2012 , which outlined the case for having the actions of Lieutenant Commander Rankin (HMAS Yarra) recognised for his heroic action during the engagement, the last known survivor from the convoy, Bernard Higgins from HMS Anking, spoke.

I would be grateful if I could contact him. Perhaps he may remember my uncle. Jim's sister is still alive and has his letters that he wrote home as he headed to Singapore.   The last one was dated 6th Feb, 1942. The Red Cross was able to tell my grandmother he had transferred from HMAS Hobart to the Anking, so possibly Jim may have been on the Anking for only a short time. Mr Higgans may like to read the letters.
Could you please pass on my contact details should Mr Higgans wish to reply? My postal address is "Spring Valley", 162 Tinks Lane, Narromine 2821 NSW and my email is maher.farms@bigpond.com

I thank you for your endeavours to obtain recognition for the acts of bravery by the men and women of our navy.
Yours sincerely.   Eleanor Maher

1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 12 February 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Several of us are in Husky preparing for tonights get together and the VOYAGER dedication service. Annie Oakley, Spook, Schubes and Marion, Mike Hogan, Fred Howes and Scarcey have had a few pre briefings already. Been fishing with Annie, no fish to talk about, a little fun in the boat, forgot to insert the plugs one day and Annie falling into the oggin when he was making a leap for the wharf made it a memorable week. There is an article on Darwin immediately after WW2 below which is a good read. Additionally

There is some interesting info on the web pages below

Is anybody into 'facebook' have a look and get onto our page https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Has anybody been in contact with Peter Pagett, he seems to have moved on and I have lost contact.

Ron Quetcher, Bruce Pollock, Gerry Bandy, Tony Grice, Des Honess, Don Churchward, Ron Spike Jones and Garry Pike celebrate their birthday this week. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have the details contact me, I will give you the email address. Say G'day. Happy Birthday to you all from all of us.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
Overseas Medical Vaccinations for Queenslanders
Household Assistance Package
NPWS Pensioner Concession Card - Application form - Australian Pensioner Concession Card Holders and Veterans receiving EDA, Intermediate rate, blinded or TPI pensions
Changes to Family Tax Benefit (FTB)

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv26/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page29.htm
Darwin
VENDETTA Function in QLD
70th Anniversary of the sinking of KUTTABUL by Japanese Midget submarines

Also this week:
Block unwanted calls
House sitter wanted for Veterans Retreat

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT BLOCK UNWANTED CALLS

     This is for Australian phone numbers
      REMEMBER: Mobile Phone Numbers Go Public next month.
      REMINDER all mobile phone numbers are being released to Telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.

YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

Below is a link where you can enter your phone numbers online to put an end to telemarketing calls.
HTTPS://WWW.donotcall.gov.au/

PASS THIS ON TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN...

SUBJECT HOUSE SITTER(S) NEEDED FOR VETERANS RETREAT

This is at Cockatoo Rise in Bairnsdale Victoria

If you are interested please contact Greg or Ann Carter at email address: cockatoorise@wideband.net.au
or phone: 0409.418.332

1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 5 February 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. The Navy besides celebrating 100 years of submarines are also celebrating 100 years of Navy Rugby. The Rugby party starts Thursday 3rd Feb with a cocktail party in HMAS SUCCESS. More importantly we have our Husky function and dedication service for VOYAGER Friday week.

The details are dress smart casual at the Huskisson RSL. Meet at 1730 for a bistro dinner at 1800 followed by a memorial service for HMAS Voyager in the park adjacent the club at1930. Survivors of the Voyager disaster will be coordinating the Service. We will go down to VOYAGER Park around 2030 to attend the service. Annie Oakley is coming down from Cairns and Fred Howe and his mate Scarcey are travelling over from SA, Ian and Marion Schubert and Ted Hase are coming over the mountain from Canberra and if the rain stops in Queensland and Northern NSW Rick and Lea Avey expect to be there. Annie and I expect to be fishing around JB for the week prior to the event. Give me a call if you arrive early. Are you turning up?

Is anybody into 'facebook' have a look and get onto our page https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Has anybody been in contact with Peter Pagett, he seems to have moved on and I have lost contact.

Greg Hyphen Henderson Smith forwarded this item: Resolution of Veteran's Issues
I read with some interest Tas Brownings writing on "Conflicts in South East Asia" in the Fleet Air Arm Association Magazine, Slipstream, Volume 22 Number 4.
Although I don't see Slipstream as a vehicle to air personal grievances, I was particularly interested in Tas' comments in the second last paragraph of his article regarding the resolution of issues by governments.
I currently have a problem with the Department of Veterans' Affairs, the resolution of which I believe must be completed by the Minister's Office. After writing with a request to the Minister, I received a telephone call from a young lady from DVA Brisbane informing me that the Minister had no intention of responding to my letter and that she was ringing to outline a few things to me. This I felt was pretty bad form as I feel sure if someone addresses correspondence to you, the onus should be on you to respond. Anyway after speaking for some time and with some authority on my problem, she finally admitted that she had not even seen my DVA File.
Some three weeks ago I again wrote to the Minister's office outlining my concern and expressing the belief that because of his position as the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, any resolution should come from him. To date I still have no answer.
I too, like Tas, wonder whether the Minister or the Government to which he belongs is "Fair Dinkum" about looking after the concerns of veterans or is it just easier to ignore the problem and hope it goes away.
If any other veteran would like to discuss a similar problem please let me know.
My contact details are available through the 63 Leeuwin List.

Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith

Ian (Schubes) Schubert forwarded and article on the Fairmile Class of Patrol Boats. I has been posted on the web site below. He states…….This article is quite interesting and maybe something you could include in your next mail out. It would be of interest to those at Nowra seeing Airsprite etc were based there at Creswell for many years (early in our time) some of the Communicators/Seamen may well have served on them during their service. I know sparkers were certainly posted to SAR section at Creswell.

Ken Dobbie onforwarded a NAA Newsletter. There is an article included about the LEEUWIN Memorial and also 'life in LEEUWIN'. Have a read and make up your own mind.

Mike Shephard celebrates his birthday this week. Give him a ring, send him an email, if you don't have his details contact me, I will give you the email address. Say G'day. Happy Birthday Mike from all of us.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv26/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page29.htm
Fairmile Patrol Boats
NAA Newsletter

Also this week:
Vale Peter Hamilton 1st intake CERBERUS
Lost soul - Allan Nelson
Looking for next of kin

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT VALE - PETER HAMILTON

Sad to advise that Ex POWTR Peter James HAMILTON, R59889 (23/8/47 - 27/1/12) crossed the Bar from Frankston Hospital last Friday. Peter was in the first intake of HMAS CERBERUS Junior Recruits in March, 1963. Funeral service will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel at HMAS CERBERUS at 1100 on Thursday 2n February, 2012.

SUBJECT LOST SOUL - ALLAN (SANDY) NELSON

If you are able to assist with the following please contact Kevin Connolly at email address: casey@skymesh.com.au Fellers, I have a mate looking for an ex JR Alan J Nelson ("Sandy"), would any of you happen to have an update on his whereabouts? Regards, Kev Connolly.

SUBJECT LOOKING FOR NEXT OF KIN
Looking for next-of-kin

The men listed below have been posthumously approved for the award of the Commendation for Gallantry for their service during World War II and to date their award has not been claimed. If you are related to any of these men, or know of someone who may be related, please contact the Directorate of Honours & Awards' telephone enquiry line on 1800 111 321. (FREECALL)

PTE Alexander John BELL GNR Alan William GLOVER
SGT Joseph Kenneth BELL SIG Howard Frederick HARVEY
PTE Joseph BELL SGT Caryle Benjamin JONES
GNR Thomas Stephen CUMMING MAJ Alan MULL
SGT Clifford Edmund DANAHER WO2 Matthew Wallace QUITTENTON
PTE Victor Lawrence GALE

1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 29 January 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Had a yarn this week with Tug Wilson from Mildura, he appears to be on the up and up which is real good news. Also talked to Warren Heath, he has emailed me asking for comment on the message below for those who were. Caught up with and had a cup of coffee with Mick Gallagher at Dee Why. On our behalf Mick wrote the letter of appreciation to the RSL at Mildura for allowing us to run our function. It is included below and will be included on the Mildura page of our website. Thanks Mick.

Are you going to be in Husky on Friday 10 February for our annual function and VOYAGER memorial service. Tom Houldsworth is organising, please let me know if you intend to attend. We should be at the Husky RSL at 1730 for dinner at the Bistro - dress smart casual. We will go down to VOYAGER Park around 2030 to attend the service organised by the VOYAGER Survivors Association. Annie Oakley is coming down from Cairns and Fred Howe and his mate Scarcey are travelling over from SA, Ian and Marion Schubert and Ted Hase are coming over the mountain from Canberra and if the rain stops in Queensland and Northern NSW Rick and Lea Avey expect to be there. Annie and I expect to be fishing around JB for the week prior to the event. Give me a call if you arrive early. Are you turning up?

Doug Heath wrote: On the day of the 6th intake's Passing Out Parade in December '63, late in the morning, or early afternoon, myself, (Doug Heath), and Bill Smith were approached in 'G' Hut by two JR1s from the same division, Mokare, who, for the moment, will remain nameless. These guys gave the impression that they were acting on some kind of orders and no-one, including me, challenged their right to be there. We were told to take off what we were wearing and wrap towels around ourselves. The JR1s led the way to a concrete slab under washing lines on the northern side of the hut. Once there, I was held and soapy water was dumped over my head from buckets. I was scrubbed with yard brooms and also with sand soap, steel wool or both. The JR1s clearly had help as I was held off the ground by my arms and legs at one point and more soapy water was aimed at me. At this point, a small group of guys stopped some distance away and I heard one shout:'What're yez fuckin' doin'?' One of the two JR1s shouted back:'Fuck off. This come straight from divisional office. They're sicka grubby JRs in the Fleet.' I also had boot polish smeared on my back and genitals. Later, in the showers, I was again approached by the same JR1s who told me I wasn't allowed to use cold water, only hot. Since this would have meant being scalded, I refused and got a punch in the mouth but I squirmed past them and went to another stall where I was left alone. I don't know what happened to Bill for sure but I think it's safe to assume he got similar treatment.

What I'm wondering is, did anyone who was at Leeuwin at the time see this? It should be obvious that someone, the guy who shouted, did see it. I accept the possibility that other guys in our hut might have been told not to look. I also accept that it was a very long time ago, but I'm hoping this might jog someone's memory. I've tried to contact some of you, five or six, who were in Mokare3 at the time through the email addresses you provide on the 6/7th website, but haven't even had a response telling me to piss off; nothing, complete silence. I don't want anyone to make anything up or, on other hand, try to deny what happened. What I need is someone who recalls the incident and is prepared to put that on paper, however sketchy or incomplete that recollection might be.
Here are my contact details:
Doug Heath
19 Mills Street
Lithgow NSW 2790
Ph: 0263514042
Email: wahe@dodo.com.au

Is anybody into 'facebook' have a look and get onto our page https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Birthdays this week are celebrated by Syd James, Derek Whyte, Trevor Taylor, James Carroll, John McCormack and Linsey Wright. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have their details contact me, I will give you the email address. Say G'day. Happy Birthday blokes from all of us.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv26/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page29.htm
Diamond Jubilee Medal awarded to the UK Defence Forces

Also this week:

Letter of thanks to Mildura RSL

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT LETTER OF THANKS TO MILDURA RSL

To: The Members of Mildura RSL Club. Dec 2011
130 Madden Ave, Mildura VIC 3500, Australia
Ph: (03) 5023 1888

From: HMAS Leeuwin 1963.
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com

C/O Mick Gallagher.
9 Northview Place, Mt Colah.
Sydney, NSW 2079.
.
HMAS Leeuwin 1963 Reunion
Mildura, Victoria.
Fri 28 Oct - Tues 01 Nov 2011

On behalf of the members of 'HMAS Leeuwin 1963' we would like to thank Mildura RSL for hosting our reunion held in your wonderful city Friday 27 October - Tuesday 01 November 2011.

The success of the reunion was due mainly to the camaraderie, facilities and service provided by the members and staff of the Mildura RSL Club, which became our 'home away from home club' during our stay in Mildura.
In particular we recognize the magnificent job of the club's President, Allan 'Tug' Wilson and his committee, and the dedication and professionalism of General Manager Kim Archibald and his staff.

We appreciate all the assistance given with our reunion events, especially the reunion dinner held at the RSL on Saturday 29 October. A thanks to head chef Russel and waiters Kaila, Ben, Stacey and Selina. The food and service was five star and plenty of it.
We certainly appreciated the efforts of Secretary John Searle and Graham Cameron of the club's committee who assisted greatly with preparation during the day for the evening's reunion dinner, and of course the many hours put in by President Allan Wilson in the months and days leading up to event.

We also take this opportunity to thank the people of Mildura for their hospitality during our reunion and we would certainly recommend Mildura to any ex Service group as an excellent place to have a reunion in the future.

Have an enjoyable festive season and a rewarding New Year in 2012.

Ron Giveen & Mick Gallagher.
On behalf of the HMAS Leeuwin 1963 Junior Recruits, and their partners.

1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 22 January 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Talked to Mick Gallagher, he is going down to Husky for the function. This is an RN utube, but really good, click on - http://www.youtube.com/user/militarywiveschoir?feature=watch

We will be in Husky on Friday 10 February for our annual function and VOYAGER memorial service. Tom Houldsworth is organising, please let me know if you intend to attend. We should be at the Husky RSL at 1730 for dinner at the Bistro - dress smart casual. We will go down to VOYAGER Park around 2030 to attend the service organised by the VOYAGER Survivors Association. Annie Oakley is coming down from Cairns and Fred Howe and his mate Scarcey are travelling over from SA, we expect to be fishing around JB for the week prior to the event. Are you turning up?

Larrain Uttley forwarded the following: Hi Ron Just a quick note to let you know that Kevin is back in hospital. He had a seizure last Monday night and was admitted to Greenslopes. They doubled his medication and sent him home on Thursday. However, the medication made him so sick and disorientated plus his arm became infected from where they had taken out the candular so I took him back to Greenslopes on Saturday. They are keeping him in for a few days to try to clear up the infection and to change his medication. Regards Larraine Uttley From us - Get well soon Mate.

Some of Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith photos are on the website, I am waiting on identification for the others. Have a look you could be there http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page17.htm

Is anybody into 'facebook' have a look and get onto our page https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Birthdays this week are celebrated by Ronnie Gall, Mal Ritchie, Glenn Summerhayes, Pete Johnston, Pete Morley, Glenn Forno, Pete Owen, and Butch Cousins who has his birthday on Australia Day, its surprising he doesn't have another nick name. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have their details contact me, I will give you the email address. Say G'day. Happy Birthday blokes from all of us.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm
has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv26/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page29.htm
has been updated with articles on:
VVCS for QUEENSLAND Flood victims

Also this week:

Peter O'Sullivan

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT PETER O'SULLIVAN

One of the HMAS Quiberon ex-crew members from the early sixties isn't doing too well. Peter O'Sullivan was a Weapons Electronics Greenie and has the early stages of Dementia. He is in residence at unit 5, RSL Care Hostel, Caboolture. He went into the RSL Hostel about August or September 2011. He is only 69. His telephone number is 0754281009. He is mainly available for calls between 1800 and 1900 after scran. His family would appreciate it if some of his old ship mates could give him a call and have a chat. Max Bean

1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 15 January 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Had a yarn with Danny Tiley, he is well, so well, he is going back to work….Onya Danny hope to see you soon. Have you heard 'the voice of the Australian flag' there is a utube link below - worth a listen.

We will be in Husky on Friday 10 February for our annual function and VOYAGER memorial service. Tom Houldsworth is organising, please let me know if you intend to attend. Will let you know the kick off time and other details soon. The responses are starting to come in.

Thanks to all who responded to Des Honess' item, I am sure it will give him something to work with.

Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith has sent about a dozen photos I did not have. They are primarily Kaiber 1 from Jan 63 but others are in the photos. I am trying to put names to all the people and will put them online when that occurs. http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page17.htm

Is anybody into 'facebook' have a look and get onto our page https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Birthdays this week are celebrated by Checkers Aldridge, Dick Dorham, Gerrard Mcguinness, Annie Oakley, Nev Barry, Dizzy Gillespie, Clockwork Gorringe, Chris Rowland and Alan (Knocker) White. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have their details contact me, I will give you the email address. Say G'day. Happy Birthday blokes from all of us.

Ramon Deed Veterans Retreat - Ramon Deed Veterans Retreat is looking for new volunteer caretakers from the end of March. For information phone 03 50274447 or e-mail rdveteransretreat@bigpond.com Barry and Di Langan are currently the caretakers but intend to move on.

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:
No new articles this week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm
has been updated with articles on:
ANZAC Centenary goes far beyond ANZAC Day
New Repatriation Medical Authority Chair appointed

Thought you may be interested - Fred Howes forwarded the following: I was interested in the e-mail "useless info from Navy News January 1962" I have been a member of the Royal S. A. Yacht Squadron now for 40 years and have been to many functions where we toast the Queen and i was sure that we always called it the "Loyal Toast". So i thought i would put the question to a good friend, Dr Peter Last, fellow member of the Squadron, Club historian, Student of the English language and all things British. He is still quite active and in his eighties. He has written several books and articles about maritime South Australia and our British connections. Somehow i knew he would have a rather extended answer, if you have the time to read & understand it. Regards, Phred
10 January 2012
Dear Fred and Dave,
I believe it to be the Loyal Toast, to express the sentiment of the Prayer for the Church Militant compiled by Archbishop Cranmer in 1549: '… We beseech thee also to save and defend all Christian Kings, Princes and Governors; and especially thy servant ELIZABETH our Queen; that under her we may be godly and quietly governed; and grant to her whole Council and to all that are put in authority under her, that they may truly and indifferently minister justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion and virtue; …'
The toast, therefore, conveys our loyalty to the person placed in ultimate authority over us, which, in particular, applies to members of armed forces bearing the insignia of the crown. The same sentiment applies in courts, where members of the bench bow their heads to acknowledge that their authority ultimately comes from the Crown, and those in the body of the court should do the same. The royal arms placed behind the presiding judge are being replaced by State and Commonwealth insignia, but the sentiment is unchanged. Members of Parliament leaving the chamber bow their heads to acknowledge the authority of the Speaker.
If we become a republic with a President, a toast to him or her would also be a loyal toast for the same reasons.
The king who hit his head was William IV (Reigned 1834-37, to be succeeded by his niece Alexandrina, who took her title as Victoria, but left her name on our lake). He served in the war against the American colonists, liked to be called Sailor William or Sailor Bill, and married Queen Adelaide. Hence King William Street.
Charles II may well have hit his head, for the billboards seeking his apprehension after the disaster of the Battle of Worcester, described him as '… a lean, dark young man, above two yards high.' There is no record that he gave any instruction on toasts, and it wouldn't be his style anyway. His Navy was conducted by his brother, James Duke of York (hence New York) who was deposed as James II in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Both were enthusiastic commissioners of royal yachts.
In the first Hornblower book, the eponymous captain inadvertently swore when he stood for the loyal toast and his head hit a deck beam. CS Forester was good at that sort of detail, for the King was still George III (1760- 1830), who was mad at the time.
The anecdote about Jacobites (the original Tories) toasting the Pretenders as King over the Water is partially correct. Father and son were exiles in France, with no money or realistic prospects, but evoking enough sentimental loyalty for the failed rebellions of 1715 and 1745. Hence the ballad, 'My bonny lies over the ocean,' which many of us sang as children. The UK was lucky to miss them, and, of course, Sir Robert Walpole exploited the fact that George I could hardly speak any English to act very much as did Tom Playford for many years.
I doubt the folklore that instructions were given to remove water from tables, but the Royal Navy is a strange institution and perhaps they did. In the Army and in gentlemen's clubs, the decanter of port was passed from hand to hand and must not touch the table until it was empty. That could be challenging in the congestion of a small vessel under way, so if the Navy did the same, no doubt it was only ashore.
Ever since I first stood for the loyal toast, I have known that it is proper to drink it in water or anything else that is not alcoholic, and there is no stigma on those who do so. Don Taylor, ex RAN, strict teetotaler and very proper about such matters, drank the loyal toast in water and I remember him refusing orange juice, presumably as being too frivolous.
Many thanks, Fred and all best wishes to you both,
Peter

Have heard this before but it is worth a rerun 'The voice of the Australian Flag' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMCHPA3OkNw

Also this week:

Private Commemorations for Vietnam War service personnel and Permission to Use the Service Emblem

Cheers

Ron

Subject Private Commemorations for Vietnam War service personnel and Permission to Use the Service Emblem

What is Permission to Use the Service Emblem?
All veterans who served in the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army or the Royal Australian Air Force are entitled to have their Service emblem/badge inscribed on their private memorial.

However, for copyright reasons, permission to inscribe a badge must first be obtained from the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG). Section 83 of the Defence Act 1903 (Cth) delegates authority to the Director of War Graves to approve the use of a Service emblem on privately erected memorials for individuals.

What does this on-line facility provide
This on-line facility has been developed to assist in obtaining the necessary letter of permission to use the Service Badge on the commemoration/memorial of a deceased veteran. Veterans may wish to print a letter of permission for placement with their personal papers. Families, cemeteries and crematoria are also able to print permission letters without delays when a veteran passes. The facility to print a letter of permission is available for each veteran listed on this Nominal Roll. The letter provided will reflect the Badge and Service number for the veteran's Vietnam War Service.

What can this letter of permission be used for?
This letter can be used to acknowledge the Service of a veteran on a privately arranged memorial in a cemetery or crematorium. Foundries and monumental masons will not inscribe a Service emblem without this permission.

What can't this letter of permission be used for?
This letter of permission does not allow the use of the Service emblem in publications or on collective memorials. If a letter of permission can be printed, does it mean the veteran is deceased? Permission can be printed for all veterans on this Nominal Roll whether alive or deceased.

Where can I get help?
For help with letters of permission please contact wargraves@dva.gov.au or 133 254 (for the cost of a local call) or 1800 555 254 for country callers.

How do I obtain permission for other badges?
Written requests for permission to use Australian badges or emblems other than those of the Navy,Army and Air Force, for example the badge of a particular Corps such as the Artillery, in any publication (including on a memorial) should be directed to the Department of Defence:

Defence Community Organisation (DCO)
DGPERS-A
R8-9-026
Russell Offices
CANBERRA ACT 2600

Permission to use emblems of foreign services should be sought from the relevant Embassy or High Commission.

1963 LEEUWIN J/R's Weekly News 8 January 2012

http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G'day and Welcome,

Hope all is well on the home front. Happy New Year. Hope you caught up with all your family. There is quite a lot in this issue, some good reads, put your feet up, grab a beer and read but don't forget to respond on your attendance to the Husky function.

Have been in contact with Annie Oakley, Nev Barry, Mick Gallagher and Spook Cairns. Nev went to see Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith. It is really good to catch up.

Des Honess has recently retired and sent the following email, can anybody help? I have finally had to call it a day after 44 years in uniform, 12 Navy, 2 Iranian forces and 30 years with the West Australian Government. I know it could be a long shot but if anyone can remember the incident at the fire ground in December 1963 where I sustained burns could they please get in touch via you as I will putting in a claim and may need some backup. Best Regards, Des Honess

Mick Gallagher has put together a few words about Gavan Whitney. http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page4.htm Brian Gorringe also assisted with two photos, they are on the same page as downloads. I have been trying to contact Gavan's mate Neil Turner, have identified a Neil Turner in Veteran Queensland and wrote a letter but have not been home to see whether there is a response as yet. If anybody knows how to contact Neil, please let me know.

Is anybody into 'facebook' have a look and get onto our page https://www.facebook.com/#!/LEEUWIN1963

Birthdays from 7 Jan to 12 Jan are celebrated by Ian Schubert, Karl Slotboom, Terry Dack, Marty Hicks, Ray Cattermole and Kim Daw. Give them a ring, send them an email, if you don't have their details contact me, I will give you the email address. Say G'day. Happy Birthday blokes from all of us.

Barry Andrew wrote about researching our past: On our recent trip to Mildura we visited Canberra and while there I paid a visit to the archive section of the Australian War Museum and requested to view some of the reports on HMAS Melbourne for 1964/65. The file received for viewing were the Captains report to the Admiral and in it were listed references of previous reports sent to the Admiral. In all it was very interesting reading and I was captured for several hours. I will expand later on my findings (as I open the file my hands trembling as PTSD was having it normal effect on me), but my point is that this information is available and the War Museum is a good starting point for research, as we both know only too well you have to do the hard yards yourself. Please pass on if you think it will help. Cheers Barry

Ramon Deed Veterans Retreat - Ramon Deed Veterans Retreat is looking for new volunteer caretakers from the end of March. For information phone 03 50274447 or e-mailrdveteransretreat@bigpond.com Barry and Di Langan are currently the caretakers but intend to move on.

Do you want to go on a cheap holiday, have a look at the RANCCF website, they have been able to secure a partnership arrangement with the US Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC) for all Australian Defence Personnel and ex ADF. The AFVC provides over 200,000 accommodation options in 100 countries from as little as $369 USD per week. Look at the websitehttp://www.ranccf.com/holidays.htm Call 1300-472-329. This applies to all of us.

Received a poem 'A Sailor's Christmas' worth having a read, it is now on the websitehttp://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page20.htm

This week the DFRDB and ESO link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page27.htm has been updated with articles on:

No new articles this week

This week the DVA link on our website http://www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page28.htm has been updated with articles on:

Pension Rates January - March 2012

This week the Other Associations and Common Interest link on our website http://www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv26/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page29.htm has been updated with articles on:

The Royal Australian Navy in Malaya, Malaysia and Singapore, 1948-1971- this is a good read and we can associate with the story

Also this week:

Do you know these war heroes family

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT DO YOU KNOW THESE WAR HEROES FAMILY

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, today called on RSL's, historians and ex-servicemen and women to come forward if they know the next-of-kin of 12 brave Australian servicemen who died in World War II prisoner of war camps.

"In March this year, the Gillard Government announced that twenty prisoners of war who were killed while escaping during WWII will be posthumously awarded the Commendation for Gallantry," Senator Feeney said.

"So far eight families of these servicemen have been found. We're looking for the rest.

"I am asking RSL's, historians, ex-servicemen and women and Australian Defence Force families to come forward if they have information about the next-of-kin of these brave servicemen.

"As Christmas approaches and we think of our Australian troops keeping our region and the Middle East safe and secure. We should take a moment to remember the time that POWs spent in camps," the Senator said.

"Their bravery should never be forgotten," Senator Feeney said.

This was the result of the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal inquiry into Recognition for Far East Prisoners of War who were Killed while Escaping.

Anyone who is related to any of the following men, or knows of someone who may be related, can call the Directorate's telephone enquiry line on 1800 111 321 or write to:

Directorate of Honours and Awards

Department of Defence

PO Box 7952

CANBERRA BC ACT 2610

Name	From	Number	Date Executed	Execution Location
Private Alexander John Bell (29 years)	Ballarat VIC	VX73838	16 Mar 43	Thambyujayat, Burma
Sergeant Joseph Kenneth Bell (27 years)	North Melbourne VIC	VX34637	16 Sep 42	Kuala Lumpur
Private Joseph Bell (also known as Ernest) (32 years)	North Richmond VIC	VX50944, VX18156	18 Jun 42	Malaya
Gunner Thomas Stephen Cumming (30 years)	Northcote VIC	VX31670	6 Jun 42	Tavoy, Burma
Sergeant Clifford Edmund Danaher (24 years)	Ascot Vale VIC	VX31946	6 Jun 42	Tavoy, Burma
Private Victor Lawrence Gale (23 years)	Balwyn VIC	VX62289	2 Sep 42	Changi
Gunner Alan William Glover (31 years)	East Melbourne VIC	VX57043	6 Jun 42	Tavoy, Burma
Signalman Howard Frederick Harvey (21 years)	Townsville QLD	NX49419	11 May 43	Sandakan
Sergeant Caryle Benjamin Jones (27 years)	Murrurundi NSW	NX45920	22 Mar 42	Djambi Camp, Sumatra
Major Alan Mull (41 years)	Maroubra NSW	NX12243	10 Mar 43	Thambyujayat, Burma
Warrant Officer Class II Matthew Wallace Quittenton (37 years)	Canterbury NSW	VX45344	6 Jun 42	Tavoy, Burma
Gunner Arthur Reeve (21 years)	Geelong and/or Colac VIC	VX27292	6 Jun 42	Tavoy, Burma

Please emaillorna.clarke@defence.gov.aufor photographs and assistance in finding Australian War Memorial and National Archives records.

Media Contact: Lorna Clarke 0408 345 730