april rsl monthly newsletter
DESCRIPTION
April RSL Monthly NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
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Angeles City Sub Branch
Philippines
www.rslangelescity.com
‘Lest We Forget’
Clubhouse: Ponderosa Hotel
President
Vice Presidents
Secretary
Treasurer
Editor
James Curtis-Smith Greg Mann Bob Barnes Dallas Drake Ron Parrott Larry Smith
Email address’:
NEWSLETTER # 61 ** APRIL 2012
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The picture on our cover page is where the ANZAC Legend began. This picture shows 4th
Battalion landing on ANZAC Cove at 0800 hours 25th April 1915. By this time hundreds of men had already landed and were clambering up the cliffs behind ANZAC Cove.
Lest we forget
ANZAC Cove
Anzac Cove (Turkish: Anzak Koyu) is a small cove on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. It became famous as the site
of World War I landing of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) on April 25, 1915. The cove is a
mere 600 metres (2,000 ft) long, bounded by the headlands of Ari Burnu to the north and Little Ari Burnu, known as
Hell Spit, to the south. Following the landing at Anzac Cove, the beach became the main base for the Australian and
New Zealand troops for the eight months of the Battle of Gallipoli.
The first objective for soldiers coming ashore in enemy-held territory was to establish a beachhead, that is, a safe
section of beach protected from enemy attack where supplies and extra troops could be safely brought ashore.
Anzac Cove was always within 1 kilometre (3,300 ft) of the front-line, well within the range of Turkish artillery
though spurs from the high ground of Plugge's Plateau, which
rose above Ari Burnu, provided some protection.
General William Birdwood, commander of ANZAC, made
his headquarters in a gully overlooking the cove, as did the
commanders of the New Zealand and Australian Division and
the Australian 1st Division. It was on 29 April that General
Birdwood recommended that the original landing site between
the two headlands be known as "Anzac Cove" and that the
surrounding, hitherto nameless, area occupied by his corps be
known as "Anzac".
The beach itself became an enormous supply dump and two field
hospitals were established, one at either end. Four floating jetties
were quickly constructed for the landing of stores, later replaced
in July by a permanent structure known as "Watson's Pier". The
volume of stores quickly overflowed onto the adjacent beaches; firstly onto "Brighton Beach" to the south of the cove
and later onto North Beach beyond Ari Burnu. Three wireless radio stations were established on the beach to maintain
contact with the fleet.
While the cove was relatively sheltered from shellfire from across the peninsula — the Chanak forts, as well as the
Turkish battleships Turgut Reis and Barbaros Hayreddin anchored in the Dardanelles, shelled the waters off the cove
— it was partially exposed to view from Gaba Tepe to the south and completely open to view from Nibrunesi Point at
the southern tip of Suvla Bay to the north. Nibrunesi Point was under the guns of the Royal Navy so was never used
to fire on Anzac, however the well-concealed Turkish battery at Gaba Tepe, known as "Beachy Bill", was a constant
menace.
Despite the shelling, Anzac Cove was a popular swimming beach for the soldiers — at ANZAC it was a struggle to
supply sufficient water for drinking, there was rarely any available for washing. When swimming, most soldiers
disregarded all but the fiercest shelling rather than interrupt the one luxury available to them. Concealed Turkish
snipers also targeted swimming soldiers.
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On Anzac Day in 1985, the name "Anzac Cove" was officially recognised by the Turkish government. The Anzac
Day dawn service was held at Ari Burnu Cemetery within the cove until 1999 when the number of people attending
outgrew the site. A purpose built "Anzac Commemorative Site" was constructed nearby on North Beach in time for
the 2000 service.
ANZAC Cove today
Over the years, Anzac Cove
beach has been degraded by
erosion, and the
construction of the coast
road from Gaba Tepe to
Suvla, originally started by
Australian engineers just
prior to the evacuation of
Anzac in December 1915,
resulted in the beach being
further reduced and
bounded by a steep earth
embankment. The only way
onto the beach was via the
CWGC cemeteries at each
headland, Ari Burnu
Cemetery, and Beach
Cemetery.
(This story with the
complements of Wikipedia)
NB. For those with a computer and can access youtube, go to a very sobering rendition of Waltzing Matilda
applicable to Gallipoli. Click on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK6
rZ--DhZM Ed
ANZAC DAY
MEMORIAL
SERVICE APRIL 25TH
0700 HOURS AT
CLARK CEMETERY
AND BY 0800 HRS
AT: WHERE THE FUN, GAMES AND
COMRADESHIP WILL BEGIN AND CONTINUE UNTIL EARLY AFTERNOON.
ADMISSION BY PURCHASE OF A BOOK OF RAFFLE TICKETS AT THE DOOR.
ALL INVITED.
Click here
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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
We welcome the following new members: Chris Hazelwood (C/- A/C) * Jimmy Campbell
(A/C) * Alister VanMerkesteijn (A/C) * Stanley Fitzpatrick (A/C)*
We also have a new Life Subscriber: David Donney (A/C) *
RSL EVENTS SCHEDULE MAY 2012
Weekly Raffle NOW EVERY Wednesday at Emotions Nite Club at 6.00 PM.
Phillies Sports & Grill Raffle every Saturday at 6.00 PM.
Tuesday 1st MAY 2012 * General Committee 1.30 PM * 4.00PM Swagman * Kick Back & Relax Tuesday 8th May 2012 * 2.00PM Ponderosa * 3.00PM Social Tuesday * 4.00PM Fiesta Gardens
Tuesday 15TH May 2012 * Monthly General Meeting 2.00PM Ponderosa * 4.00PM Emotions
Tuesday 22nd May 2012 * 2.00PM Social Tuesday Ponderosa * 4.00PM Gentlemans * Cherry ,Stampede
Tuesday 29th May 2012 * 2.00 PM Ponderosa Social Tuesday * 4.00PM Eruptions * Dr.Holms
MESSAGE FROM HON SECRETARY DALLAS
If you haven’t sorted out any membership issues, eg, not yet paid this year, then you will be removed from our
membership roll. After April 25 we will cut off those not financial.
Members who are unsure of their position should email Dallas [email protected] or text
09165243084
Get a new member !!! Ask your friends to join and get the benefits. Life Subscriber is easy way to remain
financial forever. (See Dallas and get the rate for your age )
LOOKING FOR OLD PICTURES
Melvin Kerkettle, manager of the Ponderosa Hotel has given permission for the RSL to place a memorial wall of photograph’s of our departed members in the corridor from
reception to the pool area in the hotel.
We feel that the first one we would like to start this wall off should be our ‘founding
father’ Ken Slide, followed by our first president George Bradman, 2nd Mick O’Brien, 3rd Max Opitz etc.
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Our major problem is pictures of these people. Ken Slide should be easy as his son Gerald is
our webmaster but we envisage ALL of our sub branch members who have passed away since our inception being presented on the wall.
We are asking all members to have a look back into their photographic archives and look for photo’s of passed members. These should be passed to Dallas Drake.
A new sponsor has come on board. Ac1 Gym Health And Fitness Center,
is now offering RSL members a 10% discount on membership and the following services: MASSAGES* BIKINI WAX * MANICURE * PEDICURE
They are located at 229 Friendship Highway Angeles City. Ph # 45 8931288
ANOTHER SPORTING OPPORTUNITY
Discussions are underway as to the feasibility of forming an RSL bowling association. These discussions will focus on membership, uniform, away games, fees etc. It is envisioned that any profits made would go to the RSL charity account. This could be
another sporting activity to keep members active. More about this proposal in later newsletters.
ACTIVITY PHOTOGRAPHS In our last newsletter we asked if anyone attending RSL activities and took photographs if they would kindly donate them to our website for posting. Member Tim Shaw has responded so far and provided some photo’s of our Australia Day Fiesta. Thanks Tim.
ANZAC CENTENARY GOES FAR BEYOND ANZAC DAY From 2014 to 2018 Australia will commemorate the Anzac Centenary – 100 years since our nation’s involvement in the First World War. During this time we will remember not only the Anzacs who served at Gallipoli and the Western Front, but all Australian servicemen and women who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. The Anzac Centenary is about respectfully honouring all men and women of the Australian Defence Force – past and present – while creating a lasting legacy for all Australians. The Anzac Centenary is a program of national significance and at the first meeting of the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board on 14 October 2011, the Board resolved that a motif for the Anzac Centenary should be developed for consideration by Government. The Board is comprised of eminent Australians, including business and community leaders and chaired by Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC (Ret’d) – former Chief of the Defence Force. The development of a motif was also proposed by the National Commission on the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary, which included former Prime Ministers the Right Honourable Malcolm Fraser, PC, AC, CH and the Honourable Bob Hawke, AC.
A 10% discount for RSL members is offered. Also supplies
service to Australian Embassy for immigration purposes
6 In its report to Government the Commission recommended “…an instantly recognisable motif…that conveys an overall theme should be attached to the centenary program. “Highly-regarded motifs have been developed for similar programs such as the 1995 commemorations of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War Australia Remembers. Any motif representing the commemorative period needs to have wide resonance, be readily understood by a broad cross section of the community and appropriately reflect the significance of the Centenary. Consultation was held in both regional parts of the country along with capital cities, and consisted of the public, current serving personnel and veterans.
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT receives valuable prisoner of WAR RECORDS from Japan Historical records of former Australian Prisoners of War (POW) held by the Japanese during the Second World War have been handed over to the Australian Government. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bob Carr, and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, welcomed the transfer and thanked the Japanese Government for the valuable records. “We very much appreciate the cooperation of the Japanese Government in the transfer of these records to Australia. This exemplifies the strength of our relationship with Japan and the goodwill between us,” Mr Carr said. “The Australian Embassy in Tokyo will arrange for the records to be safely dispatched into the care of the National Archives of Australia.”
Once repatriated to Australia, more than 16 volumes, including name-identified records, will be handed over to the National Archives of Australia and carefully prepared for public access. With some of the records in a fragile condition, the Archives will undertake a rigorous process of careful examination and preparation so they can be digitised and made available to the
public online. It is expected that most of the records will become publicly available towards the end of this year. Mr Snowdon said the records will provide families with previously unseen vital information on their loved ones and help to indentify where a prisoner was held, their date of capture and date of liberation for example. “These records will help to increase our understanding of the experiences of some of the 20,000 Australian prisoners of war held by the Japanese throughout Asia during the Second World War,” he said. “They are an invaluable insight into a tragic period in our nation’s wartime history, which will bring clarity for historians and, most importantly, some form of closure for the families of those listed who have, until this time, remained uncertain of their loved one’s fate,” Mr Snowdon said.
BI - ANNUAL INCREASE TO DVA PENSIONS
Most members receiving DVA pensions would have noticed an increase in their fortnightly pensions. The next rise will be in September. As normally happens, an increase will be payable half way through a pay cycle, so the coming-up pay day usually only has a few days of increase in it. The next pay period will have the full increase paid. The table below highlights the key changes to fortnightly rates.
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Pension Old Rate (per fortnight)
New Rate (per fortnight)
20 March
Increase
Service Pension—single $748.80 $755.50 $6.70
Service Pension—couples $1,129.00 couple
$564.50 each
$1,139.00 couple
$569.50 each $10.00
$5.00
War Widow Pension $758.70 $765.60 $6.90
Income Support Supplement $226.80 $228.90 $2.10
Special Rate (TPI) Pension $1,143.80 $1,154.20 $10.40
Intermediate Rate Disability Pension $776.30 $783.40 $7.10
Extreme Disablement Adjustment $631.50 $637.30 $5.80
100 per cent General Rate of Disability $406.40 $410.10
$3.70
Here is a story from the Tasmanian Mercury news-paper which seems approp-riate to publish here,
this being our ANZAC Day newsletter. Story
dated 9 March 2012. Here is the article:
Left. Returned serviceman
Percy Dransfield's grave was
visited yesterday by son Brian
and great-grandson Finn, 2, who
is holding with Mr Dransfield's war medals. Picture: LEIGH WINBURN
IN September 1918 Percy Dransfield fought off an enemy attack in France during World War I earning himself a Military Medal.
For the past four decades, his burial place has been an unmarked grave at Hobart's Cornelian Bay Cemetery. The Digger, from the southern Midlands town of Colebrook, yesterday was given the recognition he deserved with a plaque marking his final resting spot.
His grandson Graham Dransfield said yesterday the unveiling of the plaque was a "very special day for the family" who are mostly based in the Derwent Valley.
"It will be a great opportunity. This is somewhere we can now bring the grandkids and tell them about their great grandfather," Mr Dransfield said at the grave yesterday. "It means you have got something to show people. "Hopefully there is more of it."
Mr Dransfield's grandfather was one of four First World War Diggers given the simple dignity of a named plaque.
8 Denison independent MP Andrew Wilkie donated $1000 to help fund the plaques and was on hand for the unveiling ceremony yesterday Mr Wilkie, who spent 20 years in the military, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel, said the ceremony was the culmination of years of research by commemorative groups including the Friends and Family of the First AIF and Sons of the British Empire.
"Australians are very aware that many of our fallen diggers lie in unmarked graves in battlegrounds beyond our shores," he said. "But it's less known that hundreds, maybe thousands, are in unmarked graves at home.
"It is just as important to remember those who served and made it home, and I'm happy that the stories of these four men who bravely served their country are finally being told and the Diggers are getting the respect they deserve," Mr Wilkie said.
Plaques also were unveiled yesterday for Edward Albert Brockman, from Glenlusk, west of Chigwell, Joseph Patrick McSorley, who was from Western Australia but spent his last days in Tasmania, and Sydney Rupert Roland Higgins from the Glebe.
FAREWELL TO FOUNDER OF MUSEUM HONOURING AUSTRALIAN SERVICE ON THE WESTERN FRONT
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Warren Snowdon today offered his condolences to the family of a French man who had dedicated
his life to honouring Australian service on the Western Front.
Mr Snowdon said Mr Jean Letaille OAM of Bullecourt France had passed away, aged 83, and his funeral was held in France
this weekend.
“Jean and his late wife Denise spent more than 30 years collecting relics left behind from the First World War to display in a
museum they established in Bullecourt,” he said.
Bullecourt is the site of two of the bloodiest battles on the Western Front. More than 10,000 Australians were killed, wounded or
taken prisoner in ill-conceived and costly attacks against the enemy defences in and around Bullecourt between 11 April and 17
May 1917
Mr Snowdon said with the help of local farmers, the Letailles accumulated a large collection of weapons, machinery and other
war relics left behind by Australian, British and German soldiers.
While Jean was Mayor of Bullecourt, he created a small museum in the Town Hall to display these items before relocating the
collection to the barn and stable on his property in 1995.
“A visit to the ‘barn’ or Bullecourt Museum has become a must for any Australian pilgrimage to the Western Front – Jean and
Denise warmly
welcoming
thousands of visitors
over the years,
particularly
Australians whose
ancestors fought at
Bullecourt during the
War.”
Jean donated his
unique collection and
part of his property
to the local
9 community to allow for the re-development of the original museum last year. The completed Jean and Denise Letaille Museum
– Bullecourt 1917forms part of the Australian Remembrance Trail along the Western Front and will be officially re-opened on
Anzac Day 25 April 2012.
The work of Jean and Denise was recognised in 1997 when they were appointed Honorary Members of the Order of Australia.
Denise passed away several years ago.
“Australia appreciates the deep respect the Letailles have shown to Australia in remembering its servicemen and women who
fought to defend French communities during the First World War. May Jean and Denise rest in peace with the knowledge that
their memory will live on in this lasting tribute,” Mr Snowdon said.
VALE
KEVIN WHITEFORD
19 December 1928 TO 25 March 2012
‘We were advised today 25th March 2012 of
the passing of one of our senior veteran
members, Kevin Whiteford’.
This was the first word we received that our member Kevin had passed away.
Kevin was aged 83. He was a veteran of the
Japanese Occupation Forces, the Korean War and the Malaysia Emergency Campaign.
Kevin never missed any of our commemorative services and was always ready to enjoy a drink with his fellow members and mates. Kevin will be greatly missed. Kevin’s funeral was arranged
by many friends which included our Sub Branch and was conducted at the Galang Funeral Parlour DAU Mabalacat Pampanga at 1100 hrs on 30 March 2012. Stand down old Digger,
your task was completed with professionalism and dignity.
Lest We Forget
547 Signal Troop in SVN May 1966 - Dec 1971
I have just read a lengthy account of a very important Australian Signal Troop in Sth Vietnam. They used radio locating devises to track and monitor enemy units. Even though I wasn’t signal corps I read every word of the article. This unit had many visitors looking at their work. I have
included a small humourous section that I thought may put a smile on member’s faces, especially our American mates. Here it is: One notable visitor around this time was Brigadier General George S. Patton Jnr., the son of old 'Blood and Guts' Patton. He arrived in full battle order - steel helmet, grenades strapped on his belt, an M16 in his hand, a low slung pistol on his right side and a mean looking Colt Cobra in a shoulder holster. Squatting in front of the big wall map he chewed on an unlit cigar as he received the usual briefing from Steve Zagon. On conclusion of the briefing he jumped up and slapping Steve squarely on the back barked in a heavy drawl "That's great stuff fella's! Keep it up!
10 Remember, you find 'em and I'll kill 'em!" With that he strode off, grenades and guns slapping against his sides, leaving the operations staff rolling with uncontrollable laughter.
*One of our members living in Porac Pampanga was a member of this troop. Ed
It would appear that some of our
Australian nurses are being taught to
go out and actively look for some ready made patients.
Onya girls, a tip from a marksman instructor, always aim for the centre of mass for best results.
RSL Motto "The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance" The motto of the RSL has an interesting history.
In the fourth century BC Demosthenes enunciated the spirit of the motto although he used these words:
There is one safeguard known generally to the wise,
which is an advantage and security to all,
but especially to democracies as against despots. What is it? Distrust"
In 1770 the following words were apparently first used by John Philpot Curran in his speech upon his election as Lord Mayor of Dublin: "The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance." Then Wendel Phillips, in an address before the Massachusetts Anti -Slavery Society in 1852 said: "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty" Some people have attributed this also to Thomas Jefferson but no one has found any records of Jefferson using the sentence. In the early 1920's the Victorian Branch of the League suggested that the League should have a motto, and the NSW Branch of the League recommended: "The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance" In November 1923 the 8th National Congress of the RSL agreed on the motto recommended by NSW.
www.beyondtheblackstump.com
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THE following poem was published in this newsletter a few years ago, but since then we
have had many new members sign on and they would not have read and got teary eyed (as I do) reading this poem. Being ANZAC month, I have decided to re-run this
great piece of poetry. Please enjoy, The ANZAC on the wall (author unknown) Ed
The ANZAC on the Wall.
I wandered thru a country town 'cos I had time to
spare,
And went into an antique shop to see what was in
there.
Old Bikes and pumps and kero lamps, but hidden by it
all,
A photo of a soldier boy - an Anzac on the Wall.
"The Anzac have a name?" I asked. The old man
answered "No,.
The one’s who could have told me mate, have passed
on long ago."
The old man kept on talking and, according to his tale,
The photo was unwanted junk bought from a clearance
sale.
"I asked around," the old man said, "but no one knows
his face,
He's been on that wall twenty years, deserves a better
place.
For someone must have loved him so, it seems a shame
somehow."
I nodded in agreement and then said, "I'll take him
now."
My nameless digger's photo, well it was a sorry sight,
A cracked glass pane and a broken frame - I had to
make it right.
To prise the photo from its frame I took care just in
case,
'Cause only sticky paper held the cardboard back in
place.
I peeled away the faded screed and much to my
surprise,
Two letters and a telegram appeared before my eyes.
The first reveals my Anzac's name and regiment of
course,
John Mathew Francis Stuart - of Australia's own Light
Horse.
This letter written from the front, my interest now was
keen,
This note was dated August seventh 1917.
"Dear Mum, I'm at Khalasa Springs not far from the
Red Sea,
They say it's in the Bible - looks like a Billabong to
me.
"My Kathy wrote I'm in her prayers she's still my bride
to be,
I just can't wait to see you both you're all the world to
me.
And Mum you'll soon meet Bluey, last month they
shipped him out,
I told him to call on you when he's up and about."
"That Bluey is a larrikin and we all thought it funny,
He lobbed a Turkish hand grenade into the CO's
dunny.
I told you how he dragged me wounded in from no
man's land,
He stopped the bleeding closed the wound with only
his bare hand."
"Then he copped it at the front from some stray
shrapnel blast,
It was my turn to drag him in and I thought he wouldn't
last.
He woke up in hospital and nearly lost his mind,
Cause out there on the battlefield he'd left one leg
behind."
"He's been in a bad way mum, he knows he'll ride no
more,
Like me he loves a horse's back, he was a champ
before.
So please Mum can you take him in, he's been like my
brother,
Raised in a Queensland orphanage he's never known a
mother."
But struth, I miss Australia mum and in my mind each
day,
I am a mountain cattleman on high plains far away.
I'm mustering white-faced cattle, with no camel's hump
in sight,
And I waltz my Matilda by a campfire every night.
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I wonder who rides Billy, I heard the pub burnt down,
I'll always love you and please say hooroo to all in
town".
The second letter I could see was in a lady's hand,
An answer to her soldier son there in a foreign land.
Her copperplate was perfect, the pages neat and clean,
It bore the date November 3rd 1917.
''Twas hard enough to lose your Dad, without you at
the war,
I'd hoped you would be home by now - each day I miss
you more"
"Your Kathy calls around a lot since you have been
away,
To share with me her hopes and dreams about your
wedding day.
And Bluey has arrived - and what a godsend he has
been,
We talked and laughed for days about the things
you've done and seen."
"He really is a comfort and works hard around the
farm,
I read the same hope in his eyes that you won't come to
harm.
Mc Connell's kids rode Billy but suddenly that
changed,
We had a violent lightning storm and it was really
strange."
"Last Wednesday just on midnight, not a single cloud
in sight,
It raged for several minutes, it gave us all a fright.
It really spooked your Billy - and he screamed and
bucked and reared,
And then he rushed the sliprail fence, which by a foot
he cleared."
"They brought him back next afternoon but
something's changed I fear,
It's like the day you brought him home, for no one can
get near.
Remember when you caught him with his black and
flowing mane?,
Now horse breakers fear the beast that only you can
tame,"
"That's why we need you home son" - then the flow of
ink went dry,
This letter was unfinished and I couldn't work out why.
Until I started reading the letter number three,
A yellow telegram delivered news of tragedy.
Her son killed in action - oh - what pain that must have
been,
The same date as her letter - 3rd November 1917.
This letter which was never sent, became then one of
three,
She sealed behind the photo's face - the face she
longed to see.
And John's home town's old timers -children when he
went to war,
Would say no greater cattleman had left the town
before.
They knew his widowed mother well - and with
respect did tell,
How when she lost her only boy she lost her mind as
well.
She could not face the awful truth, to strangers she
would speak,
"My Johnny's at the war you know, he's coming home
next week."
They all remembered Bluey, he stayed on to the end,
A younger man with wooden leg became her closest
friend.
And he would go and find her when she wandered old
and weak,
And always softly say, "Yes dear - John will be home
next week."
Then when she died Bluey moved on, to Queensland
some did say,
I tried to find out where he went but don't know to this
day.
And Kathy never wed - a lonely spinster some found
odd,
She wouldn't set foot in a church - she'd turned her
back on God.
John's mother left no will I learned on my detective
trail,
This explains my photo's journey, that clearance sale.
So I continued digging 'cause I wanted to know more,
I found John's name with thousands in the records of
the war.
His last ride proved his courage - a ride you will
acclaim,
13
The Light Horse Charge at Beersheba of everlasting
fame.
That last day in October back in 1917,
At 4pm our brave boys fell - that sad fact I did glean.
That's when John's life was sacrificed, the record's
crystal clear,
But 4pm in Beersheba is midnight over here.......
So as John's gallant spirit rose to cross the great divide,
Were lightning bolts back home a signal from the other
side?
Is that why Billy bolted and went racing as in pain,
Because he'd never feel his master on his back again?
Was it coincidental? Same time - same day - same
date?
Some proof of numerology, or just a quirk of fate?
I think it's more than that, you know, as I've heard
wiser men,
Acknowledge there are many things that go beyond
our ken.
Where craggy peaks guard secrets neath dark skies
torn asunder,
Where hoof beats are companions to the rolling waves
of thunder.
Where lightning cracks like 303's and ricochets
again,
Where howling moaning gusts of wind sound just like
dying men.
Some Mountain cattlemen have sworn on lonely alpine
track,
They've glimpsed a huge black stallion - Light
Horseman on his back.
Yes sceptics say, it's swirling clouds just forming
apparitions,
Oh no, my friend you can't dismiss all this as
superstition.
The desert of Beersheba - or windswept Aussie range,
John Stuart rides forever there - Now I don't find that
strange.
Now some gaze at this photo and they often question
me,
And I tell them a small white lie, and say he's family.
"You must be proud of him." they say - I tell them, one
and all,
That's why he takes the pride of place - my
ANZAC on the Wall
.
SOMETHING FOR YOUR DIARY
Clint Young invites RSL members, family and
friends to his farm on the 23rd
of June for a BBQ.
Bring your own drinks (or RSL will take our
famous esky and we can sell to you). Contribute
something to the cost of food, maybe P100 per head
adults and P50 for kids over three years. Clint has
thousands of quail to see and maybe some fishing
for tilapia if you wish.
This would be a change of scenery to families and
would be good for the kids to run around on a farm.
If you can follow Clint’s mud map left we assume it
is a 40 minute drive. Probably best to follow a
convoy from the Ponderosa on the day. More
details closer to the date. Ed
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A LOOK INTO OUR PAST
THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE OPENING
The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was
conceived and largely built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, opening in 1973 after a long gestation that had begun with
his competition-winning design in 1957.
Utzon received the Pritzker Prize,
architecture's highest honour, in 2003.
The Pritzker Prize citation stated:
There is no doubt that the Sydney Opera
House is his masterpiece. It is one of the
great iconic buildings of the 20th century,
an image of great beauty that has become
known throughout the world – a symbol
for not only a city, but a whole country
and continent.
The Sydney Opera House was made a
UNESCO World Heritage Site on 28 June
2007. It is one of the 20th century's most distinctive buildings and one of the most famous performing arts centres in
the world.
The Sydney Opera House is on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It sits at the
north eastern tip of the Sydney central business district (the CBD), surrounded on three sides by the harbour (Sydney
Cove and Farm Cove) and inland by the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Contrary to its name, the building houses multiple performance venues. As one of the busiest performing arts centres
in the world, hosting over 1,500 performances each year attended by some 1.2 million people, the Sydney Opera
House provides a venue for many performing arts companies including the four key resident companies Opera
Australia, The Australian Ballet, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and presents a
wide range of productions on its own account. It is also one of the most popular visitor attractions in Australia, with
more than seven million people visiting the site each year, 300,000 of whom take a guided tour.
The Opera House was formally opened by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, on 20 October 1973. A large crowd
attended. The architect, Jørn Utzon, was not invited to the ceremony, nor was his name mentioned. The opening was
televised and included fireworks and a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.
The Sydney Opera House is administered by the Sydney Opera House Trust, under the New South Wales Ministry of
the Arts.
PRESIDENTS REPORT April 2012 Usually I reserve the opening of each newsletter to the Presidents report. Pres Jim went away for the Holy Week break and returned just in time to submit his report. However as I fly out of Philippines today 12th April, I had to arrange the newsletter from the top to bottom hoping that Jim will get back in time to submit his report. That happened at the ‘11th hour, requiring me to place it on the last page. Placing it in its usual position would require me re-arranging the previous 14 pages, time I did not have. I leave for the airport in two hours. On the next page find the Presidents Report. Ed
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Presidents Report. Very little to report for this month. ANZAC Day will be remembered by this Sub Branch on Wednesday April 25 commencing with the early service and Stand To at the Clark War Cemetery and afterwards at the Swagman for traditional activities. Always a good day and meaningful in our calendar. The ACT Branch is reviewing its Constitution and By-Laws and Dallas Drake our Secretary has already highlighted some amendments sought, principally to give appropriate recognition to overseas Sub Branches. I attended and conducted an RSL service for the late Kevin Whiteford who passed away on Sunday 25th March last, aged 83 years. Kevin was a keen member of the Sub Branch and who enlisted in the Australian Army at the end of World War 2 and was a member of the Occupation Forces in Japan and subsequently served in Malaya. Vale Kevin. Perhaps again a reminder to members of our raffles at Emotions every Wednesday night (from 6.30pm) and at Phillies on Saturday nights (from 5.30pm). I am grateful to Steve Fletcher Col and Luckie who conduct the raffle at Emotions and the girls who sell the tickets at Emotions and at Ponderosa in the days leading up to the Wednesday. I would like to see a few more RSL faces around the bar for the draw (just after 7.00pm) Similarly at Phillies, VP Bob Barnes conducts this raffle with the help of a very few RSL guys who regularly attend. Would like to see more RSL guys turning up and lending a hand. We start at 5.30pm which is usually half time in the early NRL match of the day and draw the raffle at the final siren about 40 minutes later. Ingat !!a JAMES E. CURTIS-SMITH President DISCLAIMER The Angeles City Sub-Branch of the R&SLA, the Committee and the Editor take no responsibilities for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies
contained in this newsletter. Nor do they accept any liability for loss or damage suffered directly or indirectly for use of information
contained in this newsletter. Nor do they warrant that articles or opinions published in this newsletter are necessarily the opinions held by the
Sub-branch, the Committee or the Editor
“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance”
They shall grow not old As we that are left grow old Age shall not weary them Nor the years condemn At the going down of the sun And in the morning We will remember them
Lest we forget