the blue beret: issue 49: april 2011

REGISTERED ADDRESS: 5 JEFFREY STREET CAPALABA QLD 4157

PHONE/FAX: 07 3245 7174 EMAIL: [email protected]

www.adgblueberet.org

Townsville City:

Darwin City – Venue for the 2011 AGM/Mini Reunion

NATIONAL PRESIDENT ..……………….…….………...….. MERV REID

NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT………………….…..….……. HENRY CICHOWSKI

NATIONAL SECRETARY/TREASURER …….……...…....... JIM GABLE

COMMITTEE MEMBERS ..………………….………......….. CHARLES BROWN

MAX HALING

BOB HOLT

MICK SHEEAN

EXECUTIVE ADVISOR …………………………….……...…. GLEN HOMBSCH

BLUE BERET EDITOR .…………………….……….......…. JIM GABLE

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO: ……….….……….... [email protected]

DISCLAIMER

Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc

takes no responsibility for any errors omissions or inaccuracies contained in this journal.

does not accept any liability for any loss or damage suffered directly or indirectly from the use of information contained in this journal.

Does not warrant that articles or opinions published in this journal are necessarily the opinions held by the Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc.

Edition 49: APRIL 2011

TTHHEE BBLLUUEE BBEERREETT OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE

AIRFIELD DEFENCE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA INC.

PATRON: AIR MARSHAL S.D. EVANS AC DSO AFC RAAF RET’D

mailto:[email protected]

Blue Beret Issue 49: April 2011. Page 1

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome to the ANZAC Day 2011 issue of your Blue Beret.

The editor and webmaster will soon have the password matter finalised, so all financial

members will have access to the newsletter on our website. Our serving members will gain

their access from the Restricted Defence Network.

I remind all members to guard their passwords carefully.

By the time you read this report, the Ground Defence Memorial will be in place at Amberley

as planned. Now the task of finishing the plaques and crests, surrounds etc begins.

The Association members in the local area will, in conjunction with our young and brave, be

hands-on to complete our long overdue memorial to our own who have paid the ultimate

sacrifice and who are always remembered during our ANZAC Day gatherings.

The Association banner will again be the form-up point on ANZAC Day in Brisbane,

positioned as per the formal Order of March, which will be discussed in detail elsewhere in

this issue. Please pay attention to timings and other instructions for the day.

Both 1 and 2 AFDS will be marching with the Association members, some 400 in total.

Buses will be organised by our host Adam Hill from the Boundary Hotel, which has recently

undergone a huge upgrade. Committee members will advise you of the pickup point for buses

on the day.

Adam has spent a bucket of money doing up the Boundary, resulting in a roomy, modern and

very attractive venue for us. Congratulations Adam.

Once again, Ski and Max will control the single entry to the area set aside for us. This year, in

addition to the $5.00 per person charge for catering, we will also be positioning a donation

box to raise funds for the completion of the Memorial. We look forward to everyone’s

support on the day.

Thanks to the generosity of CO 2AFDS, who met all costs involved, Ski and Max travelled to

Canberra on 31 March 2011 as representatives of the Association and the Squadron, to take

part in the Unveiling of Commonwealth Battle Honours ceremony and the 90th Anniversary

of the RAAF. Look for their report elsewhere in this issue. Our sincere thanks go to all those

involved.

The Ground Combat Insignia seems to be on course, thanks once again to our Patron, Dave

Evans pushing some buttons in Canberra, including a proposal to have the Association

involved in the whole process, including vetting applications for eligibility. This has been

verbally approved and we hope to have further information for you very soon.

Without David’s direct involvement the outcome may have not been what we wanted - thanks

so much mate. More to follow.

Thursday 19th

May 2011 will see the Governor General of Australia present the Queen’s

Standard to 2AFDS. Association members are invited to attend the ceremony at Amberley

with no limitation on numbers, but please advise Jim if you plan to attend, so that numbers


can be passed on to the Squadron for security, seating and catering. A Huge Day for our

Airfield Defence family.

The 2011 Mini-Reunion has been locked in for Darwin over the period 24-27 June inclusive.

Full details will be forwarded to all members shortly and will also be displayed on the

Association website.

Included in the reunion arrangements will be our 2011 Annual General Meeting on Saturday

25th

June at the Darwin RSL. This will see the election of Office Bearers and Committee

Members for the next two years. Please have your say: Your vote, your Committee, your

Association.

Future events of importance for you to consider:

1. 2012 is the 25th

Anniversary of the forming of the Association. Those in Sydney

in October 1987 will remember the moving Welcome Home Parade where the now

National Association was born.

2. 2016 sees the 50th

anniversary of the graduation of Nos. 1, 2 and 3 ADG courses,

which has evolved into the Mean Fighting Machine of today. Us “Old and Bold”

are extremely proud of our Young and Brave, the Association’s future.

Special mention must be made of Tom Nelson, who has been our Liaison Officer at

Amberley for many years. Tom’s personality and tireless efforts on our behalf have enabled

him to talk the talk and walk the walk in the best interests of the Association. Tom is now

moving on. Thanks so much mate, I personally know what you have done for us. Having

someone on the ground is essential in maintaining our good relationship with the Squadrons,

so up has stepped Acting WOFF “Chucky” Kearnan from 2AFDS, a top operator and bloke.

Thanks mate.

There are so many serving members over a lot of years I have to thank for their unselfish

involvement and access with our Association. I have not forgotten any of them for mention

when the time arises.

My old mate Crisso Cross is not travelling too well up in Townsville. I keep in regular

contact with him by phone and Bob Kinnane and Dunk Dowling are looking after his welfare

on behalf of all of you. Crisso has been a stalwart of the Association since it’s beginning and

we wish him well.

If you know of anyone, member or not, who is not so well, please let Jim know – Once an

Adgie, always an Adgie.

To those presently on the sick list, I hope your recovery is swift. To all our young and brave

who have returned safely home after deployment, welcome back to the family.

I hope to see you all on ANZAC Day, in Darwin or socially throughout the year.

Lest we forget.

Yours Proudly

Merv “Rip Rip” Reid

National President


UNVEILING OF BATTLE HONOURS IN CANBERRA 31 MARCH 2011

by Henry CICHOWSKI

Max Haling and I had the privilege off representing the ADG Association in Canberra for the

unveiling of the Battle Honours at the National Memorial to the Royal Australian Air force,

as well as Celebrating the 90th

Anniversary of the RAAF.

We were both picked up and taken to the Airport, flown to Canberra, provided a rental car

and accommodation at the Pavilion Apartments. The weather for a change stayed perfect for

the duration of our stay.

The Commemorative service was held at 1100hrs at the National Memorial on ANZAC

Parade and hosted by The Chief of the Air Force Air Marshal Mark Binskin AO. It was a

fitting service for our fallen comrades and it was pleasing to see the recognition finally placed

at the memorial.

. The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin addresses the guests

Left to right, representing the Shadow Minister for Defence Senator Gary Humphries, The Chief of

Air Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin and representing the Minister for Defence, the member for

Canberra Gai Brodtmann stand in front of the new Battle Honours


As part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) 90th celebrations a commemorative service and

several Battle Honours were unveiled at the RAAF memorial on March 31.

THE BATTLE HONOURS PHILIPPINES 1944

No. 11 Squadron 1944






THAI-MALAY BORDER 1960 – 1966

No. 2 Squadron 1960 - 66


UBON, THAILAND 1962 – 1966


IRAQ 2003


MALAYA 1948 – 1960






MALAYSIA (Confrontation) 1962 – 1966



No. 36 Squadron 1962 – 66

No. 77 Squadron 1963 – 66

No. 114 Mobile Control and Reporting

Unit 1963 - 66

EAST TIMOR 1999 – 2000

No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron 1999

- 2000

Max and myself in front of our Battle Honours Wall in Canberra

At 1900 hrs a Reception was held for invited guests at the Australian War Memorial. A great

time was had by all at the reception and it was a fitting end to the day.

Lastly we would like to thank Flight Sergeant Charles T Kearnan, A/SQNWOFF -2AFDS

Amberley who notified the ADG Association of this wonderful opportunity, and a special

thanks to 2AFDS who covered our expenses. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN WGCDR Ian

Carty CO 2AFDS.


GETTING READY FOR DARWIN

Arrangements for the Darwin AGM and Mini-Reunion are now well under way and by now

all members should have received your Registration Form and AGM papers. If for some

strange reason you haven’t, contact the Association right away.

Remember- you must be a financial member to vote at the AGM or to nominate a member for

a position on the Committee. Membership renewal invoices went out with the Reunion

package, but if you didn’t get one, don’t panic! You’re probably already financial.

The program will generally follow the one used in Townsville last year – Meet and Greet at

the Darwin RSL on the night of Friday 24th

June, AGM Saturday morning with the rest of the

day free, visit to RAAF Base Darwin on Sunday, with lunch included and on Monday 27th

June, a visit to the Aviation Heritage Museum. We’ve organised a bus to take us there and

back on Monday and the Air Force has kindly provided transport for the Base visit on

Sunday.

Please make sure that you send your Registration Form and payment in as soon as possible

and if you’re planning to stay at the Apartments with the group, don’t forget to include the

deposit in your payment.

We’re trying to arrange a pick-up service from the airport or the railway station for those who

need it, so make sure you include that information if you need it.

Any questions? Please feel free to contact us and we’ll do our best to sort them out,

otherwise, see you there!

Don’t forget – you don’t need to be an Association member to join us – all welcome

including friends who might be interested in coming. The more the merrier and you’ll have a

great time.

****************************


WAKE UP TIME

When the shearing sheds are silent and the stock camps fallen quiet

When the gidgee coals no longer glow across the outback night

And the bush is forced to hang a sign, '. gone broke and won't be back'

And spirits fear to find a way beyond the beaten track

When harvesters stand derelict upon the windswept plains

And brave hearts pin their hopes no more on chance of loving rains

When a hundred outback settlements are ghost towns overnight

When we've lost the drive and heart we had to once more see us right

When 'Pioneer' means a stereo and 'Digger' some backhoe

And the 'Outback' is behind the house. there's nowhere else to go

And 'Anzac' is a biscuit brand and probably foreign owned

And education really means brainwashed and neatly cloned

When you have to bake a loaf of bread to make a decent crust

And our heritage once enshrined in gold is crumbling to dust

And old folk pay their camping fees on land for which they fought

And fishing is a great escape; this is until you're caught

When you see our kids with yankee caps and resentment in their eyes

And the soaring crime and hopeless hearts is no longer a surprise

When the name of R M Williams is a yuppie clothing brand

Not a product of our heritage that grew off the land

When offering a hand makes people think you'll amputate

And two dogs meeting in the street is what you call a 'Mate'

When 'Political Correctness' has replaced all common sense

When you're forced to see it their way, there's no sitting on the fence

Yes one day you might find yourself an outcast in this land

Perhaps your heart will tell you then, ' I should have made a stand'

Just go and ask the farmers that should remove all doubt

Then join the swelling ranks who say, ' don't sell Australia out'

Courtesy of Craig Leggett (Ex SAS & 1 RAR)


CPL DAVE DUBBER MID

The following has been received from Troy, Nerida, Nik & Chanel Jacobsen re the late CPL

Dave Dubber MID:

“Dear Service Colleagues and friends of Cpl Dave Dubber:

Thank you again to everyone that helped with information on Dave Dubber.

Our sincere apologies for the lateness of this email. We had some major computer problems

and lost all of our contacts along with all of the information that was sent to us. With the help

of some people a lot smarter than us we have managed to finally retrieve the information.

Please find attached the report that Nik did on his trip and Dave’s story that he read out at the

service at Long Tan.

Thank you....again.

Kind regards,

Troy, Nerida, Nik & Chanel Jacobsen”

CPL David John Dubber David J Dubber was born on the 17th of April 1943. He was born in Coburg, Victoria, just

outside of Essendon.

He went to St Pauls Catholic High School where he finished his senior schooling. He later

joined the RAAF as a member of the ADG.

An ADG‟s main job is to make sure that the perimeter of an airbase is protected from any

outside intrusions.

Part of an ADG‟s role was also to be a door gunner who would use a M60 machine gun and

provide covering fire during medivac operations. Dave later continued with 9sqn where he

was a specialist door gunner.

On the 7th of June 1971, during the Battle of Long Khanh, 3RAR were taking fire in the

northern province of section AO GOLD. 3RAR requested a medivac and ammunition

resupply.

Greg Forbes recalls being thrown into the Co-pilot seat and told to pick up some ammo and

drop it off to B Company 4RAR. They were under heavy attack and low on ammo. As they

were flying towards B Company, Bushranger Gunships were in firing pattern and

Bushranger 71 told them to join the pattern. “We were to go into a hovering position

adjacent to a red balloon and rope down the ammo supplies,” Greg recounts.

When Albatross 06 slowed to a hover, David Dubber yelled, “We‟re taking fire from our

left!” At the same time another voice came through the radio them “you‟re taking ground fire

- rack off!” Heavy thuds were felt at the bottom of the chopper. They later found this to be

12.7mm heavy machine gun fire.

The helicopter‟s Captain, Flight Lieutenant „Lofty‟ E.M. Lance, tried to overshoot and fly

away but they continued to go down as a result of engine failure.

As they fell from a height of 120 feet, a tree branch came through the front windscreen,

crushing the Captain and part of the chopper. A Sergeant from 3RAR who had got on board


to help unload the ammo fell out of the chopper and survived the fall with serious back

injuries. Greg Forbes (co-pilot) with eight stitches in his nose and the crewman, Corporal

Peter Vidler, had also survived with a broken/dislocated shoulder.

David J Dubber was thrown out of his position on impact with the tree. Albatross 06 then fell

pinning him under the helicopter by his legs. After trying to free himself from the wreck, the

helicopter exploded with him under it.

His cause of death is uncertain, however the most likely cause is that he died as a result of

the explosion.

Graham Kells was the platoon commander of 5 platoon B company 3RAR. He saw the

helicopter crash with a full load of ammunition and then explode. While he never met Dave

he thinks about him and Lofty often. Graham was 23 at the time.

David J Dubber was a fit and healthy man with a wife, June, and a five year old daughter. He

loved a good party and if he didn‟t know of one he would throw one.

He was also a very talented singer and musician and he would go down to local pubs with his

best friends, Jock Massie, John Robson and John Scott, where he would sing in competitions

and place in the finals. “His best song was „Oh Danny Boy‟. “He could really sing it,” John

Scott said. He would also sing at the Grand Hotel at Vung Tau to earn some money on the

side.

He was MID for his leadership, courage and devotion to duty.

The night before he died a fortune teller came up to his table at a local restaurant and didn‟t

want to read his fortune as he had a bad feeling. “Whether this was related to what happened

the next day or not, I still wonder” John Scott quoted. He also said, “Vietnam was a place

where you could make friends and lose them in the blink of an eye...”

THE VETERAN’S SALUTE

It will be noticed at any Remembrance Service or when passing a Cenotaph that veterans will

place their right hand on the left side of their chest, many believing that they are placing their

hand over their “Heart” in respect or remembrance of their fallen comrades - this is not so.

The Veteran’s Salute to their fallen comrades is believed to have originated in London on

Armistice Day in 1920, during the ceremony to unveil and dedicate the Cenotaph in

Whitehall. At the same time, a funeral procession accompanying the remains of the Unknown

Soldier halted at the Cenotaph during the ceremony before proceeding to Westminster Abbey

for interment.

Those present included the senior soldier and sailor and many Victoria Cross winners. The

ceremony concluded with a march past.

The Regimental Sergeant Major of the Guards Regiment conducting the ceremony, faced

with a gathering of highly decorated and high ranking military men (including many Victoria

Cross winners), all wearing rows of medals, decreed that all would salute the Cenotaph as

they marched past by placing their hand over their medals, signifying that “No matter what

honours we may have been awarded they are nothing compared with the honour due to those

who paid the supreme sacrifice”.


CORPORAL BENJAMIN ROBERTS-SMITH, VC, MG Australian Army

Awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia

Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith, VC, MG

Citation For the most conspicuous gallantry in action in circumstances

of extreme peril as Patrol Second-in-Command, Special

Operations Task Group on Operation SLIPPER.

Corporal Benjamin Roberts Smith enlisted in the Australian

Regular Army in 1996. After completing the requisite courses,

he was posted the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian

Regiment where he saw active service in East Timor. In

January 2003, he successfully completed the Australian Special Air Service Regiment

Selection Course.

During his tenure with the Regiment, he deployed on Operation VALIANT, SLATE,

SLIPPER, CATALYST and SLIPPER II. Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith was awarded the

Medal for Gallantry for his actions in Afghanistan in 2006.

On the 11th June 2010, a troop of the Special Operations Task Group conducted a helicopter

assault into Tizak, Kandahar Province, in order to capture or kill a senior Taliban

commander.

Immediately upon the helicopter insertion, the troop was engaged by machine gun and rocket

propelled grenade fire from multiple, dominating positions. Two soldiers were wounded in

action and the troop was pinned down by fires from three machine guns in an elevated

fortified position to the south of the village. Under the cover of close air support, suppressive

small arms and machine gun fire, Corporal Roberts Smith and his patrol manoeuvred to

within 70 metres of the enemy position in order to neutralise the enemy machine gun

positions and regain the initiative.

Upon commencement of the assault, the patrol drew very heavy, intense, effective and

sustained fire from the enemy position. Corporal Roberts Smith and his patrol members

fought towards the enemy position until, at a range of 40 metres, the weight of fire prevented

further movement forward. At this point, he identified the opportunity to exploit some cover

provided by a small structure.

As he approached the structure, Corporal Roberts Smith identified an insurgent grenadier in

the throes of engaging his patrol. Corporal Roberts Smith instinctively engaged the insurgent

at point-blank range resulting in the death of the insurgent. With the members of his patrol

still pinned down by the three enemy machine gun positions, he exposed his own position in

order to draw fire away from his patrol, which enabled them to bring fire to bear against the

enemy. His actions enabled his Patrol Commander to throw a grenade and silence one of the

machine guns. Seizing the advantage, and demonstrating extreme devotion to duty and the

most conspicuous gallantry, Corporal Roberts Smith, with a total disregard for his own

safety, stormed the enemy position killing the two remaining machine gunners.

His act of valour enabled his patrol to break-in to the enemy position and to lift the weight of

fire from the remainder of the troop who had been pinned down by the machine gun fire. On


seizing the fortified gun position, Corporal Roberts Smith then took the initiative again and

continued to assault enemy positions in depth during which he and another patrol member

engaged and killed further enemy. His acts of selfless valour directly enabled his troop to go

on and clear the village of Tizak of Taliban. This decisive engagement subsequently caused

the remainder of the Taliban in Shah Wali Kot District to retreat from the area.

Corporal Roberts Smith’s most conspicuous gallantry in a circumstance of extreme peril was

instrumental to the seizure of the initiative and the success of the troop against a numerically

superior enemy force. His valour was an inspiration to the soldiers with whom he fought

alongside and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the

Australian Defence Force.

Australian Army: Awarded the Medal for Gallantry

Lance Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith

Citation

For gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as a patrol sniper in the Special Operations

Task Group – Task Force 637, whilst deployed on Operation SLIPPER Rotation Three

Afghanistan, May – September 2006.

On the night of 31st May 2006, Lance Corporal Roberts Smith was employed as a patrol

scout and sniper in a patrol which was tasked with establishing an Observation Post near the

Chora Pass in extremely rugged terrain overlooking an Anti Coalition Militia sanctuary.

Early in the patrol, after an arduous ten hour foot infiltration up the side of a mountain, the

patrol was required to coordinate offensive air support to assist a combined Special

Operations Task Group and other Special Forces patrol who were in contact with the Anti

Coalition Militia in the valley floor to their north. Following this engagement the patrol

remained in the Observation Post to continue providing vital information on the Anti

Coalition Militia in the area. This comprehensive reporting had a significant effect on shaping

the local area for the subsequent coalition forces operation.

On the 2nd June, the Observation Post had become the focus of the Anti Coalition Militia

force and repeated attempts to locate and surround the position ensued. In one particular

incident the Militia attempted to outflank the Observation Post. Lance Corporal Roberts

Smith was part of a two man team tasked to move out of their relatively secure Observation

Post in order to locate and neutralise the Militia and regain the initiative. This task was

successfully achieved.

In another incident, two Anti Coalition Militia attempted to attack the Observation Post from

a different flank, Lance Corporal Roberts Smith again moved to support and neutralise one of

these Militia. Lance Corporal Roberts Smith then realised that the forward edge of the

Observation Post was not secure and made the decision to split the team and take up an

exposed position forward of the patrol so he could effectively employ his sniper weapon.

Whilst isolated, and in his precarious position, he observed a group of sixteen Anti Coalition

Militia advancing across open ground towards the Observation Post. Lance Corporal Roberts

Smith effectively employed his sniper rifle to stop their advance whilst receiving very

accurate small arms fire from another group of Militia to his flank.

Through his efforts, Lance Corporal Roberts Smith maintained the initiative and ensured that

his patrol remained secure by holding this position without support for twenty minutes. He

was eventually reinforced by his original team member and together they continued to hold


off the Militia advance for a further twenty minutes until offensive air support arrived.

Lance Corporal Roberts Smith’s actions on the 2nd June 2006, whilst under heavy Anti

Coalition Militia fire and in a precarious position, threatened by a numerically superior force,

are testament to his courage, tenacity and sense of duty to his patrol. His display of gallantry

in disregarding his own personal safety in maintaining an exposed sniper position under

sustained fire with a risk of being surrounded by the Anti Coalition Militia was outstanding.

His actions, in order to safeguard his patrol, were of the highest order and in keeping with the

finest traditions of Special Operations Command Australia, the Australian Army and the

Australian Defence Force.

PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY: CORPORAL BENJAMIN ROBERTS-SMITH, VC, MG Benjamin Roberts-Smith was born in Perth on 1 November 1978. He enlisted in the

Australian Army on 11 November 1996. He completed his training at the School of Infantry,

Singleton, New South Wales. In 1997, Corporal Roberts-Smith was posted to the 3rd

Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) where he served as a Rifleman in C

Company, before advancing on to be a section commander in Direct Fire Support Weapons

platoon.

During his tenure with 3RAR, Corporal Roberts-Smith deployed twice as part of the Rifle

Company Butterworth Malaysia, and conducted two operational tours of East Timor

including INTERFET in 1999.

In 2003, Corporal Roberts-Smith completed the SASR selection course and was selected to

commence the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) reinforcement cycle. On completion of

the reinforcement cycle, he was posted to 3 Squadron, where he served as a member of the

Tactical Assault Group West and the Contingency Squadron.

While with 3 Squadron, Corporal Roberts-Smith was a member of a number of training and

assistance teams throughout South East Asia. He was deployed on operations to Fiji in 2004,

and has also deployed on Recovery Operations, as well as a number of personnel security

detachments in Iraq throughout 2005/2006.

2006 saw Corporal Roberts-Smith deployed as part of the Special Operations Task Group

(SOTG) in Afghanistan where he was subsequently awarded the Medal of Gallantry. He was

again deployed with the SOTG in Afghanistan in 2007, and on his return was posted to

Operational Support Squadron as a member of the Selection Wing where he took part in the

training of SASR Reinforcements.

In 2009, Corporal Roberts-Smith was then posted to 2 Squadron where he deployed as a

patrol second in command to Afghanistan. Upon his return, Corporal Roberts-Smith

completed the SASR Patrol Commanders Course, and in 2010 was again deployed with the

SOTG in Afghanistan. For his actions carried out within Tizak, Afghanistan, he was invested

by Her Excellency the Governor-General of Australia at Campbell Barracks, Perth on 23

January 2011.

Corporal Roberts-Smith is currently posted to the Special Air Service Regiment. He is

married to Emma, and they are the proud parents of 5 month old twin girls, Eve and

Elizabeth.


THE VICTORIA CROSS

Significance The Victoria Cross is the pre-eminent award for acts of bravery in wartime and is Australia's

highest military honour.

It is awarded to persons who, in the presence of the enemy, display the most conspicuous

gallantry; a daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice; or extreme devotion to duty.

History The Victoria Cross was created by Queen Victoria in 1856 and made retrospective to 1854 to

cover the period of the Crimea War.

Until the Victoria Cross for Australia was created in 1991, Australians were eligible for the

Victoria Cross and other awards under the Imperial system of honours.

The Imperial Victoria Cross has been awarded to ninety six Australians. Ninety one received

the Victoria Cross while others serving with Australian forces and five Australians received

the award while serving with South African and British units.

Australians were first recognised for their gallantry in the Boer War and more recently during

the Vietnam War.

Australians have been awarded the Victoria Cross in the following conflicts:

6 in the Boer War 1899-1902

64 in World War I 1914-1918

2 in North Russia 1919

20 in World War II 1939-1945

4 in Vietnam 1962-1972

Nine of the crosses awarded in World War I were for Australians at Gallipoli.

Past recipients Ninety six Australians have been awarded the Imperial Victoria Cross. No recipients had

been awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia.

The first Australian to be awarded a Victoria Cross was Captain Sir Neville Howse VC

KCMG CB KStJ during the Boer War (1900). He also served in World War I and later as

Commonwealth Minister for Health, Defence and Repatriation.

The most recent recipient of the Victoria Cross was Warrant Officer Keith Payne VC OAM

for gallantry during the Vietnam War (24 May 1969). Under heavy enemy fire Payne

instigated a daring rescue of more than forty men, many of them wounded, and led the party

back to the battalion base.

Victoria Cross for Australia The Victoria Cross for Australia was instituted in the Australian honours system by Letters

Patent on 15 January 1991.

It replaced the British or Imperial Victoria Cross. Corporal Mark Donaldson has been

awarded the first Victoria Cross for Australia.

How it is awarded The Governor-General awards the Victoria Cross, with the approval of the Sovereign, on the

http://www.defence.gov.au/special_events/TPR_markDonaldson.htm


recommendation of the Minister for Defence. The Victoria Cross may be awarded

posthumously. The post-nominal entitlement for the Victoria Cross is VC.

A subsequent award of the Victoria Cross to the same person is made as a bar to the Cross.

They are also entitled to the post-nominal VC and Bar.

Medal design

The Victoria Cross is designed in the form of the Maltese Cross: in the

centre of the medal is a lion guardant standing upon the Royal Crown.

The words "For valour" are inscribed below. The Victoria Cross is

suspended from a bar by a crimson ribbon. On the reverse of the cross the

date of the act of bravery is inscribed, along with the name, rank, and unit

of the recipient.

The Chief of the Defence Force congratulates Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith, VC,

MG

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, today congratulated

Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith on being awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia.

Speaking at the Investiture Ceremony at Campbell Barracks in Perth, Air Chief Marshal

Houston said Corporal Roberts-Smith had brought great credit to himself, the Australian

Army, the Special Air Service Regiment and the Australian Defence Force.

“Today, we in the military feel great admiration and respect for the extreme valour shown by

Corporal Roberts-Smith and we are honoured to call him one of our own,” Air Chief Marshal

Houston said.“In choosing to serve our nation, the men and women of the Australian Defence

Force display courage, initiative and self-sacrifice every day. But in Afghanistan on the 11th

of June 2010, Corporal Roberts-Smith went far beyond what we would ordinarily expect.

“In the most dangerous and demanding of situations – when his patrol was outnumbered and

his life and the lives of his mates were under extreme threat – Corporal Roberts-Smith cast

aside concern for his own safety. He placed his mates’ lives above his own.”

Air Chief Marshal Houston said that within the military it was a mark of the utmost respect

that all, no matter their rank, saluted a Victoria Cross recipient.“It is a great source of delight

to me that, as of today, there are now two serving members of the Australian Defence Force I

have the great honour to salute,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said. “Corporal Benjamin

Roberts-Smith, VC, MG, we are enormously proud of you.”

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie remarked on the tremendous humility

shown by Corporal Roberts-Smith.

“All Australian Soldiers should feel tremendously proud of the actions of Corporal Roberts-

Smith, and the recognition that the award of the Victoria Cross represents. The valour of his

actions and those of the other members of his patrol, are exemplars of the very best in

Australian soldiering,” Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie said.


“He is a soldier who embodies Army’s values of Courage, Initiative, and Teamwork and the

ethos of the Special Air Service Regiment. He is held in the highest esteem by his peers,

subordinates and superiors alike for his personal attributes and his professionalism.

Corporal Roberts-Smith said he was honoured and humbled. “I am so very proud to have

taken part in the action with my mates. This award also belongs to them and to the

Regiment,” Corporal Roberts-Smith said.

“To my family, my beautiful wife Emma and our baby girls, Eve and Elizabeth, thank you for

your enduring support and encouragement.”

9 SQUADRON NEWS

Vale Gary “Two Dogs” Jones Gary ("Two Dogs)" Jones passed away in the early hours of 17

th February 2011.

His funeral took place at the Castlebrook Crematorium on Monday 21st February.

Gary was with 9 Squadron in Vietnam during 1970. He was originally a Gun Plumber until

becoming a Chopper Crewman and then later a Loadmaster. A wonderful bloke.

A56916 Gary Lincoln Jones AFM Rest in Peace. Condolences to his wife Lynn his children

and his Family.

“Welcome Home” Deferred 'The proposed 9SA Get-together Activity and Welcome Home Huey A2-771 at RAAF Base

Amberley for November 2011 has been deferred until June 2012, actual date TBC.

There were a number of factors considered in deciding this, not just aspects of the eventual

configuration of A2-771. As soon as practicable, full details will be advised; any

inconvenience is regretted.

Illness of “Snow” Coughlan Snow had prostate surgery last Tuesday (the 5th) and is now recovering in hospital. He has

been given the "all clear" with no residual cells found.

He sounded quite upbeat although he will miss next monthly lunch on the 13th and is

unlikely to make an appearance on ANZAC Day. He is due out of hospital on Monday.

Mercy Private Hospital East Melbourne, keep visits to a minimum. His direct line is 03 9928

6203 although again keep calls to a minimum. Gill is coping well and getting on with

business

Hot Extraction 27 May 1971 Graham Brammer SAS patrol commander would like to make contact with any 9 Sqn aircrew

who were engaged in the hot winch extraction of two SAS patrols on the afternoon of the

27th May 1971.

Graham's contact phone is 07-54935304 or email [email protected]

Please reply direct to Graham.

mailto:[email protected]


NEW COMBAT ARMOUR FOR AUSTRALIANS

The first batch of the new Tiered Body Armour System (TBAS) for Australian soldiers in

Afghanistan has come off the production line at Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) in

Bendigo.

The new body armour system is lighter, fits better, is more comfortable and provides more

mobility than the existing body armour our troops use. At the moment our soldiers in

Afghanistan wear either the Modular Combat Body Armour System (MCBAS) or the Eagle

Marine body armour. MCBAS body armour is very effective, but it’s heavy. It was designed

for conditions in Iraq where troops weren’t regularly required to patrol on foot. In

Afghanistan the feedback from troops was it made it difficult to move around and do their

job, so Defence made an urgent purchase of the lighter Eagle Marine body armour last year

from the United States.

The new TBAS is lighter than both. It also allows troops to insert different types of ballistic

plates in the vest depending on their mission. Because it is Australian-made and we own the

design we can also make adjustments and improvements at any time to suit the needs of our

troops.

Defence is planning for soldiers from Mentoring Task Force 3 to train in this body armour in

April as part of their Mission Rehearsal Exercises and deploy with it when they head to

Afghanistan later this year.

ADA will produce around 1,600 tiered body armour systems over the next few months. Over

the past 18 months TBAS has been tested and evaluated by Special Forces, Navy clearance

divers and soldiers from the 1st Brigade in Darwin, 3RAR in Sydney and 2 RAR in

Townsville.

“They told us this was the body armour they want to wear in Afghanistan. “They said it

integrates better with their combat equipment and provides much greater freedom of

movement, especially around their shoulders. This enables soldiers to get into better firing

positions and manoeuvre more freely on the battlefield.” Stated the Minister.

WORST JOKE EVER?

A Scotsman, an Englishman, an Irishman, a Welshman, a Latvian, a Turk, an Aussie, a Yank,

a Kiwi, a Springbok, an Egyptian, a Jap, a Mexican, a Spaniard, a Greek, a Russian, an

Estonian, a German, an Italian, a Pole, a Lithuanian, a Swede, a Finn, a Norwegian, an

Israeli, a Romanian, a Bulgarian, a Serb, a Czech, and a Swiss all went to a nightclub...

The doorman said "Sorry, I can't let you in without a Thai"


PROPOSED NAME BADGES FOR MEMBERS

At the Annual General Meeting a couple of years ago it was pointed out that a lot of us never

really served together and that some of us are reaching the age where the faces don’t look the

same and are getting harder to recognise.

A suggestion was made that to avoid embarrassment to anyone at future Association

gatherings, we make Association name tags available to interested members at a nominal

cost.

After investigation, we have learned that we can provide a Name Badge for approximately

fifteen dollars each – the badges would also be available to other family members if required.

Interested members are asked to complete the Order Form below and return it to

The National Secretary

Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc

5 Jeffrey Street

CAPALABA QLD 4157.

Early orders will receive free postage. Please allow up to 14 days for delivery.

ORDER FORM – ASSOCIATION NAME BADGE

Please supply me with Association Name Badge(s) in the following

name(s) at a cost of $15.00 each:

______________________________________________________PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY – what you write is what you get

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY– what you write is what you get

(Please Attach a separate sheet if additional badges are required.) Your Name: _______________________________________________________ Postal Address: ____________________________________________________ _________________________________ Postcode: __________

I enclose the sum of $ ___________ ( _____ badges @ $15.00) each).

Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _______________

PLEASE NOTE: THIS OFFER IS AVAILABLE TO ASSOCIATION MEMBERS ONLY

AIRFIELD DEFENCE ASSOCIATION AUST. INC

Bill Bloggs


MILITARY COMPENSATION REVIEW REPORT RELEASED

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, has announced the release of the

Review of Military Compensation Arrangements report and called for feedback from defence

and veteran communities.

“The Review of Military Compensation Arrangements determined that the current scheme

relating to rehabilitation and compensation for service personnel and their families was based

on sound principles, but that some improvements could be made.

“This Review is a significant step by the Government towards addressing concerns raised

about military rehabilitation and compensation legislation that was introduced in 2004. The

Steering Committee reported that there are no fundamental flaws in what is a complex and

relatively new scheme,” Mr Snowdon said.

The Review report made 108 recommendations covering a wide range of issues raised in

public submissions and consultations.

In summary, of the 108 recommendations:

o 28 call for legislative change

o 25 focussed on administration

o 12 call for policy review and 11 call for further work to be undertaken

o 25 of the recommendations are for no change and 7 support current initiatives.

Mr Snowdon said that four of the recommendations featured two options each and this

reflected the divergence of views among members of the Review Steering Committee on a

few specific issues relating to aspects of compensation and access to health care.

“That is not unusual given that a number of government agencies with differing perspectives

and roles were represented on the Steering Committee.

“It is also not unexpected given the complexity and sensitivity of the issues and that is why

feedback from the defence and veteran communities will be important to consider.”

Mr Snowdon said the report is now being released for comment until 30 June 2011. “The

report is detailed and substantial, so to ensure there is sufficient time for the defence and

veteran communities to study its contents, there will be more than three months for interested

parties to provide input.

“The Government will provide its response once this consultation process is complete.

“I would like to thank the Steering Committee for its hard work during the course of the

Review.”

The full report and its recommendations can be found on the DVA website. Background

information on the Review is on the DVA Media Centre.

http://www.dva.gov.au/pensions_and_compensation/Military%20Compensation%20Review/Pages/index.aspx

http://www.dva.gov.au/news_archive/Pages/index.aspx


SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CHILDREN OF VETERANS INTENDING TERTIARY STUDIES IN 2012

In 2012 the Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT) is expecting to give

financial assistance for up to 65 students under many different scholarship schemes. All

schemes help the selected children in need of the Australian veteran community with the

costs of tertiary education. Applicants are considered for all schemes for which they are

eligible.

Applications open on 18 August 2011. To apply you must be:

a. Within the means test. That is, eligible on assets and income grounds for Youth

Allowance benefits for full- time education.

b. Enrolled, or planning to enrol in a full-time course of tertiary education in Australia by

attendance at a university, TAFE or college. The course must be of one or more academic

years length and at undergraduate level.

c. The child or grandchild of a person who has operational service with the Australian Navy,

Army or Air Force, or if not has three or more year’s continuous full-time service as a

member of the Australian Defence Force.

d. Under the age of 25 when applying, unless exceptional circumstances related to veteran’s

service exist.

The largest scheme is the Long Tan Bursary funded by the Australian Government. There are

50 new bursaries each year. They are valued at $9,000 each which is paid at $3,000 per year

for three years. There are selection quotas for each State and Territory. To apply you must be

the child of an Australian Vietnam Veteran, be resident in Australia, be entering any year of

tertiary study, having not previously received a Long Tan Bursary.

The other national schemes are the AVCAT Bursary, the two RSL Scholarships, three

Vietnam Veterans’ Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Scholarship and the Defence Force

Welfare Association Scholarship. George Quinsey Scholarships directly pay tuition fees for

economics, commerce and accountancy studies. There are also regional scholarships. In

NSW, there are three from Brisbane Water Legacy covering Gosford/Wyong NSW and one

from the NSW TPI Association. Some private donors offer two scholarships to resident NSW

applicants. In SA, the VVAA also offers a scholarship.

Schemes vary between $3,000 and $5,000 per year each. Some are restricted to location of

residence or studies. Most require veteran service in Vietnam but others are broader in

eligibility criteria. Most schemes continue payments for later years of study. All scholarship

schemes but one pays monthly instalments. That scheme helps with tuition costs for courses

in commerce, economics and accountancy. In addition to the above there is one grant per year

to assist a handicapped eligible veteran’s child or grandchild with special extra costs of

transition to tertiary studies or employment

To receive an application form register interest on 1800 620 361. Children and grandchildren

of Vietnam veterans should do so now, as should any others who believe that they are

eligible. If not sure, ask:

Applications close on 31 October each year.


THE WOUNDED DIGGER WEBSITE HAS NOW BEEN LAUNCHED ON THE INTERNET.

The website aims to provide serious casualties and their families with a wide range of

information on support organisations and the rehabilitation process. The site is a directory of

information that seeks to provide education, interaction and networking for injured or ill

members, their families and other key stakeholders. The Wounded Digger Website was a

request made by wounded Army personnel. It became clear at the Wounded Diggers Forum

in Canberra on 29 March 2010, that a website was required to assist members and their

families to better access support services. For further information please go to:

http://www.army.gov.au/woundeddigger/

********************************************

GOVERNMENT TO REPLACE MEDALS LOST IN NATURAL DISASTERS

The Government will relax the policy on replacement of ADF medals so that medals lost during the Queensland and Victorian floods, the impact of Cyclone Yasi and the fires in Western Australia can be replaced.

Government policy for many years has been medals can only be issued to the ADF member who earned them. This usually means that medals cannot be replaced if they are lost or destroyed after the ADF member has died. Where medals are lost in natural disasters, however, this policy may be relaxed. This was done following the Victorian bushfires in 2009.

ADF medals may be reissued to the next of kin or other appropriate relative of deceased ADF members, if the medals have been lost or destroyed in the current natural disasters. Family members who have, in the course of these natural disasters, lost the medals of loved ones, may now make application for replacements.

Unfortunately, however, only medals dating back to the First World War can be replaced. Medals for conflicts prior to this war are no longer in production.

**************************************

VETERAN IMPOSTOR REX CRANE PLEADS GUILTY

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, has welcomed the outcome of the case

against veteran impostor Arthur Rex Crane handed down in the Brisbane District Court on 21

December 2010.

“Mr Crane has pleaded guilty to defrauding the Commonwealth and ordered to pay back

more than $413,000 for falsely claiming he was a prisoner of the Japanese during the Second

World War,” Mr Snowdon said.

Mr Crane has been sentenced to four years jail and can be released after serving six months

upon entering a good behaviour bond for four years. He was also ordered to pay the

Commonwealth more than $413,000 in falsely claimed pension.

“The Australian Government takes very seriously the recognition and respect of those who

have served our country and has no tolerance for those who fraudulently claim that

recognition,” Mr Snowdon said.

http://www.army.gov.au/woundeddigge


“The Department of Veterans’ Affairs works hard to ensure that veterans receive their lawful

entitlements. All allegations of fraud are investigated thoroughly.”

The Department has a dedicated compliance section that investigates all suspected cases of

fraudulent activity. Other ongoing measures that act as a deterrent are proof of identify

checks, and departmentally initiated reviews.

“Incidences of fraud are very isolated and today’s sentence should be a warning about the

serious penalties involved in defrauding the Commonwealth,” Mr Snowdon said.

**************************

VETERAN PENSION RATES INCREASE FROM 20 MARCH 2011

More than 330,000 veterans, partners and war widows/widowers began to receive increased

pensions and income support payments from 20 March 2011.

This increase sees single service pensioners receive an extra $13.20 a fortnight, since the last

indexation in September.

Couples on the service pension now receive an extra $19.80 a fortnight, bringing the

combined pension to $1099.40.

Veterans will begin to benefit from the increased pension rates from 20 March this year and

veterans should be aware that their payments will change in coming weeks. The payment on

the pension payday on 24 March 2011 was a combination of the old rates and the new rates.

Therefore, the first full payment at the new rates will be on the pension payday 7 April 2011.

The table below highlights the changes to some of the key rates per fortnight.

Pension Old Rate New Rate 20 March Increase

Service Pension - single $716.10 $729.30 $13.20

Service Pension - couples $1,079.60 couple $1,099.40 couple $19.80

$539.80 each $549.70 each $9.90

War Widow Pension $725.10 $738.70 $13.60

Income Support Supplement $216.60 $220.80 $4.20

Special Rate (TPI) Pension $1,092.90 $1,113.70 $20.80

Intermediate Rate Disability Pension $741.60 $755.80 $14.20

Extreme Disablement Adjustment $603.30 $614.80 $11.50

100 per cent General Rate of Disability $388.30 $395.70 $7.40

Pensions are indexed twice a year in March and September to the highest of three measures: the

Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) and the Pensioner and

Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI). The March pension indexation increase is driven by wages

growth in the six months to November 2010.

Pension indexation rates can be accessed from www.dva.gov.au and for more information call 133

254.

http://www.dva.gov.au/


COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD Sick Parade: Since the last issue, we’ve had reports that Crisso Cross is pretty

sick in Townsville. Tony Pahl, our talented web master, has just had some

surgery we believe and is hopefully on the way to recovery. For those of you who

are still not a hundred per cent, we send our best wishes that you get better soon.

If we’ve missed anyone out, please let us know.

R.I.P.

Sadly, we have to say farewell to Joe Ott, who passed away on 7th

January 2011.

Joe was a great guy and a strong supporter of the Association and our

sympathies go out to his family and friends.

A gentle reminder: 2011 Membership fees are now due and renewal notices were recently

posted to all general members.

DON’T Forget Darwin in June 2011!!


MERCHANDISE INFORMATION AND ORDER FORMS, TOGETHER WITH

APPLICATION AND OTHER MEMBERSHIP FORMS, CAN NOW BE FOUND ON THE ASSOCIATION

WEB SITE,

www.adgblueberet.org

the blue beret: issue 49: april 2011

Documents

association members

association banner

financial members

serving members

anzac day gatherings

jim gable committee

ground defence memorial

restricted defence network