British Golf Rules in 1940

You have to hand it to the Brits, when it comes to golf.

German aircraft from Norway would fly on missions to northern England; because of the icy weather conditions, the barrels of their guns had a small dab of wax to protect them. As they crossed the coast, they would clear their guns and cannons by firing a few rounds at the golf courses. 

Golfers were urged to take cover. 

This notice was posted in war-torn Britain in 1940 for golfers with stiff upper lips. And you thought you were a tough weather golfer!

A sad historical anomaly: New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade

From David Lackey:

mThis is a project I embarked on during our time in Canberra, when I learned that the magnificent Desert Memorial on ANZAC Parade commemorates not only the Australian Light Horse Brigades but also the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade. 

mThat is, nearly a fifth of New Zealand's Great War contingent (18,000 men) being memorialised in Australia but, strangely, not in their own country. What's more, they (the veterans of the NZ mounted rifles) and we (New Zealand taxpayers) contributed to the cost of the memorial. 

mIt's a long and complicated story - but the bottom line is that, through a convoluted political process, the memorials they paid for are located in Albany, Western Australia, and Canberra ACT.

mI repeat, there is no memorial in New Zealand.

mI have written to the Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage suggesting that the replication of the Desert Memorial be part of the Ministry's $17 million World War I Centennial plan.

mThe file I have attached is rather large. You may prefer to read John Bristed's take on this here. You might also care to vote in his poll on the same page. 

mThanks for your attention,
Best, David.

A letter from the RAA

Greetings – I have attached a letter from Maj Gen Tim Ford AO, Col Comdt RAA.
I have responded with the condolences of all ranks RNZA to the recent KIA from the Aust forces in Afghanistan.
Regards
Barry Dreyer
Col Comdt RNZA

REGISTER NOW FOR REUNION 2012!

Friday 9 – Sunday 11 November 2012

This year's reunion will be at Browns Bay, a pleasant seaside suburb on Auckland's North Shore. The village has many relaxing cafes and a mix of shopping, all adjacent to the venue and the sandy beach. The Albany Mega-mall is a few minutes away for those who want 'big city' shopping.

Programme outline

• Friday 9 November, registration is open from 4.30 pm. Relax, mix and mingle.
• When you're hungry, dine at the highly-rated Medals restaurant at a reasonable price.
• Saturday, 10 am morning tea at the RSA, followed by the AGM at 10.30 am.
• At midday, lunch at Medals restaurant followed by depart at 1.00 pm for guided tour of North Head Coastal Artillery Defences. Return to RSA by 4.00 pm.
• Assemble at 6.30 pm for dinner at 7.00 pm, the highlight of every reunion.
• On Sunday, we join in the Armistice Day commemoration at the Auckland Cenotaph.
• After late morning tea at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, disperse at midday.

Accommodation

• The Olive Tree Motel is just a healthy walk away from the RSA in Bute Road, Browns Bay. Contact: 24 Glencoe Road Browns Bay, Auckland 0630, (09) 478 7679. Be quick for this one!
• North Shore Motels & Holiday Park makes a good base. It has motels (of course) and parking for motor-homes. It is less than ten minutes drive from Browns Bay. Contact: 52 Northcote Road Northcote, Auckland 0627, (09) 418 2578, www.top1.co.nz.

Click here for Registration form

The new Ambassador to NZ and Australia from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Nasir Ahmad has just written of his first visit here in the last few days:

Arriving at Auckland for my first visit as Afghanistan's new Ambassador to New Zealand, I immediately noticed the half-mast flag flying over a building at the airport.
===The half-mast flag was to honour the services of three brave soldiers, Lance-Corporal Jacinda Baker, Private Richard Harris and Corporal Luke Tamatea, who had been killed by a Taleban roadside bomb in the northeast part of Bamiyan province in Afghanistan.
===These brave soldiers - two young men and a young woman - and seven other service personnel killed since 2001, left . . . More . . .

Looking for Ayleth . . .

Can anyone help?
I am hoping you can put me in contact with Ayleth Bendall Barr who made a listing on this site.
Rod Hill

Click to email Rod.

Bill Olsen is feeling good

For those who hadn't heard, I suffered a "brain bleed" whilst at the regular monthly meeting of "The Gunners Inc" (last Thursday of each month.at the Commercial Travelers Club, Dn) and fortunately WO11 Don White's wife is a nurse at the unit which deals with such ilnesses and recognised the attack for what it was and called the ambulance. Well, I have managed to escape the clutches (albeit with crutches) of the Otago Heath Board after 4 weeks and have gone home.

I feel like running naked through the spring trees singing at the top of my voice, but I will probably get arrested and have to spend spend my days behind locked doors again, so I won't do that, so I will be just a good boy and do what I'm told by the medical people.

I have gone from being bored sh*tless . . . to being . . . bored sh*tless. But this time I'm bored at a different place and this time I will have some control over what I'm bored with!!

Never mind. Be in touch as time goes by.

Bill Olsen

Full broadcast of Long Tan Cross service - 17 Aug 2012

Hi all,
Thanks to a prompting from Bev and Bob Buick, I contacted FOXTEL’s APAC Channel which is part of Sky News and they sent me the full video of their broadcast of the official Long Tan Cross service at the Australian War Memorial on the afternoon of 17 August 2012. I’ve uploaded the video here and embedded shortcuts to various stages of the video in the video description. Please feel free to share the link to the broader community.

Regards, Martin Walsh

On Korea: Quick response from the gunners

At 1004 hrs on 22 August 2012, Marie Roberts has a query from Sean White of Ottawa, Canada:
“I am making a Canadian documentary about the Battle of Kapyong. Hoping you could steer me to someone that has access to the war diaries and radio logs for April 23-26,1951. Can you help? Thank you.”

Referred to Graham Birch who, at 1345 hrs, advised:
For something as important as this they really need to visit the National Archives in Wellington, where they can research with the actual diaries and radio logs. These are not on-line. If the production team can't make it to NZ I suggest they use the Canadian Defence Adviser in the Canadian High Commission in Canberra (who is accredited to NZ) to do some research for them. NZ wise the best contact would be Harry Honnor, but he won't have the actual detail they appear to want.
Regards, Graham

And, at 1449 hrs, Sean replied:
Hello everyone, thank you for your prompt reply.
I've contacted Ian McGibbon ,Senior Historian in the Historical Branch of New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs. He tells me the radio logs were lost in Korea, but has given me the file codes/search codes for the war diaries. I'll contact the Canadian High Commission and if they can't help, hopefully I can simply hire a student to go the archives and copy files for me.
I am showing the US artillery involvement in the doc. 16RNZA did not have air burst ordnance during the battle and I'm trying to find out when they diverted to US artillery. My uncle was 2PPCLI and his platoon CO was Mike Levy who called for artillery on top of his position – 4,000 rds in 40 minutes. No worries full credit to 6RNZA and 3RAR. The doc will include that if 3RAR had artillery support as 2PPCLI did they would have held and won the battle.
We have taken the specualtion of Truman using nukes a step further and have found proof of him ordering and deploying 50 MKIV's (Nagasaki type) bombs to Kadena AFB,Okinawa in March,1951 to be assembled and stored their as a contingency. ALSO....Truman signed an order on April 6,1951 sending 10 B-29s to Kadena with bombs and fissile cores together to be used/dropped on Manchuria and North Korea if CCF Spring Offensive had of punched through to Seoul and China brought more troops south of the Yalu River.
10 A-bombs ready to go and 50 in reserve...seems 2PPCLI, 3RAR, 16RNZA and supporting US artillery units (mainly 213 AFA with the SP 105s) saved Asia from a nuclear war.
Regards everyone, Sean White.

Last Post: D R (Pop) GREIG

38798 Donald Robertson (Pop) GREIG ex 2NZ Regiment 1959-61 Malaya, passed away at New Plymouth on 30 July 2012, aged 87. His Funeral Service was held at New Plymouth on 2 August 2012, followed by cremation. Family details are not known.

Messages to:
The Donald Greig Family
C/- 257 Devon Street East
New Plymouth 4310.

Last Post: 832588 Gunner TCP (Tony) TIKAO.

Soldier Down. With heavy heart I have to report the death of yet another, well liked, Vietnam Vet. Tony Tikao passed away on 22 August at his flat in Christchurch. It appears he may have died in his sleep.

There was a service at the Marae on Friday 24 August, starting at 1300 and at 1400 Tony, with friends and family moved to the Linwood Crematorium, for another short service at 1430.

For my information, can anyone confirm details of Tony's trip away with 161Bty. The book shows him as a Dvr/Op in 67.
Any messages for Tony's family can be sent to me and I will relay them on at the Linwood service.

Regards, Mayne MANSON

027 581 0135

Last Post: 203862 Isaac KEMP, 161 Bty, 16 (NZ) Fd Regt Korea

KEMP, Isaac (Ihaka Keepa Horo), Regtl Number 203862, 161 Battery, 16 Field Regiment RNZA, Korea.
Recently at Paraparaumu.
Born Te Araroa 11 June 1928, Died Wellington 17 August 2012
A private service was held on 21 August followed by interment at RSA Section, Makara Cemetery.

John Killeen - photos anyone?

My poor dad passed away this June in Papakura. John 'Gentleman John' Killeen, 161 Battery. Dad's time in Vietnam was 1967-1968. My family and I were deeply moved by his 161 friends who showed up at his funeral and for that I would like to say thanks. Vietnam was not something dad talked about... if there are any photos that are out there of my Dad in Vietnam I would love to see them.

Shaun Killeen

On 161 Battery's Facebook page - if you can help, contact Colin Jansen.

Veitnam Veterans Day 18 August 2012

This link is to a photograph from the release of doves to commemorate those who died in service in Vietnam. 2012 has been the second occasion of this day. The text of the address by Col Barry Dreyer Col Comdt of RNZA is provided in full here.

New Zealand Defence Service Medal

Applications for the New Zealand Defence Service Medal (NZDSM) are now open to all ex-Service personnel and the families of deceased ex-Service personnel.
Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, Lieutenant General Rhys Jones, says the medal recognises attested military service in the New Zealand Defence Force. New Zealanders who served in the military for three or more years since the end of World War Two, and those who completed their compulsory military training or national military service obligations, qualify for the medal.
“The NZDSM means that a large number of personnel who served New Zealand loyally and well in a wide range of roles and contexts, but not on operations, are now receiving medallic recognition for their work,” says Lieutenant General Jones.
Since April 2011, when the first applications were called for, more than 33,000 NZDSM medals have been issued.
"Now it’s the turn of ex-Service personnel and the families of deceased ex-Service personnel eligible for the medal. I encourage them to apply online using the form on the NZ Defence Force Medals website [http://medals.nzdf.mil.nz].” [See Notes 1 and 2 below].
The Chief of Defence says hard copies of the application form are also available at many local RSA clubrooms where staff are available to assist ex-Service personnel and family members with their application forms. Ex-Service personnel who have received the NZDSM and would like the medal to be presented to them formally can contact their nearest RSA as a number of branches are arranging presentations in local communities.

Note 1: Living ex-Service persons can apply online (http://medals.nzdf.mil.nz) or can complete and submit a paper application form. If you are able to, please fill in the online version of the application form instead of a paper form. This will assist the processing of your application.
Note 2: Families of deceased ex-Service persons should not fill in the online form because you will need to apply in writing due to the requirement to submit a Statutory Declaration (witnessed by a Justice of the Peace, Solicitor, or Officer duly authorised to take Statutory Declarations) stating that you have the greatest legal entitlement to be issued with your relative's medal, and providing copies of relevant documentation to prove this.

Aust Army Newspaper Aug 2012

For those of you who have a hankering for some Aussie News, here is a link to the Australian Army News.

LIVE SHELL PRACTICE

To All Members A very special opportunity
DUST OFF THAT OLD COLD WEATHER GEAR
The Commanding Officer of 16 Field Regiment, Lt Col Matt Weston has invited members of the RNZA Assn to visit a Live Shell Practice in Waiouru.
161 Battery will be on tactical exercise `BEN CAT` a testing exercise which will involve live firing in support of D Coy 2/1 RNZIR.
This will be a great opportunity to see how gunnery is practised today. Participation will be limited to 30 Members, and selection will be purely on a first in first served basis.
So don`t mess around. If you want to be in,reply to Tony McLeod at rnza.association@gmail.com. Registrations will only be accepted up until 7 September to allow for planning by 16 Fd Regt.

The details for Saturday 15 September are as follows:
Participants make their own way to Waiouru by 10.00am  

Participants provide their own Wet/Cold weather clothing.
RV at the WOs and Sgts Mess at 10.00am.
Transport by 16 Field Regt to the Gunline/OP.
Lunch in the field provided by 16 Fd Regt.
After lunch changeover OP/Gunline.
1600 hrs. Return to Camp for Dinner. 

Barbeque at Officers Mess provided by 16 Fd Regt. Drinks at cash bar.
Accomodation in Camp (exact quarters to be advised. Please standby for info on whether you will need to bring a sleeping bag).
Sunday 16 September. Return home under own arrangements.

Don`t miss this fantastic opportunity to see how they do it now.
Tony McLeod

Last Post: 60948 C A Hepburn

From DomPost Wed 8 Aug 2012:
Hepburn, Colin Alexander
Service number 60948, Sergeant 14 LAA Regt.
Born 10 Oct 1919, Passed away suddenly on Monday 6 August 2012 at Kenepuru Hospital, Porirua, aged 92.
A funeral service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel, 9-11 Hinemoa St, Paraparaumu on Friday 10 August at 2pm.

Last Post: 304479 Eru Manuera MC

304479 Lt Col Eru Ihaka MANUERA MC, ex 1RNZIR 1965-67 Malaysia, SAS, ANZAC Bn SVN, passed away suddenly, but unexpectedly, at Timaru on Sunday 5 August 2012, aged 74.
His Funeral Service is to be held at the Caroline Bay Hall, Timaru, on Friday 10 August 2012, at 1300 hrs, followed by private cremation.
Eru is survived by his wife, Diana, and children, Eru, Mark, Kiri and Lisa.
Eru served in Borneo with NZSAS where he won the MC, with the ANZAC Battalion in 1 ATF, Vietnam, and with the NZ Army Truce Monitoring Team in Rhodesia. Eru was the older brother of "Tiny" Manuera RNZA.
Messages to:
The Manuera Family.
C/- 73 Beverley Road.
Maori Hill.
Timaru 7910.

Rates of Fire at Long Tan.

Here is a very interesting discussion about the rates of fire for Fd [and Mdm] Artillery in Vietnam. All of the participants were in theatre and have the benefits of hindsight and subject knowledge.