HMAS Leeuwin 6th & 7th Intake 1963

Weekly News 2012

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

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

G'day and Welcome,

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

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

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

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

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

Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT VALE – PETER HAMILTON

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

SUBJECT LOST SOUL - ALLAN (SANDY) NELSON

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

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

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

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

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

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

G'day and Welcome,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also this week:

Letter of thanks to Mildura RSL

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT LETTER OF THANKS TO MILDURA RSL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

G'day and Welcome,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also this week:

Peter O'Sullivan

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT PETER O'SULLIVAN

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

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

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

G'day and Welcome,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also this week:

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

Cheers

Ron

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

G'day and Welcome,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No new articles this week

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

Pension Rates January - March 2012

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

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

Also this week:

Do you know these war heroes family

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT DO YOU KNOW THESE WAR HEROES FAMILY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Directorate of Honours and Awards

Department of Defence

PO Box 7952

CANBERRA BC ACT 2610

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

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

Media Contact: Lorna Clarke 0408 345 730