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Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Profit Policy | Join the Association | List of Members | Contact us | Index | Links |
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Back Go to page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Back to Start
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News and Reunions!
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Anzac Day 2017 – Radschool.
We had several emails asking whether the Radschool Association was going to march in Brisbane this Anzac Day, under its own banner, similar to what it did in April last year. We asked last issue whether any ex-Radschoolers would be interested but unfortunately we didn't get enough starters. So it won't happen!
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BUT!! John Sambrooks, the Sec/Treas of the RTFV/35Sqn Assoc has invited any and all ex-Radschoolers who wish to march, to march under their banner and to join in with them (and with 3 and 9 Sqns) at the after march celebration at the Jade Buddha. You don't have to be returned - just Ex-Radschool.
If you would like to join with them, please go HERE, fill in the form, type the word "Radschool" in the Comments window and when details are released as to form-up place and time, RTFV/35Sqn will send you an email.
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Temora.
Bob Costello (Ex-14RMT) from the Temora aviation Museum, is hosting an RV Muster (caravans, motorhomes, campervans, tents and even a few sleeping in utes) from April 20 through April 26. It’s not over a flying weekend, but some special arrangements could be made for "special" tours of the aviation museum for ex-RAAFies. There will be flypasts over the ANZAC day ceremonies. Temora is the only place to see a spitfire flypast as the flag is raised on ANZAC day.
Bob has made it much easier for everyone booking for the Muster, he says "whether you’re at home or on the move we have an option to suit you. The two options for registration are:
You can find both options by visiting our website http://www.temora.com.au/rvmuster."
The early Bird gets the Worm. Bob says “bookings are coming in steadily and if you require a powered site might I respectfully suggest that you register ASAP. It’s on a first-come, first-served basis and they are proving very popular. There are plenty of unpowered sites available”.
Click HERE for the week’s program.
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I spent a fortune on deodorant before I realized that people just didn't like me anyway.
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Djinnang (Queensland) Reunion - 2017.
The Djinnang Association (Qld) will hold their annual reunion at the Transcontinental Hotel, 482 George St, Brisbane, on Saturday 27th May. Doors open at 2.00pm and finishes when you do. Further info HERE.
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ANZAC Day 2018.
ANZAC Day 2018 will be a big one, it will be 100 years since the end of the “War to end all Wars”. The RTFV-35Sqn Association is planning a major celebration and you’re invited. We know it’s 12 months away but if you think you would like to attend, click HERE, fill in your details and send it off.
Butterworth.
The RAAF base at Butterworth was Australia’s largest and most enduring
overseas military garrison in post-war
Mathew Radcliffe has written a book titled Kampong Australia which explores the complex political genesis of the RAAF presence at Butterworth and shows what everyday life on and around the base was like. It charts the official policies and practices that framed the Australian encounter with the people and places of Penang, drawing on the recollections of those who were there.
This evocative and at times personal book shines a light on the complex, uneven and dynamic history of the Australian military presence in northern Malaysia and shows what it was like to be there.
It normally sells for $40 but you can get a copy from Booktopia for $32.40
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The most effective way to remember your wife's birthday is to forget it once...
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Air Force Cadets.
The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies AO CSC, has appointed Group Captain (AAFC) Mark Dorward as Commander of the Australian Air Force Cadets. Mark replaces Group Captain Paul Gregory who was the immediate commander. Mark, who is an experienced aviator and Managing Director of Hinterland Aviation in Cairns, has had a long association with the AAFC since joining as a Cadet and completing a flying scholarship, before becoming an Instructor of Cadets in 1994.
Australia's largest Vintage Radio Exhibition
The Historical Radio Society of Australia is hosting Australia's largest historical radio display in The Kingston Town Hall, Moorabbin, Victoria, on April 9th.
Displays will include domestic and military radios. More information:
www.ozradios.com or email:
Kev Poulter is the organiser and he’s thrown the invitation to our readers. Kevin says: “If any members would like to display radios, we can offer a table free to each of them. Military radios were featured prominently at the similar exhibition we staged in Canberra. It was really interesting to see domestic brands like Astor made military radios during the war.
When I was at PYE Telecommunications, (you can rely on Pye) we made a number of types, especially the MTR1, (right) which was in a fibreglass housing and was fairly portable. Arrive at a location, throw a long wire up a tree and you were in business. The best surviving example is owned by a collector in the States. You can see another set HERE.
Seller's tables are normally only for members, however I am very interested in hearing of any requests, which will probably be accepted”.
There is more info here www.ozradios.com
Kevin Poulter President The Historical Radio Society of Australia
57/58 RMT Course Reunion.
David Taylor got in touch, he says: “We are looking at organising a reunion for 57/58 radio course as this year marks 45 years since the course began. 57 course started a month ahead of 58 but we were merged mid-course due to the high attrition rate on both courses. The current idea is (subject to change):
F-111 at Bull Creek.
Michael Butcher got in touch, he says: “Firstly, many thanks for providing an excellent magazine each issue. I am an avid reader. We are currently restoring an F-111 simulator at the RAAFA Aviation Heritage Museum in Bull Creek, Perth. It may be of interest to your readers. Attached is a flyer we have produced to be placed near the Sim so that visitors can know what is going on”.
Michael and his team would like to hear from some old Pig drivers, if you were a driver or a nav and can help a little, please let us know and we’ll put you in touch with Michael.
26 Radio Appy Reunion.
Pygmy McAndrew, who was on 1TMT, is organising a reunion for 26 Radio Apprentice Course bods which will be held in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast over the weekend 27-29 October. If you’re interested, contact Peter (Pygmy) McAndrew on 07 5444 6165 or pygmy@iinet.net.au
Korean Peace Medal - Longtime coming.
Wayne Eastgate advises: “I have received the following information from Mr Yang Kim, Secretary Korean Veterans Association, with regard to the Korean Peace Medal. The Medal is available to all Korean War Veterans and is also available to Families of Deceased Korean War Veterans. I can only ask that you give this information the widest circulation within your own groups so that appropriate recognition is made to all ex and deceased Korean War Veterans”.
If anyone knows of a worthy nomination please contact Yang Kim, Secretary AQKV, Mobile 0419 919 034, Email ykk@tpg.com.au directly.
South Australia Aviation Museum
Ken Hunt says: “I am just back from a cruise to Hobart and Adelaide. While in Adelaide I visited the South Aust. Aviation Museum. It has a mix of Service and Civvy planes. An F111, C47 and a Fokker F27 for starters. I easily spent 4 hours looking over the place.
It’s a bugger to get to by public transport, I got the train to Port Adelaide then had about a two km walk past the Steam Museum. No worries if you’ve got a car. Staff are VERY knowledgeable, our guide had worked in power stations?? He included our tour with a look into the workshop where we saw an old Bristol under construction (ground up) and a Caribou soon to be rebuilt!”
You can see info on the Museum HERE.
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Ever stop to think and forget to start again?
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Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation. Australian Defence Force members who served during the Vietnam war have been recognised with the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
The Citation was awarded by the former Government of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) to specific military units that distinguished themselves in battle. The Governor-General has formally approved the awarding of the Citation to identified Australian military units in recognition of their service during the Vietnam war.
Eligibility To be eligible for the Citation, Navy and Air Force members must have served in Vietnam under the command of United States Military Assistance Command Vietnam posted to one of the following units, during the eligible dates:
Navy
Air Force
The Governor-General has previously approved the following Army units to wear the insignia of the Citation for their service in Vietnam.
Army
Wearing Individuals are not eligible to wear the Citation device until they have been formally approved to do so through the application process.
Because this 'award' is a citation and not a medal, it is worn on the right side (of the body) and not above or with awards or medals on the left.
Applications Individuals who believe they could be eligible are asked to submit an application. Family members of deceased Australian Defence Force members who may be eligible are asked to submit an application. See Granting of Unissued Service Awards of Deceased Members
Exchange The palm on the Citation is bronze, rather than gold, and previously issued citation devices are incorrect. Personnel wishing to obtain the bronze palm device should return their existing device for replacement. Ensure full name, service number, address and contact details are included with the returned device. The mailing address is:
Directorate of Honours and Awards Exchange Citations PO BOX 7952 CANBERRA BC ACT 2610
Background Information on newly identified eligible units.
Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diving Team Three.
In late 1966, Clearance Diving Team 3 (CDT 3) was established specifically for deployment to the Vietnam War to assist the overworked United States Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal units. This also gave Royal Australian Navy personnel an opportunity to complete clearance diving work in an operational environment. Sending CDT 1 or CDT 2, in full or in part, would have impacted on the teams' existing commitments, along with the continuity of training and postings. CDT 3 was formed from available personnel; this was sufficient to keep a six-man team on station in Vietnam from early 1967 until early 1971, with six-month deployments. CDT 3 was disbanded at the end of the Vietnam War.
Between February 1967 and May 1971 eight contingents of RAN clearance divers deployed to South Vietnam.
The first contingent of six men arrived in Vietnam on 6 February 1967. This team was initially attached to a United States Navy explosive ordnance disposal team stationed in Saigon. They then relocated to Vung Tau assuming responsibility for the defence of shipping against enemy attack, known as Operation Stable Door. There the team was responsible for searching the hulls and anchor cables of shipping in the Vung Tau anchorages, or alongside, for improvised explosive devices or the presence of enemy swimmers. Additional tasks involved the salvage of downed military helicopters, searching villages for ammunition caches and demolishing Viet Cong cave and tunnel complexes.
As part of its original directive, CDT3 was prohibited from participating in SEAL type operations (United States Navy Special Forces) or operations conducted along the Cambodian border. The restriction on the former was removed in January 1969, thereby permitting team members to make full use of their unique skills. As a consequence, the operational focus from 1969 shifted towards the provision of explosive ordnance disposalsupport for offensive operations, with team members frequently attached to United States and South Vietnamese Special Forces. These operations intensified in 1970 such that individual members often came under enemy fire while they were engaged in destroying bunker complexes, tunnels, trenches, observation posts and log barricades erected by the Viet Cong in the rivers and waterways of the Mekong Delta.
Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam
Between 1967 and 1971, the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV), was fully integrated with the US Army 135th Assault Helicopter Company (AHC) flying Iroquois helicopters in both the utility and gun-ship configurations. The role of 135th AHC was to provide tactical air movement of combat troops, supplies and equipment in air-mobile operations. This included augmentation of army medical services, search and rescue and the provision of a command and control aircraft capability. The RANHFV ceased operations on 8 June 1971.
During its four-year deployment to Vietnam, over 200 FAA personnel had rotated through the RANHFV in four contingents. They were continuously engaged in offensive operations over this period.
Royal Australian Air Force Transport Flight Vietnam/35 Squadron
In May 1964, six of the RAAF’s new Caribou transport aircraft were sent
to Vietnam and it was decided to establish the
The unit transported personnel and equipment into some 115 air fields of varying surfaces and dimensions throughout the Republic of Vietnam. The Caribous also carried livestock, mail, fuel drums, and even peasant workers. As the RTFV aircraft used the call-sign Wallaby, the unit quickly became known as Wallaby Airlines
On 1 June 1966, RTFV was renamed 35 Squadron at Vung Tau in South Vietnam, assigned to the 834th Air Division, of the USAF Seventh Air Force. By June 1971, the squadrons remaining seven aircraft were reduced to four with the squadron flying its last operation on 13 February 1972.
Royal Australian Air Force 9 Squadron
In Jun 1966, 9SQN was based at Vung Tau providing troop-lift capacity
for the 1st Australian Task Force, and re-supplying troops in the field
with food, ammunition, clean clothing and stores. In 1967 the squadron
was re-equipped
Eight RAN pilots were attached to 9SQN , the RAN detachment to 9SQN played a significant part in enabling it to meet its army support role in Phuoc Tuy Province during 1968 and into 1969, until the last of Navy’s pilots returned home in May that year.
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Animal Heroes Memorial
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The Animal Heroes Memorial, which is situated at 945 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach Parklands, Palm Beach, Qld, commemorates the services of animals who have served in war and the sacrifices they have made. The memorial, the brainchild of Currumbin RSL, has been jointly funded by Gold Coast City Council, Anzac Day Commemorative Committee, Currumbin RSL and community support. The tribute includes a statue and interpretive plaque that will educate the public and recognise the service and camaraderie by some remarkable species. The first statue is a magnificent replica of a German Shepherd dog with his paw lifted in salute in a tribute to all war animals.
There's more info HERE.
Our little dog, Harley, paid his respects. |
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Southeast Asia. Home to the majority of Australian airpower for over
three decades, Butterworth was also home to a vibrant Australian
community. From 1955 until 1988, spanning the end of the British Empire
and the start of the Cold War through to real engagement with Asia, more
than 50,000 Australian servicemen and their families rotated through the
Penang region of Malaysia for two-year tours of duty. These men, women
and children lived full lives during their deployment, a bastion of
Australianness in the midst of Malays, Chinese and Indians.
new unit for Vietnam in Butterworth and the RAAF Transport Flight
Vietnam (RTFV) was formed on 21 July 1964. On 8 August RTFVs first three
Caribous arrived at Vung Tau, Vietnam with the Caribous being integrated
into the Southeast Asia Airlift System, operated by the United States
Air Force (USAF) and became part of the 315th Troop Carrier Group
(Assault), which later became the 315th Air Commando Wing. RTFV flew its
first operational mission on 14 August. 
with updated versions of the Iroquois, and was also reinforced with
personnel from the RAN and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Operations
in South Vietnam proved hazardous, with aircrews regularly exposed to
ground fire, poor flying conditions, nighttime medevacs and dangerously
small jungle landing zones that were sometimes booby trapped with land
mines. The unit lost seven Iroquois and two crewmen in action during its
deployment. As part of the general Australian withdrawal, No. 9 Squadron
departed South Vietnam on 8 December 1971. 