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Newsletter April 2013 |
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You can print out this newsletter HERE.
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President’s Report
The past twelve months has been another successful period for our association with membership continuing to increase and numbers attending the Brisbane ANZAC Day March and Port Office drinks also growing. Of course, the highlight of the last year was the very successful Reunion marking forty years since RTFV/35 Sqn. left Vietnam. A big “thank you” to all who made the time and effort to attend the Reunion and ANZAC Day March and making both events such a success.
Of course, none of this would have happened without the dedication and commitment of our hard working Secretary and Treasurer, John Sambrooks. Well done Sambo! Also my appreciation and gratitude is extended to Trevor Benneworth for his knowledge (and patience) in assisting Sambo in all aspects of computer operations. Our Association operates far more efficiently because of Trevor’s assistance. For people like me (and Sambo) who are not very computer literate, Trevor (who prefers to be called fantastic Radtech or Hero) is a lifesaver.
I would also like to thank Mr. Nathan Pick and staff at Australian Aerospace for their continuing sponsorship and support of our Association. Without this ongoing assistance the association would not be in the comfortable financial situation we are in at present and therefore would be unable to provide the help and support that some of our members require.
Of course
the big news recently has been the re-formation of No. 35 Sqn. at
Richmond on 1st January this year. The squadron is to be
re-equipped with ten Alenia Aermacchi C-27J Spartan aircraft.
(Hopefully this Spartan will be better than the Spartan Engines we
were supplied with in Vung Tau!). At the reunion last year our
guest speaker was Air Commodore Gary Martin (right) from Richmond
who hinted that 35 Sqn would probably be reformed with the
We will once again see the old Squadron flying the flag and keeping the history and achievements of Wallaby Airlines alive. There have been several excellent articles on the Spartan in the last few editions of Australian Aviation – well worth reading if you can get hold of them, if not Sambo has put some of them in the Newsletter. Squadron personnel have been in contact with Sambo during the past 4-5 months to obtain background information and details of past unit history and achievements. In the latest edition of Australian Aviation the C.O. mentioned that our Association is one of the most active Unit Associations in the RAAF and we thank him for his kind words in recognizing our efforts.
We will continue to support and liaise with the new members of 35 Sqn. and offer them every assistance we can so that they can continue to preserve and promote past and future deeds of ‘Wallaby Airlines’ The new C.O. is Wing Commander Brad Clarke and we wish him and all his staff safe flying and operation of their C-27J aircraft in the future.
One of our
members, Jeff Pedrina (Pilot in Vung Tau from 4-8-66 to 24-7-67 and
author of book
In closing, I look forward to catching up with everyone again for ANZAC Day. Remember, even if you are unable to march you can still meet us at the Port Office Hotel and enjoy a social afternoon with old mates.
Best Regards John McDougall
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Sambo’s burst
Hi All, (I've got the biggest pic because I'm the most important!!!)
The reunion held in Brisbane in February 2012 was very successful and I think everyone who attended had a good time. We would like to thank Air Commodore Gary Martin who also attended and dedicated a plaque at the Anzac Square in Brisbane. As part of the ‘activities’, we spent most of one day at the Caloundra Air Museum and another being shown over Australian Aerospace who used to do the majors on the Caribou when it was with the RAAF and who now are building the helicopters for the ADF. Both days were very entertaining and very educational – thanks to all concerned.
We also had a meet and greet at Kedron Wavell Ex-Services Club followed with a ceremonial dinner, perhaps we should do it again in a few years – any suggestions??
It has been a while since I've done a newsletter so I will try to bring everyone up to date with what's happened since the reunion. You will be aware that 35 Squadron is back in the air as of the 14th January this year and the Squadron will be known as Wallaby Airlines – so the tradition continues. 38Sqn in Townsville allowed us the use of the Caribou Head and we all had a photo taken with it – you can see details of the reunion HERE.
35 Squadron. I have had contact with WO Stephen “Beetle” Bailey who has kept me informed of what is happening with 35 Squadron regarding marching in Sydney on ANZAC Day this year. Beetle has invited ex 35 Sqn blokes, who will be in Sydney this year, to march with his group. If you would like to so do, please get back to me and I’ll put you in touch with Beetle.
Wing Commander Brad Clarke is the new CO of 35 Squadron and in a recent interview in the Australian Aviation magazine, mentioned and thanked our association for the assistance we have supplied him so far. He can be assured, that if we can help in any way in the future we most certainly will.
C-27J This is the aircraft 35 Squadron will be operating from 2015. The first fuselage has been built and the aircraft is being assembled. It will then go to the US where its battle equipment will be fitted. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered to Richmond in the first half of 2015. Click HERE to see the C27 at the Avalon Airshow in 2011 – glad I wasn’t in it.
Model Caribou. I have purchased a model Caribou with a view to placing it in a Perspex case so it can be sent around to people having functions and reunions etc. The project will probably cost around thousand dollars and I will be applying to veterans affairs for a grant.
Standown Park. Bill De Boer contacted me about Standown Park and suggested we place a brick with our details on it in the Park. We have since done so (see HERE). We have also sent them a wall plaque for their indoor Memorial – which was appreciated.
We would be interested in placing more ‘bricks’ around Australia in other relevant memorials, if you have any ideas, please let us know.
Merchandise. We have the Bisley shirt with the RAAF Vietnam logo on it which can be ordered from HERE. If you would prefer a Polo shirt, that can be ordered with the logo. We also have the RAAF Vietnam Veteran caps and stubby holders which can also be ordered from HERE.
Linda Woods. Lace Productions’ Linda Woods, who is doing a documentary on the Caribou from purchase to demob, recently spent several hours with John McDougall, Trevor Benneworth and me. The story was meant to be shown on Ch 7 in April this year however, she is still looking for a sponsor so there will be a delay and it will now probably not be seen until next year. Linda has said she would like to come to the Port Office Hotel after the ANZAC Day march to meet as many of us as possible and probably interview some of us. Please make her feel welcome – you never know, you could end up a TV star.
HARS. Australian Aerospace recently advised that they are going to sponsor the two Caribous owned and flown by HARS (See HERE). We think that is fantastic, it will ensure that the old Caribou will continue to fly for many years to come.
Website. We are still looking to stories (funny, serious or whatever) for our website to help preserve the history of Wallaby Airlines for future generations. If you’ve got a story to tell, please send it to us so we can publish it on the site.
Vietnam The Michigan Vietnam Vets assoc in the US has made a video which says it all for every Vietnam Vet. Although an American production, it is definitely relevant to all of us. I think they did an excellent job on this and I suspect in the future this theme will be shown over and over again for each conflict. You can see it HERE.
The Battle of Coral If you didn't see the a recent article on Channel 7 re the battle of Coral in Vietnam all those years ago, you can see it HERE. It is definitely worth a look.
ANZAC Day 2013. This year we line up in William St, same as usual, behind the Casino and we are 22nd off the mark. We’ve been provided with a “Mud Map” of “where to line up, where to go etc” and if you can make any sense of it, good luck to you. It’s HERE.
If you've got the RAAF Vietnam Veteran cap, please wear it, if you don't have one, I still have a few left and you can buy one from HERE.
If you’re a dottery old bugger and can’t march, please join us at the Port Office after 11.00am for a yarn, a cold beer and to reminisce about the “good old days” – we’d love to see you.
2015 2015 is the 100th anniversary of that dreadful landing at Galloppi and a few of us think we should get together to commemorate that horrible loss of so many lives. (Click the pic at right for some contemporary posters). Although 35 Sqn was only a gleam in the RAAF’s eye at the time, and had absolutely nothing to do with it, it would be a good excuse for us to get together again, after all, none of us (apart from Pete DeJonge) are getting any younger.
Let us know your thoughts.
Sir John Monash. I have just recently read his book titled “Australian Victories in France in 1918”. It is not a novel it's more of a low battle plan of all his battles. Monash was the first to use tanks and aircraft with his infantry which proved very successful. When his infantry were established they would lay out a white canvas map out with V or L so his aircraft (3 Sqn) could see his position and resupply him with the correct ammunition. Previously this was done manually by two men but as the magazines were very heavy and the Germans would target them, not a lot got through.
I’ve pulled bits from the book and you can read more HERE.
Sons of Anzacs. 2015 will be the centennial of the landing at Anzac Cove and coincidentally a significant anniversary for Vietnam Veterans, being 50 years since the deployment of our first battle group. That deployment went on to last 10 years.
The synergy between the first ANZAC’s and Vietnam Veterans is that their grandfathers’ fought at ANZAC cove and WW1. To commemorate this fact, we have approached the highly advocated ‘Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours’ and LT.COL Gary Mckay (Retired), a prolific author, and historian on Vietnam. Mat and Gary will be tour leaders and lecturers, at the sites of Australia’s major engagements.
At the Long Tan Cross there will be a significant memorial service honouring our generations who have died in uniform for Australia. Mat and his company have enthusiastically embraced this coming tour; and as an historian, he understands the significance associated with this event. Matt’s company will arrange all of your travel arrangements and in country logistics. There will be a series of additional tours to see other areas of Vietnam, if desired.
It is envisaged, that an initial tour of approx 7 days will cover the ‘battlefield tour experience’, with further options for you to understand Vietnam today. Your assistance in spreading the word through your websites, and/or newsletter, would be greatly appreciated.
Our website is: http://battlefields.com.au/index.php/tours/69 details of the Tour can be found there with contact information etc.
Avalon Airshow. The Avalon Airshow was held again in March and according to all who attended, a great success. HARS had their two Caribous on display, one as a static display and the other to put on a performance. Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan and A4-210 sprung a fuel leak and had to be retired which meant the other aircraft that was on static display at Australian Aerospace had to fill the gap. You can see more on Avalon HERE.
Phantom roo.
If we didn’t know better we’d say that Peter Mansfield had a hand in this.
Victorian Chapter. John Sharley (JD) is trying to set up an RTFV-35Sqn Association chapter in Victoria so members can meet more often. If you are ex RTFV or 35 Sqn you can get more info from John by ringing him on 03 5783 1145 (mob 0409 164 838) or by email to sharlstone@bigpond.com.au
Sno Coughlan Col Host advises that Sno was admitted to palliative care in Melbourne yesterday (Fri 5Apr) with multiple brain tumours. His life expectancy is up to 4 weeks.
Stubby Holders. We are thinking of getting some stubby holders made – to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Anzac day.
This is the face of the holder….any thoughts??
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Spartan, so it is exciting news that this has now been confirmed.
titled
‘Wallaby Airlines’) has not been travelling too well recently. He
needs to use a walking frame to get around which limits his physical
and social activities quite considerably. Jeff would love to hear
from any of his ex RAAF friends to help put a bit of cheer back into
his life. John Sambrooks and I recently took Jeff to the Amberley
Aircraft Museum for an outing which he thoroughly enjoyed. He even
wanted to take the Caribou for a few circuits – said he could still
remember most of the check list. We all wish Jeff the best with his
health issues. 
The Phantom Blue Roo
placer was at the Airshow and was placing kangaroos on visiting
aircraft anywhere and everywhere. 