ANZAC Day

[ozbob]

Edith Cavell 1865-1915



>> https://revdc.wordpress.com/ 

Lest we forget ...

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Vietnam veterans from 105 Field Battery RAA receive citation 50 years in the making at Enoggera's Gallipoli Barracks

Members of the Royal Australian Artillery 105 Field Battery (IND) were finally presented with the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation at a moving ceremony at Gallipoli Barracks last Tuesday. The citation recognised the assistance 105 Field Battery provided to the former Republic of Vietnam while under the operational command of the US 173rd Airborne Brigade in 1965-66.

[ozbob]

Vale MAJGEN William 'Digger' James AC AO MBE MC Distinguished soldier & ex-National President RSL

Former RAAMC Corps General



======================

General 'Digger' James was a fine soldier and officer.  He was initially a platoon commander in Korea.  Unfortunately he lost both legs during the conflict and was discharged from the Army. He went to university and studied medicine.  He then rejoined the Army - RAAMC (Royal Australian Army Medical Corps) and retired with the rank of Major General after a distinguished career.

I was fortunate to have served under General James' command and met him many times during my service.

R. I. P. Digger!!  Lest We Forget ...

http://www.raamc.org.au/web/index.php?Welcome:Digger_James

[ozbob]

Published on 22 Oct 2015

Major General William Brian 'Digger' James was laid to rest with full military honours in the ANZAC section of Pinaroo Cemetery in Brisbane's north today.

In a small private ceremony, the Albany Creek man widely regarded as one of the most decent and honourable Australians of the 20th Century was farewelled.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Lauren Day ‏@Lauren_Day_Ten 4m

The church service for the late Major-General William "Digger" James is already full. @tennewsqld @RSL_National

[ozbob]

Australian War Memorial --> Remembrance Day Wednesday 11 November 2015

This year 11 November marks the 97th anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18).

Each year on this day Australians observe one minute's silence at 11 am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.



Date made   27 July 1918
Description   A train on one of the light railways constructed to supply engineering material to the new front after the German offensive.
AWM

[ozbob]

10th November 2015

Media Statements
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey
Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Townsville residents given chance to name rail overpass

Townsville residents have the chance to recognise the legacy of Queenslanders in the first world war with nominations now open for the naming of the new rail overpass at Cluden.

Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said this was a great way to honour our ANZAC history.

"The Palaszczuk Government is commemorating 100 years since the country's involvement in the First World War through several initiatives, including naming infrastructure in honour of our Anzacs," Mr Bailey said.

"More than 57,700 Queenslanders enlisted in the First World War and sadly, too many of them made the ultimate sacrifice."

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said it was important that the proud legacy of our Anzacs is preserved for future generations.

"The newly built Vantassel to Cluden rail overpass presented the perfect opportunity for local residents to have their say on how to commemorate our ANZAC legacy," Mr Harper said.

"The opportunity is there to recognise a significant person, place or event that resonates with Townsville today.

"Its location close to Lavarack Barracks, one of Australia's largest army bases, is also a poignant reminder of the contribution of our servicemen and women.

"A local panel including military, academic and community representatives, will assess all nominations and make the final decision on the most suitable name for the new overpass."

Nominations can be submitted by phone on 1800 625 648, email at engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au, or in person to the Transport and Main Roads Townsville office at Floor 5, 445 Flinders Street.

Submissions are now open, and close at 5pm on December 11, 2015.

ENDS

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Remembrance Day: Long Tan unsung hero remembered for calmness under fire



The 108 men of D Company 6RAR who stood their ground in a rubber plantation against seemingly impossible odds in the Battle of Long Tan will be honoured at Remembrance Day commemorations at Caloundra, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

=================

Twitter

Bruce Atkinson ‏@bruceatkinson17 15m

Long Tan commander Harry Smith & the chopper that dropped ammo during the battle @abcnews #remembranceday pic.twitter.com/PG4zgovK0i

[ozbob]

Henry Dalziel VC (1893–1965)

by Helen Mays

This article was published in Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 8, (MUP), 1981

Henry Dalziel (1893-1965), soldier, locomotive fireman and farmer, was born on 18 February 1893 at Irvinebank, Queensland, son of James Dalziel, miner, and his wife Eliza Maggie, née McMillan, both of whom were native-born. He was educated at Irvinebank and became a fireman on the Cairns-Atherton railway.

Dalziel enlisted as a private in the Australian Imperial Force on 16 January 1915 and embarked with reinforcements for the 15th Battalion. Joining his unit at Gallipoli in July, he served in the battle of Sari Bair in August and was eventually evacuated with his battalion to Egypt. On 31 May 1916 he sailed for France, going into the line at Bois Grenier and from July serving on the Somme, at Pozières and Mouquet Farm. In 1917 Dalziel saw action at Gueudecourt, Lagnicourt, Bullecourt and Messines before being wounded by shrapnel at Polygon Wood on 16 October. He resumed duty on 7 June 1918, first as a driver and then as a gunner.

For valour during the battle of Hamel on 4 July Dalziel won the thousandth Victoria Cross awarded. When his battalion's advance met with strong resistance from a heavily armed enemy garrison at Pear Trench, Dalziel as second member of a Lewis-gun team helped his partner to silence machine-gun fire. When fire opened up from another post he dashed forward and, with his revolver, killed or captured the crew and gun, thus allowing the advance to proceed. During this action the tip of his trigger-finger was shot away; he was ordered to the rear, but instead continued to serve his gun in the final storming of Pear Trench. Although again ordered back to the aid-post he began taking ammunition up to the front line, continuing to do so until he was shot in the head.

Dalziel's wound was so severe that his skull was smashed and the brain exposed. He received extensive medical treatment in England before returning to Australia in January 1919. While travelling home by train, he received a hero's welcome at every station from Townsville to Atherton. On 8 April 1920, at the Congregational manse, South Brisbane, he married Ida Maude Ramsay, a nurse who had served with the 17th Australian General Hospital. They took up a soldier-settlement block, which they named Zenith, on the Tolga railway line. As Dalziel was unable to cope with the day-to-day duties of a small mixed farm his wife assumed most of the work-load.

His interest in farming waned after a few years and Dalziel left her to run Zenith and moved south. He worked in a Sydney factory in the late 1920s but by 1933 had settled in Brisbane where he was out of work for some time; he later received a war pension. In the early 1930s he joined the Citizen Military Forces, becoming a sergeant in the 9th/15th Battalion. He developed an interest in song-writing, cultivated at first during long periods of hospitalization; some of his songs, such as A Song of the Tableland and Love Time, Merry Love Time, were published in England. In 1956 he went to London for the V.C. centenary celebrations.

Dalziel died of a stroke on 24 July 1965 at the Repatriation General Hospital, Greenslopes, Brisbane, and was cremated with military honours.

Select Bibliography

    C. E. W. Bean, The Australian Imperial Force in France, 1918 (Syd, 1942)
    T. P. Chataway, History of the 15th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces, War 1914-1918 (Brisb, 1948)
    L. Wigmore (ed), They Dared Mightily (Canb, 1963)
    London Gazette, 17 Aug 1918
    Reveille (Sydney), Feb 1929, May 1932, Dec 1964, Sept 1965
    Mufti, 4 Dec 1965
    Courier Mail (Brisbane), 21 May 1919, 15-16 Aug 1933, 23 Aug 1956, 26-28 July 1965
    Age (Melbourne), 26 Apr 1927, 27 July 1965
    Herald (Melbourne), 25 Jan 1935
    Sun (Sydney), 10 Jan 1937
    Labor Daily, 11 Jan 1937
    Tablelands Advertiser, 25 Apr 1979
    private information.

http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/dalziel-henry-5876

[ozbob]

18 May 1915

Crowds of wellwishers farewell Australian Army Medical Corps (AAMC) personnel who have just embarked on the transport HMT Mooltan at Port Melbourne railway pier.

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C01009/

[ozbob]

March 2015

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Vietnam war anthem I Was Only 19 added to Sounds of Australia registry for 2015



A 19 year old digger, 1970, SVN.

[ozbob]

On this day in Air Force history: 19421129 29/11/1942 First VC awarded to a RAAF member

On this day, Flight Sergeant Rawdon ('Ron') Middleton captained a Stirling bomber of the RAF's No 149 Squadron during a mission which earned him the Victoria Cross (VC). Taking off from Lakenheath, England, his crew was sent against the Fiat works at Turin, Italy. After a dangerous night crossing of the Alps, Middleton's aircraft was attacking through heavy flak when a shell burst in the cockpit wounding both pilots. Although shockingly injured, he finished bombing the target before setting course for England. Five crewmen baled out as the coast was crossed, and two more as the aircraft headed back out to sea (both drowned), leaving Middleton alone at the controls when the Stirling crashed in the sea. His remains washed up on a Dover beach and were buried in February 1943. The previous month he had been posthumously awarded the VC - the first award to a serving member of the RAAF. His commission as Pilot Officer was backdated to 15 November 1942.

[ozbob]

Media Statements
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
Tuesday, December 15, 2015

46 projects receive grants to mark Anzac centenary

Forty-six projects across Queensland have received funding in the third round of the Anzac Centenary Community Grants program.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the State Government was providing funding of $752,750 for the projects, which would engage and educate Queenslanders of all ages.

"The community support and passion shown by Queenslanders in round three made the grants assessment process extremely difficult.

"It was great to see so many applications dedicated to commemorating Queensland's role in the First World War.

"The successful applicants include local exhibitions and community research exploring the lives of Queenslanders who epitomised the Anzac values of mateship, courage, integrity and sacrifice.

"I look forward to seeing these community projects being brought to life.

"With the approval of these 46 new projects, more than 180 local community organisations have now received $4 million in funding to create a legacy for future generations.

"This means Queenslanders will have even more opportunities to participate in the Anzac centenary and commemorate our contribution to the First World War," Ms Palaszczuk said.

For more information on the Anzac Centenary Community Grants Program or to view details of the successful round three grant projects visit www.qld.gov.au/anzac100

[ozbob]

Twitter

Adrienne Francis ‏@AdrienneFranci1 38m

Lt-Col Vivian Statham (née Bullwinkel) Australia's most distinguished #nurse @abcnewsCanberra @ABCNews24 @AWMemorial

[ozbob]

Twitter

ShrineofRemembrance ‏@ShrineMelbourne 21m

#OnThisDay in 1915 the last AUS troops were evacuated from Gallipoli. Pic: © IWM.

[ozbob]

Twitter

DVA Australia ‏@DVAAus 5m

Download new posters commemorating Anzac Day and the Centenary of the Somme -

http://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/students/resources ... #Somme100

[ozbob]

AWM: A day in the life of Army nurses at Vung Tau  1967

> https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F03907/ ...

[ozbob]

AWM P02166.004

Melbourne, Vic. c.1945-11. Group portrait of the Gilchrist family following the return of Bob Gilchrist after spending three and a half years as a prisoner of war (POW) of the Japanese. Left to right: Mrs Sheila Gilchrist (nee Gellert), Corporal Bob Gilchrist and Mrs Grace Bourke. In the front are Bob and Sylvia's young three year old daughter Lilian (right), and her cousin, Maxine Bourke. Bob Gilchrist was captured in Singapore on 15 February 1942. During his time as a POW Gilchrist worked on the Burma-Thailand railway and later in Saigon on the Bien Hoa air base. This is the first photograph taken after his return to Australia. (Donor L. Mynard)

[ozbob]

Medical rescue helicopter services can be tracked back to Vietnam and earlier to Korea.  This video is the story of Dust Off.

I spent time in my service in SVN with the 45th Dust Off Unit (45th Medical Company Air Ambulance - US Army).  I was a medic.  A number of Aust Army medics were detached to 45th Dust Off during the conflict.

The Hueys (UH1) had a crew of 4.  Two pilots, one crew chief (worked the hoist etc. and assisted as needed). And a medic.  US Dust Off helicopters were not armed. We had personal weapons only to defend patients if needed.

The Dust Off pilots were a special breed - dedicated, skilled and courageous.  I have a lot of respect for them.



Chip Koss was a medic with the 45th.  I flew a number of missions with Chip when doing initial orientation / training. He was on his 3rd tour of duty from memory.  Chip was a character, and he had these ' business ' cards he used to stick in the pockets of patients ..  here is the card ..

[ozbob]

Some old slides taken in SVN 1970.



Nui Dat - this was the actual hill that gave the area its name. Nui Dat means ' clay hill '  This was site of the 1st Australian Task Force base.
Photograph taken from a Huey, seen another Huey and 2 Cobra helicopters.



On a Dust Off mission




45th Dust Off Long Binh




45th Dust Off Long Binh




8 Field Ambulance (RAAMC) Nui Dat  45th Dust Off had a Huey based here rotating with RAAF 9 Squadron.




8 Field Ambulance (RAAMC) Nui Dat




Land Rover I drove as part of my duties with my unit, 1st Australian Civil Affairs.




1st Australian Civil Affairs Unit Nui Dat




Hueys at Nui Dat




Airborne somewhere over SVN




Control tower at 45th Dust Off Long Binh




Approach to pick up a patient




Patient - wounded Viet Cong soldier




Over Nui Dat base. Call sign for Dust Off 8 FD AMB was ' red earth '  ...




Cobra attack helicopter at Nui Dat




My trusty SLR with 30 round mag.  Never went anywhere without it!




Airborne




My last night at Nui Dat!

Photographs R Dow SVN 1970-71

[ozbob]

Media Release
JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism and Major Events
The Honourable Kate Jones

Premier's prize winners head to Gallipoli for Anzac Day

The students and chaperones participating in the 2016 Premier's Anzac Prize tour are:

-        Cooper Hauff – Blackall State School;

-        Denya Hopkins – Urangan State High School;

-        Sophie Austin – Brigidine College, Indooroopilly;

-        Sally Higgins – Assumption College, Warwick;

-        Liam Doonican – Merrimac State High School;

-        Tasman Pearl – St Edmund's College, Ipswich;

-        Tia Shadford – Brigidine College, Indooroopilly;

-        Ella Woodgate – Matthew Flinders Anglican College;

-        Christy Guinea – Pimlico State High School (Lead Chaperone); and

-        Jonathan Burt – Benowa State High School (Chaperone).

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today farewelled Queensland's 2016 Premier's Anzac Prize tour group which leaves tomorrow for Gallipoli.

Ms Palaszczuk said prize winners would tour the Western Front, attend the Gallipoli Dawn Service and visit a range of other historic locations.

"On behalf of all Queenslanders, I congratulate the eight winning students of the 2016 Premier's Anzac Prize and their two teacher chaperones and wish them a memorable and safe trip," the Premier said.

"I know this will be a rewarding and inspirational experience for these young Queenslanders.

"They will be a part of the great Australian tradition of honouring the service and sacrifice of Australia's armed service men and women.

"Visiting sites that have such a strong historical connection to Australia is a powerful way for young people to celebrate and honour the lives and experiences of our Anzac soldiers."

The Palaszczuk Government has provided $750,000 from 2016 to 2018 so students and the community can continue to reap the benefits of this unique educational program.

The Premier joined Education Minister Kate Jones to farewell the group and present each student their winner's certificate and commemorative pin at a farewell afternoon tea in Brisbane today.

Minister Jones said she encouraged Queensland high school students from Years 8 to 11 to apply for the 2017 Premier's Anzac Prize competition which opens today and closes on 16 September.

Students are required to produce a five-minute multimedia presentation about how the Anzac tradition has shaped Australia, why it is still important and how future generations can keep the tradition alive.

Ms Jones said this year's winning students started their research during a two-day Young Historians Workshop at the State Library of Queensland on 14 and 15 January this year.

"History will come alive for these students as they find the gravesites of their chosen service men and women and read tribute eulogies on location," she said.

"I'm sure it will be particularly emotional, especially considering that some of these service people are relatives of the students.

"I encourage Queenslanders to follow the tour online where they can read the students' diary notes, view their photographs and watch videos.

Matthew Flinders Anglican College student and one of the prize-winners, Ella Woodgate, said she was excited at the opportunity to reflect on the research she had done while visiting memorial sites overseas.

"I feel very privileged to be traveling to Gallipoli for Anzac Day and I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit battlefields across the Western Front where the Anzacs fought," Ella said.

"I'm looking forward to commemorating and sharing stories from researching my family members and a soldier of my age, who lost their lives during the First World War."

After visiting war memorial sites across the Western Front in France they will return to Australia on Wednesday 4 May.

For more information on the Premier's Anzac Prize and to learn more about the Anzac tradition by following the 2016 prize tour online, visit: www.education.qld.gov.au/anzac-prize.

[ozbob]

https://stories.auspost.com.au/stamps-and-collectables/wwi-anzac-stamp-matron-grace-wilson/?ecid=LK20160415006

WWI hero gone but not forgotten – Matron Grace Wilson

"Matron Grace Wilson is Australia's own Florence Nightingale," Susanna De Vries.

In 1916, Matron Grace Wilson was one of six nurses throughout the Commonwealth to receive the Royal Red Cross First Class for "distinguished service in the field", as well as receiving three of her four "Mentioned in Despatches," becoming one of Australia's most decorated wartime figures.

Having written several biographies on courageous women in wartime, historian Susanna De Vries said Grace was outstanding for her duty, advocacy, and dedication to her patients and profession.

"She was truly heroic," De Vries said.

"Grace Wilson was a loved and respected nurse known for her compassion, leadership and resourcefulness. She was also known for sleeping rough under the stars and turning petticoats into makeshift bandages when a British supply ship was delayed for three weeks.

"She did all of this, and more, while working against the deeply-ingrained view that women were too unstable to cope with tough war conditions – something she and her nurses proved wrong.

"Few people know that Grace Wilson was distinguished in war and in peace. On her return to Australia, she was appointed Matron-in-Chief at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital and then a very popular Head Matron at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital before returning to service in World War Two.

To honour one of Australia's war heroes, Australia Post is including Matron Grace Wilson as part of the highly anticipated 2016 World War I commemorative stamp issue out this month. The Grace Wilson stamp is one of five that represent events of 1916, including arrival on the Western Front, the debate on conscription, the Somme offensive, and soldiers ties to home.

Referred to as Australia's very own Florence Nightingale, Matron Grace Wilson will appear in the new stamp release, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of 1916 and the war efforts overseas and at home.

As the third of the five commemorative issues released to mark 100 years since WWI, the 2016 issue will join the issues marking events from 1914 and 1915.

[ozbob]

Recruiting train stopped at Emerald ~1916

StateLibQld 1 51028 Recruiting train stopped at Emerald during World War I.jpg
Created: circa 1916

[newbris]

Very interesting series of posts Bob, thank you !

[ozbob]

Very interesting series of posts Bob, thank you !

Thanks.  Australia's history is intertwined with a military history - this is a real but sad fact.  Railways were always a large part of that but the selfless courage of our Nation's women and men be they civilian or military, is never forgotten. Lest we forget!

[ozbob]

http://www.grahamquirk.com.au/streets-of-remembrance-commemorate-anzac-history/

Streets of Remembrance commemorate ANZAC history

Brisbane City Council will this week recognise 40 streets with World War One significance, as part of a rolling program to commemorate the Centenary of ANZAC.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk today unveiled the first of 150 new street signs to feature the historic Rising Sun military badge, as part of the city's Streets of Remembrance project.

Cr Quirk said the Brisbane streets highlighted in the project had special ANZAC significance, and were named after battles, Generals and training camps during World War One.

"On the anniversary of Australia's involvement in World War One, our Streets of Remembrance project will serve to acknowledge the historical significance of street names such as Pozieres, Glasgow, Helles and Kitchener," Cr Quirk said.

"Senior WWI Army officers including Major General Sir Thomas Glasgow and Major General Sir John Gellibrand, who both served at Gallipoli and on the Western Front, are some of the individuals recognised in the Streets of Remembrance program."

Cr Quirk said Council had carried out significant research into the streets to identify their history.

"Streets of Remembrance is about highlighting the significant history of not only Brisbane, but of our nation, and allowing it to live on in modern memory for many years to come," he said.

"The program evolved from a request made by a member of the public, who wanted to see more recognition paid to Brisbane's contribution to WWI.

"This is part of our comprehensive program to commemorate the Centenary of ANZAC, which includes a revitalisation of our suburban war memorials, a $13.6 million restoration of ANZAC Square and a commemorative ANZAC design on one of our CityCats and buses."

The Rising Sun badge was proudly worn by soldiers of the 1st Australian Imperial Force in World War One and has become an integral part of the digger tradition, with the badge's distinctive shape commonly identified with the spirit of Anzac.

This is the second phase of the Streets of Remembrance project, with close to 100 installed across the city ahead of Remembrance Day last year.

This round of Streets of Remembrance will see the Rising Sun badge feature on 153 street signs in the following 40 locations, with installation to occur before ANZAC Day:

Armentieres Street, Kedron
Aubigny Street, Annerley
Bohain Street , Moorooka
Delville Ave, Moorooka
Dickebusch Street , Moorooka
Fleurs Street, Moorooka
Fleurs Street, Woolloongabba
Gaba Tepe Street , Moorooka
Gellibrand Street, Clayfield
Gellibrand Street, Hendra
Gizerah Street, Mitchelton
Glasgow Street, Ashgrove
Glasgow Street, Zillmere
Heilly Street, Moorooka
Helles Road , Enoggera
Helles Street, Moorooka
Kitchener Road, Ascot
Kitchener Road, Hendra
Kitchener Road, Kedron
Kitchener Road, Stafford Heights
Kitchener Street, Coorparoo
Kitchener Street, Sherwood
Kitchener Street, Wynnum
Longueval Street, Moorooka
Mametz Street, Moorooka
Mashobra Street, Mitchelton
Mons Road, Carina Heights
Pozieres Road, Tarragindi
Rabaul Street , Moorooka
Romani Street, Ashgrove
Suez street, Gordon Park
Suez street, Mitchelton
Suvla Street, Balmoral
Suvla Street, Nundah
Tel-el-kebir Street, Mitchelton
Verdun Street, Alderley
Verdun Street, Tingalpa
Waterlot Street, Moorooka
Zeitoun Street, Mitchelton
Zonnebeke Street, Moorooka.

For more information about Council's Streets of Remembrance project or the restoration of ANZAC Square, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone Council on 3403 8888.

[Ends]

[ozbob]

Twitter

Annabelle Brayley ‏@AnnabellBrayley Apr 15

OUR VIETNAM NURSES Dedicated to every Australian who nursed in Vietnam 1964-1972 Released by @PenguinBooksAus MAY 2



=================


Our Vietnam Nurses

https://www.penguin.com.au/products/9780143797029/vietnam-nurses

[ozbob]

Media Release
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

State Library digitises Queensland's Anzac history

Anzac Day 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the inaugural Anzac Day services held in Queensland. To mark the occasion, State Library of Queensland (SLQ) has recently digitised the first minute book of the Anzac Day Commemoration Committee which records the origins of the committee and its earliest meetings in 1916.

The committee was formed on 10 January 1916 at a public meeting when local land agent, Thomas Augustine Ryan, put forward a recommendation to form a committee to explore ways of honouring the fallen soldiers of the Gallipoli campaign. The committee quickly devised a ceremonial day to be held on 25 April 1916, the anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.

"Queensland has a proud history of supporting our Defence Forces and this year we also pay tribute to those Queenslanders who led the way in commemorating the sacrifices our diggers made," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

"Every year since, Queenslanders have come together in towns and cities across our state to pay their respects.

"I commend the State Library for the efforts they've gone to to ensure this rich part of Queensland's history has been protected and will be shared with all Queenslanders for generations to come."

Through the years, the committee has overseen the conduct of Anzac Day services and activities all over Queensland, and remains central to the organisation of these events today.

By a Deed of Gift, SLQ holds the business records of the committee, a unique collection which includes minutes, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and photographs.

The recently digitised minute book reveals the ideas and discussions which contributed to the original Anzac Day event and the development of elements which are still part of Anzac Day today.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the digitisation of the committee minute book and other items provides the opportunity for Queenslanders to explore this often unknown chapter in the state's Anzac history.

"It is not commonly known that Australia's Anzac Day traditions have their origins in Queensland and the unique items being digitised by State Library are helping to share that story," Ms Enoch said.

"This is just another way that the Q ANZAC 100: Memories for a New Generation program is creating opportunities for people to uncover key moments and stories which reveal how Queenslanders experienced the First World War, both at home and abroad."

Acting State Librarian and CEO Sonia Cooper said SLQ plays a leading role in ensuring Queensland's collective First World War memory is available to be explored and shared.

"This year's Anzac Day commemoration is a significant milestone in the First World War centenary period and SLQ's collection items can enhance our understanding of the origins and importance of this occasion," Mrs Cooper said.

"It's important to commemorate and understand Queensland's First World War history and its impact on our communities. The work that SLQ is doing to preserve and digitise precious First World War items is creating a lasting legacy for current and future generations of Queenslanders."

Q ANZAC 100: Memories for a New Generation is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.

[ozbob]

Media Statements

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Grace Grace

Thursday, April 21, 2016

New Chairman for Anzac Day Trust Board

Greg Shannon OAM has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of the Anzac Day Trust following the retirement of the former Chairman, Mr Steve Rowan.

The Anzac Day Trust collects and distributes funds for the general welfare of ex-service people, their dependents and related associations.

On the recommendation of the Minster for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace, the Governor-in-Council today approved the appointment of Mr Shannon and the three other members of the Trust:

• William O'Chee (representing the Returned and Services League of Australia (Qld Branch)
• Colin John William Green (representing the Legacy Clubs of Queensland)
• Mary Bennet (representing all other ex-service organisations) make up the board.

Appointment to the Anzac Day Trust is in an honorary capacity and is not remunerated. Each Trustee is appointed for a three year term commencing 26 April 2016.

In 2014-15, more than $1.27m was disbursed to 254 ex-service organisations which support aged and wounded veterans wishing to remain in their own homes, the maintenance of essential services, construction and maintenance of homes for war veterans, and other services such as advocacy, hospital visits, food hampers and amenities parcels for the sick.

For more information, visit qld.gov.au or call 07 3225 2069.

[ozbob]

Royal Australian Army Medical Corps (RAAMC)  my corps ..







Harkness Memorial Medal

Harkness Memorial Medal

The award is designed as a tribute to the service given to the Corps by the late Geoffrey Harkness, OBE, ED, who served continuously in the Corps from December 1941 to May 1971. Colonel Geoffrey Harkness served as an RMO in New Guinea, as a Field Ambulance Officer and as ADAH Southern Command. In addition he served for 14 years as DDGMS (CMF) AHQ. During this period he was Deputy to three DGMS' and played a significant role in the development of the Corps. He was responsible for much of the strong support the Corps has received from the civilian medical profession. His loyalty to the Corps and the DGMS', and his unselfish dedication to them was a hallmark of his service.

The award is funded from a special fund raised by subscriptions from Senior Officers of the RAAMC and members of the civilian medical profession.

The conditions of the selection for this award are:

The emphasis is to be on contribution to the RAAMC. It is considered that this must be in every way of an outstanding nature and by which the Corps has obtained some benefit; it may be in command, administrative, clinical or technical fields. Continuous long service without any major or outstanding effort is insufficient for the purpose as the medal is not a long service award.

Whilst a single contribution or a special performance enhancing the standing of the Corps or the Army as a whole may be considered as qualifying factors, these should only be acceptable if the remainder of the member's service reaches the high standard demanded.

Enthusiasm, selflessness, dedication and devotion to the Corps are necessary contributory factors, as these were the qualities and characteristics of the late Geoffrey Hardness in his approach to all matters related in the Corps.

The recipient must be a serving officer of the RAAMC (ARA or GRes).

The award consists of a medal and a certificate and is normally presented at the Corps Birthday Parade each year.

RAAMC ASSOCIATON Inc. > http://www.raamc.org.au/web/index.php

[ozbob]

TMR --> In roads to defence: a Queensland Anzac Centenary publication

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Kapyong: An epic battle in a forgotten war



A Kapyong veteran receives the US Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation Device from General James Van Fleet. Photo: The Australian War Memorial

Sixty-five years ago this week, men of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), took part in one of the most significant battles since the end of World War II. As a result, the South Korean capital, Seoul, was saved from falling back into Communist hands and Australian troops had added a new chapter to the Anzac legend. The fighting took place near a ruined town called Kapyong.

With the current commemorative focus still firmly on Gallipoli, it is timely to pause and remember veterans of a significant action in a conflict often characterised as the "forgotten" war. The Battle of Kapyong turned the tide of the Korean War, the legacies of which can still be felt today. The veterans who took part in this battle played an important part in the shaping of our region's history. Their story is worth telling and their service is worthy of wider recognition.

Forming part of the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade, 3RAR fought several key battles in October 1950 during the United Nations' advance into North Korea. The battalion fought numerous delaying actions the following month when China's entry into the war forced UN troops to withdraw into South Korea.

Lieutenant Reg Saunders joined 3RAR as a replacement officer on 6 November, 1950. He was absorbed into A Company, which had suffered heavy casualties at Pakchon the day before. A veteran of the Second World War, his experience and leadership were a welcome addition to the battalion. In March 1951 he was promoted to temporary captain and given command of C Company, thus becoming the first Aboriginal Australian to command a rifle company.
Advertisement

By April, UN troops were once again advancing. After further fighting, during which Saunders led his company in capturing a heavily defended hill, 3RAR went into reserve in the Kapyong Valley.

As Anzac Day approached, the Australians were preparing to host their New Zealand comrades and a delegation from the nearby Turkish brigade to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. Events to the north were about to put an end to their plans.

The Chinese launched their Spring Offensive on April 22. That afternoon a South Korean division in defensive positions at the head of the Kapyong Valley was hit hard by repeated Chinese assaults. By the following afternoon, the South Koreans had been broken and the survivors were retreating towards Kapyong. Mixing with refugees and demoralised South Korean soldiers, Chinese soldiers in civilian clothing advanced rapidly ahead of their main force.

The only formation that stood between the advancing Chinese and Seoul was the 27th Brigade, a truly Commonwealth formation. Alongside 3RAR were infantrymen from Britain and Canada, as well as New Zealand artillerymen, with further support from a company of US tanks.

The Australians and Canadians dug in on either side of the valley. With large gaps between the battalions, the men knew they were in for a tough fight. Just before 10pm, demoralised South Korean troops poured through the Australian and Canadian front-line positions – which made many of those holding the line wary of infiltrators, who were not long in making their presence known.

The Australian forward positions soon came under attack. 3RAR's headquarters company was attacked shortly afterwards and were forced to withdraw as the night wore on. The men in the forward positions fought off repeated Chinese attacks, knowing that if they gave way, the battalion could be wiped out.

The Chinese attacks intensified in the early hours of April 24, in an attempt to dislodge 3RAR and continue their advance on Seoul. The Australians gave a little ground, but maintained their overall positions.

For 3RAR, the low point in the battle occurred that afternoon when a US aircraft accidentally dropped napalm on to Australian positions, killing two men and causing horrific burns to several others.

Chinese attacks continued into the evening, and when a planned UN counter-attack was delayed, 3RAR was forced to withdraw. Many men were reluctant to leave, likening the withdrawal to a defeat.

Under the direction of Major Ben O'Dowd, 3RAR began an orderly withdrawal while still fighting off Chinese attacks. After a series of running skirmishes in the dark, the Australians broke contact. From across the valley, the Canadians engaged the Chinese with heavy weapons, ensuring the Australians completed their withdrawal without further loss.

At Kapyong, the Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders and Americans had won a decisive victory. Seoul was saved from falling once again into communist hands, and would not be threatened again for the remainder of the war. However, the battle came at great cost to the 27th Brigade, especially 3RAR, which had 32 men killed, 59 wounded and three taken prisoner. The Canadians suffered 10 killed and 23 wounded. The New Zealanders lost two men and three Americans were also killed.

Reg Saunders survived Kapyong and the Battle of Maryang San later in the year. He returned to Australia in late 1951 and retired from the army in 1954. In a later account of the battle, he wrote "At last I felt like an Anzac, and I expect there were 600 others like me." His now-famous quote has become synonymous with the Battle of Kapyong and the pride with which Australian veterans viewed their achievements in the days before Anzac Day 1951.

The government and people of South Korea have never forgotten those who came to their aid and they have gone out of their way to ensure our veterans have been honoured and remembered. But despite the best efforts of historians, journalists, and especially the veterans themselves, the Korean War remains our "forgotten" war.

The ranks of our Korean War veterans are rapidly thinning; among those who have marched out are Reg Saunders and Ben O'Dowd. We as a nation are in real danger of losing the last links with a very significant conflict in our history. The men and women who served during the Korean War are long overdue their time in the national spotlight.

Michael Kelly is a historian at the Australian War Memorial's Military History Section.

AWM --> Kapyong - 23-24 April 1951

[ozbob]

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P01263.006



YEPPOON, QLD, 1940. THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS (AAMC) NO. 1 MOBILE X-RAY UNIT TRAIN STANDING AT THE RAILWAY SIDING. BESIDE IT CAPTAIN B.L.W. CLARKE (RADIOLOGIST) AND WARRANT OFFICER H. JOCHHEIM DISCUSS INSTALLATION OF POWER WITH ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY STAFF. (DONOR H. JOCHHEIM)

===================

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P01263.007



BOWEN, QLD, 1940. AUSTRALIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS (AAMC) NO. 1 MOBILE X-RAY UNIT ATTACHED TO A NORMAL PASSENGER TRAIN ABOUT TO LEAVE FOR ROCKHAMPTON. AT OTHER TIMES THE UNIT WAS ATTACHED TO EXPRESS OR GOODS TRAINS. (DONOR H. JOCHHEIM)

[ozbob]

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/004845/



South Brisbane. Crowds on the platform at the railway station to farewell troops of the 7th Division as they entrain for the journey to Sydney where they will embark on a troopship for onward movement to the Middle East. October 1940.

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

From the Film Australia Collection. Made by the Department Of Information 1944. Directed by Ralph Smart. Island Target shows the role of the Royal Australian Air Force in the invasion of the western Pacific islands during World War Two. This is the story of one squadron of Australian airmen whose daily job in the western Pacific typifies the spirit of the RAAF. The RAAF Kittyhawk squadron give air cover to Allied landing craft and an RAAF landing party clear land for a landing strip. P40 Kittyhawks of 78 and 80 Squadron RAAF are featured. Squadron Leader Leslie Douglas Jackson is identified.

[ozbob]

John and I served together in the RAAMC and in Vietnam.
We completed recruit training and corps training together.  We were good mates.

John was MIA until his remains were finally located and then returned to Australia  December 2007.

This is the transcript of the speech made by the Minister as John began the final trip home.

The Hon. Alan Griffin MP Minister for Veterans Affairs Transcript of Address at Ramp Ceremony for LCPL John Gillespie Hanoi, Vietnam - 17 December 2007

Members of the family of Lance Corporal John Francis Gillespie; Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Bill Tweddell; Major General Wilson; Brigadier Bill Rolfe, Repatriation Commissioner; Representatives of the Vietnamese Government and embassy officials; Jim Bourke and his Operation Aussies Home colleagues; Veterans, Ladies and Gentlemen.

This final journey that Lance Corporal John Gillespie is about to embark upon is a sorrowful yet welcome journey.

The grieving that started 36 years ago, has begun again as a necessary part of bringing this fine soldier and family man home.

Today a grateful nation proudly bears its special duty and obligation to its fallen. Never is that obligation higher than to those who have done all that Australia has asked, and in doing so paid the ultimate price.

Lance Corporal Gillespie enlisted in 1969. He was only 24 when he served and died here in Vietnam in 1971, and his body has been here since.

We Australians hurt when we have to leave a mate behind, and at this time of sorrow and solace the efforts of Peter Aylett and Jim Bourke of operation Aussies Home is recognised. The story of the passing and recovery of Lance Corporal Gillespie is one of the spirit of Australian mateship at its finest.

They were in the Long Hai Hills, now the Minh Dam Mountains, to recover a wounded Vietnamese soldier when the medical evacuation helicopter was shot down, trapping Lance Corporal Gillespie beneath the wreckage, which burst into flames. The RAAF crew fought to save their mate, but were unsuccessful.

Intense military activity in the area prevented recovery of Lance Corporal Gillespie's remains before the Australian forces withdrawal from Vietnam.

Many years on, a group of Vietnam veterans - Operation Aussies Home  has worked selflessly to find and seek identification of the remains of Australian soldiers listed as Killed in Action, body not recovered. Lance Corporal Richard Parker and Private Peter Gillson are already home thanks to their efforts. They persisted with their inquires, research and cajoling, to help us to where we are today.

The Australian Army recovery team has run a most careful and dignified operation to complete the mission so that we may start the process now to lay Lance Corporal Gillespie to rest.

It would not have been possible without the efforts of others, particularly the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Bill Tweddell, and the wonderful cooperation of the Vietnamese Government. To the Government of Vietnam, Australia recognises and appreciates your generosity and helpful cooperation in the effort to find and identify John Gillespie.


We are here today with the family of Lance Corporal Gillespie and representatives of the Governments of Australia and Vietnam, the Australian Defence Forces and Vietnam veterans. We hope this journey that is about to begin is one of healing, however painful it may be. He has gone and soon he will return, carried by today's generation of servicemen and women, who like the rest of our grateful nation honour and remember the service and sacrifice of Lance Corporal Gillespie. He will always be remembered. [ENDS]

We must persist, nothing is not eventually achievable.

So long cobber!

LEST WE FORGET.

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Life savers: the Australian nurses who went to Vietnam

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Pioneer Railway backdrop for war story

AN AMBITIOUS play based on the work of Ipswich women on the homefront in the First World War will be staged at the historic Swanbank Rail Station this weekend.

The Train Tea Society is a heart-warming look at historical Ipswich and the women who served tea to returning troops during the First World War.

Staged by Flower Theatre Company, the production is being hosted by Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway and will feature a live steam train choreographed to move throughout the show.

This is Flower Theatre Company's second production after last year's sold-out season of The Mayne Effect, which was performed in Brisbane's heritage-listed Harris Terrace building.

Written by Emily Vascotto and directed by Gabriella Flowers, the Train Tea Society tells the story of Mrs J.A "Eliza" Cameron and her team of Ipswich women.

"We came across the fascinating story late last year," Vascotto said.

"We have been engrossed in uncovering as much about the Train Tea Society as possible ever since.

"Our idea for a production was submitted to Anywhere Festival - a not-for-profit organisation that is passionate about site-specific theatre - and they accepted.

"We believe site-specific work greatly enhances a production.

"It transports audiences to a period or place no theatre can ever create, however, this comes with risks.

"Staging a play at a railway station and choreographing a life-sized steam engine to move within the show was a risk, but one we had to take."

The show runs from Friday to Sunday.

To book go to anywherefest.com/train-tea.