Australian Families of the Military Research and Support Foundation | Non-profit organisation

Australian Families of the Military Research and Support Foundation

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Businesses
• Non-profit organisation

25.01.2022 Today, it is with a lot of gratitude and respect in my heart that I want to pay a very respectful tribute to Private number 3036 Clement Gordon Brockie who foug...ht in the 5th Australian Infantry Battalion and who was killed in action 104 ago years agon,on July 25, 1916 at the age of 19 on the Somme front. Clement Gordon Brockie was born in October 1896 in Benalla, Australia, and was the son of James Conn Brockie and Charlotte Brockie, he had a twin brother, John Gordon Brockie and they lived at "Deeside", 367 Kooyong Road, Elsternwick, Victoria, Australia.Clement was educated at Benalla East State School, Victoria and before the war he worked as a carpenter. Enlisted on July 10, 1915 with his brother John on July 10, 1915 in Melbourne, Victoria in the 5th Australian Infantry Battalion, 10th Reinforcement, he embarked with his unit from Melbourne, on board RMS Osterley on September 29, 1915 and sailed for Egypt where he was disembarked at Tel El Kebir on January 7, 1916 and received his training at Serapeum then he embarked with his battalion in Alexandria on March 25, 1916 for France where he was disembarked in Marseilles on March 30, 1916 before joining the trenches of the Somme front. unfortunately it is here, in the Somme, that Clement met his destiny and was killed in action on July 25, 1916 at 3:00 am during the offensive to take the village of Pozieres, he was only 19 years old. Today, Clement Gordon Brockie rests in peace with his comrades and brothers in arms in Pozieres British Cemetery and his grave bears the following inscription "Dearly loved and sadly missed by all, a noble sacrifice". Clement Gordon Brockie's twin brother,John Gordon Brockie survived the war and died on April 23, 1944 in Finley, New South Wales. Clement, child of Australia, so young and so brave, you belonged to a generation of heroes, so young, you were already, in your heart a very brave man who wanted to serve and fight alongside your brothers in arms, proudly wearing the colors of Australia and carrying on the shoulders the weight of the hopes of all peoples, serving alongside your brother, for your family, for your country, for France, at 19, you gave all the parts of your youth in this war which shattered so many lives, shattering spirits, bodies, drowning your comrades in the mud of the Somme, you fought like the bravest of men, through the darkness of war, you were the light of hope, courage, the sun and the pride of Australia facing the violence and fury of war, in the trenches where so many young men like you gave their lives, you did your duty with great bravery.Full of hope, of life, you saw death every day but also the bravery, devotion, courage, the valiant heart of a whole generation of men who fought with you for France and who fought all together for a just cause, freedom and peace, for a world, a future without war, so that the next generations can live without seeing again the fury and the tragedy of a world at war and today we do not forget , we do not forget what you have done for us Clement, we will always remember who you were, a brave young man and who you are today, a man, a hero and in my heart, with a deep admiration and great gratitude, you will always be one of my boys of the Somme, you will never be forgotten.your name will live forever.

24.01.2022 Happy birthday to Olga Stronach (nee O’Sullivan) who was born in Toowoomba, Queensland, 100 years ago today. Olga enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary Australian A...ir Force in December 1941 and was stationed in Melbourne and then Queensland at the Brisbane Wireless/Telegraphic Station. Olga initially trained and worked as a radio operator and then as a telegraphist sending and receiving Morse code communications. Her role was always in signals and communications and she recalls being on duty in one of the main communications rooms in Melbourne, and receiving the message that Sydney Harbour had come under attack by Japanese midget submarines. The idea of 'safe' Sydney coming under attack came as a big surprise to her. Olga enjoyed serving and found the whole experience exciting after growing up in a country town, even meeting her late husband Neil Stronach in 1944. Neil was a Royal Australian Air Force pilot who received his pilot’s wings before he turned 19. He flew Vultee Vengeance dive bombers in the New Guinea campaign in 1943 and 1944. Olga tells us that one time he was in serious trouble when he flew his Wirraway under Sydney Harbour Bridge. Olga and Neil were married just after Victory in the Pacific Day and were husband and wife for 74 years until Neil passed away in January this year, aged 97. Vale Neil. After the war, Olga worked as a secretary, bookkeeper and personal assistant. Olga credits her long life to eating well (lean meats, fresh vegetables and lots of fish), staying socially engaged with friends and community groups, and remaining physically active. Happy birthday Olga and thank you for your service. #TYFYS #OurVeterans

23.01.2022 July 27 Korea Veterans Day and the annivesary of the end of the Korean War Lest We Forget

21.01.2022 BREAKING: The PM has backflipped Teddy is getting the VC he deserves. Huge, huge victory for the thousands of people who've refused to let this go. This is th...e right result, and it's only happened because you guys made it happen. Somewhere, Teddy's looking down at the ways you guys fought for him and smiling. I reckon he'd be recognising a little of himself in you too. This is a victory for everyone who's got a little bit they owe to this 18-year-old kid from Tassie. A kid who gave his life for his country, and had to wait 78 years for his country to give him a proper thanks.

21.01.2022 On This Day 22 June 2013 CPL Cameron Baird, VC. MG. Bravo Commando Company, 2nd Commando Regiment Killed In Action, Urazghan Province, Afghanistan "Without War...ning" Commando 4 Life See more

21.01.2022 For those who lost loved ones to Agent Orange. A Poem I wrote in the 1980's.

20.01.2022 On this sad day we remember the five Aussie diggers who lost their lives in Afghanistan in 2012 in the darkest 24 hours since the Vietnam War. On August 29 Lanc...e Corporal Stjepan 'Rick' Milosevic, 40, Sapper James Martin, 21, and Private Robert Poate, 23, were killed in southern Uruzgan by a rogue Afghan National Army soldier. A day later Lance Corporal Mervyn McDonald 30, and Private Nathanael Galagher, 23, were killed when an ISAF helicopter they were travelling in crashed while attempting to land in Helmand province. May you all rest in peace. Lest we forget See more

19.01.2022 To the amazing and diverse Australians who have served and sacrificed for our great country we wish you a safe and Happy Australia Day

19.01.2022 A very captivating photograph. The photograph is of a wounded Australian soldier receiving an affectionate welcome home at the Anzac Buffet in The Domain, Sydne...y, 1918. The Anzac Buffet in the Domain, Hyde Park, acted as a hospitality and reception centre for those waiting for returning troops. The families and partners of soldiers in WW1 had little communication with their loved ones, and when they returned, often became emotional and physical carers for them. Lest We Forget. Information and photograph came from the Australian War Memorial. Image file number AWM H11574.

18.01.2022 After returning from active duty in Afghanistan, then 22 year old Corporal Matt Williams began to experience persistent headaches. The diagnosis a brain tumou...r. For anyone, this would be a devastating blow. For a young man in the Army, it was especially cruel. But Matt didn’t resign himself to his illness. Instead he threw himself into redefining what terminal illness looks like. He’s worked every day to live life to the fullest and raise support for others with cancer. On Monday, Matt became this year’s youngest Order of Australia Medal (OAM) recipient at just 24. His citation reads, Corporal Matthew James Williams. For service to the community through brain cancer awareness initiatives." But it’s been so much more than raising awareness. Matt has inspired thousands of Australians. He’s helped us understand the struggles of terminal illness. He’s shone a light on the importance of community and of never giving up. He’s achieved incredible levels of fundraising, pushing himself to the limits to help others. He’s given his time to speak with school students to Army cadets sharing valuable lessons that have already impacted young lives. We often thank our Defence personnel for their service, for the work they do in uniform. I know I speak on behalf of Australians when I thank Matt for his service, not only as a soldier, but as an advocate, a leader and an inspiration to us all. Congratulations Corporal Matthew James Williams OAM. You can follow Matt’s journey by following him on Instagram and Facebook (willy.beating.cancer) Australian Army Defence Australia 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

18.01.2022 Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the deaths of Sappers Darren Smith and Jacob Moerland who were killed by an IED in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan while condu...cting a routine foot patrol. Smith’s Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) Herbie, was also killed in the blast. Lest we forget. Sapper Jacob Moerland https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10681089 Sapper Darren Smith https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10678604 Photo by Neale Maude: Informal outdoor portrait of Sapper (Spr) Darren "Smithy" Smith and Spr Jacob "Snowy" Moerland, 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment with the Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) Herbie.

17.01.2022 #Onthisday in 1943 the Battle of Mount Tambu begins as Australian forces advance on Salamaua in eastern New Guinea. Read more: http://ow.ly/QfXj50Arnh2 Photo: T...he wounded returning from the front line along a muddy track. Near Salamaua, New Guinea. Pte Fred Allan and Pte Neville Pretty are the two closest to the camera. (Negative by G Short) See more

16.01.2022 Truly a military event to remember. https://iancoate.com/

15.01.2022 Today our thoughts are with the family and friends of Sapper Rowan Robinson of the Incident Response Regiment, who died of wounds received during an engagement ...with insurgents in Afghanistan on 6 June 2011. During a patrol in Northern Helmand Province while serving with the Special Operations Task Group, Rowan and his team uncovered and destroyed a huge cache of weapons, drugs and bomb-making equipment before coming under intense Taliban fire near the village of Baghran. After clearing an area of IEDs Rowan moved forward under increasingly heavy fire and at great risk to himself to support the commandos in the village, but in doing so received a fatal gunshot wound. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten, Rowan. Rest in peace. See more

13.01.2022 #OTD WO2 Maxwell Hanley, MM, KIA Today we pause to remember the life and service of 43593 Warrant Officer Class II Maxwell Powell Hanley, MM, who was killed ...in action whilst serving in Vietnam on the 20th of February 1967. Max was awarded the Military Medal (MM) for his service in 3RAR on the 27th of July 1958 whilst the Battalion was serving in Malaya. Then a Lance Corporal, Max was the leader of a three man group who successfully ambushed a group of Communist Terrorists in a rubber plantation, killing three with no Australian injuries. Max was tragically killed in action by an enemy grenade whilst serving in Ha Thanh, Vietnam on the 20th of February 1967. For his bravery during the action he was Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the US Bronze Star. Max was 31 at the time of his death. Lest we forget. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964

11.01.2022 10 YEARS TODAY ~ Today our thoughts are with the family and friends of Grant Kirby and Thomas Dale, both 6RAR privates, who were killed in action by an IED duri...ng an operation in the Baluchi Valley, Afghanistan, on 20 August 2010. Grant (pictured left) was a 35-year-old born in Nambour, Queensland, who had previously deployed to East Timor and Iraq. Thomas, 21, hailed from Lancashire in the UK and was on his first deployment. Rest in peace, brothers. Lest we forget. See more

09.01.2022 It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Leading Seaman Liam Gould, from HMAS Stirling, who tragically passed away last week, aged 24. Liam, an ...LS Communicator, enlisted in to the Royal Australian Navy in 2015 and upon completion of recruit training, was posted to HMAS Stirling. Liam also deployed on OP Manitou Rot 67. Liam was an incredible guy, he never showed any signs of what he was going through and demons he was fighting. He was a well respected, professional member of the RAN who will be sorely missed. From Liams Brother: Hey guys, I don’t really know how to do this but in light of what’s happened I’d just like to spread some awareness. My little brother as of a week ago has taken his own life, he was posted to HMAS Stirling and absolutely loved the navy and the lifestyle that went with it. This was totally unexpected and not a single person saw any signs or hints prior to Liam doing what he did. I understand mental health in the ADF is problematic and it needs work. It’s easy to help someone with mental health when it’s a known problem, otherwise people like my brother who displayed no signs or hints, is a little harder to help. If you guys don’t mind, perhaps just a little post regarding looking out for each other, even if there are no signs would mean a bunch. My little brother had just turned 24 and if one person benefits from a message from you guys, Liam and I would find it worth. Never above you. Never below you. Always beside you. Brothers by choice. This is just one of the many Defence members that has passed away by their own hands since NYE. We haven’t been able to post about them purely because we haven’t gained permission from family. Truly devastating to hear this. Whether you are serving or ex-serving, know that we are a community that helps each other out. Please reach out to your mate for help if you need it. There is so much out there now to help you and most importantly, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. It’s time we reach out and conduct a matecheck on our mates. Please get in contact with the below organisations, they are a great help to current and ex-serving members. - Overwatch Australia - Redsix - Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling - Young Veteran's Support Services - Wounded Heroes Australia Condolences to Liams family, friends, and the RAN brotherhood. Lest We Forget #TPE #matecheck

09.01.2022 Today we remember, Sapper Jamie Larcombe from the Darwin based 1st Combat Engineer Regiment. On the 19th of February 2011, Sapper Larcombe was shot and severely... wounded by Taliban snipers while on patrol in the rugged terrain of Uruzgan's, Mirabad Valley. The Australians returned heavy fire back at the enemy and administered first aid until he could be evacuated by helicopter to the field hospital in Tarin Kowt, but sadly he was pronounced dead on arrival. Sapper Jamie Larcombe known as "Larko" to his mates was aged just 21, from Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Jamie was greatly cherished by his local Kangaroo Island community. Sapper Larcombe was on his first deployment in Afghanistan, having previously deployed to Indonesia (Operation Padang Assist) in 2009. Our thoughts are with Jamie's family and friends today. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. Lest We Forget' See more

08.01.2022 #OTD Private John Holloway, KIA Today we pause to remember the life and service of 3794544 Private John Wallace Holloway, who was killed in action in South Vi...etnam on the 26th of October 1969 at the age of 22. A national serviceman, Tom was a member of 9RAR. He was killed during an engagement with the enemy in Bien Hoa province, South Vietnam on this day. Lest we forget

07.01.2022 A good thing to remember this Remembrance Day. https://iancoate.com/

06.01.2022 Just in case you need ......

05.01.2022 The photograph on this post captured my attention, like the post before. Even in a world full of horror there is acts of kindness. Men of the 4th Battalion, ...Gordon Highlanders (51st Division) feeding a French refugee child in their improvised trench near Locon, 10 April 1918. Lest We Forget. Photograph comes from the Imperial War Museums. Image file number Q 7855.

05.01.2022 This yellow ribbon represents a veteran who has taken his life.There will be hundreds of these tied to trees across Australia today, to mark World PTSD day. Please take the time to talk to someone if you need it, and know you're not alone. We will not forget them.

04.01.2022 Expressions of interest for an Australian Light Horse Troop in the Hervey Bay/Maryborough area. This is a great opportunity to honour and support the Diggers and their horses. This therapy - EMRT - has its roots with the war horses Photo credit: Google ALHA archives

02.01.2022 Judy, a purebred pointer, was the mascot of several ships in the Pacific, and was captured by the Japanese in 1942 and taken to a prison camp. There she met Air...craftsman Frank Williams, who shared his small portion of rice with her. Judy raised morale in the POW camp, and also barked when poisonous snakes, crocodiles or even tigers approached the prisoners. When the prisoners were shipped back to Singapore, she was smuggled out in a rice sack, never whimpering or betraying her presence to the guards. The next day, that ship was torpedoed. Williams pushed Judy out of a porthole in an attempt to save her life, even though there was a 15-foot drop to the sea. He made his own escape from the ship, but was then recaptured and sent to a new POW camp. He didn't know if Judy had survived, but soon he began hearing stories about a dog helping drowning men reach pieces of debris after the shipwreck. And when Williams arrived at the new camp, he said: "I couldn’t believe my eyes! As I walked through the gate, a scraggly dog hit me square between the shoulders and knocked me over. I’d never been so glad to see the old girl!" They spent a year together at that camp in Sumatra. "Judy saved my life in so many ways," said Williams. "But the greatest of all was giving me a reason to live. All I had to do was look into those weary, bloodshot eyes and ask myself: 'What would happen to her if I died?' I had to keep going." Once hostilities ceased, Judy was then smuggled aboard a troopship heading back to Liverpool. In England, she was awarded the Dickin Medal (the "Victoria Cross" for animals) in May 1946. Her citation reads: "For magnificent courage and endurance in Japanese prison camps, which helped to maintain morale among her fellow prisoners, and also for saving many lives through her intelligence and watchfulness". At the same time, Frank Williams was awarded the PDSA's White Cross of St. Giles for his devotion to Judy. Frank and Judy spent a year after the war visiting the relatives of English POWs who had not survived, and Frank said that Judy "always provided a comforting presence to the families." When Judy finally died at the age of 13, Frank spent two months building a granite and marble memorial in her memory, which included a plaque describing her life story.