Banyule Veterans at Greensborough in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Community organisation

Banyule Veterans at Greensborough

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Address: 111 Main Street Greensborough 3088 Melbourne, VIC, Australia

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25.01.2022 Afternoon veterans

25.01.2022 #OTD Battle of Nui Le On the 21st of September 1971, Australians and New Zealand forces of the 4RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion fought in the last major battle of th...e Vietnam War during the Battle of Nui Le. Part of Operation IVANHOE, the battle was fought against elements of the Peoples Army of Vietnam (PAVN) 33rd Regiment in Nui Le, a small hill within Quang Thanh commune in Chau Duc District. 4RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion, consisting of two companies of Australian infantry (B and D Companies) and one company of New Zealand infantry (V Company), was committed to a reconnaissance in force operation, named Operation Ivanhoe against any PAVN/VC forces in the north of former Phuoc Tuy Province. D Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1st Troop, A Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Troop, C Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 2 Troop, 104th Field Battery, elements of 104th Signal Squadron and 161st (Independent) Recce Squadron were also committed to the operation. 1 ATF command had gained intelligence that PAVN 33rd Regiment had entered the province with the 33rd Regiment headquarters and 3rd Battalion. Unknown to 1 ATF intelligence was that not only had the 3rd Battalion entered, but so had 2nd Battalion, 33rd Regiment. Between the two battalions PAVN numbers amounted to approximately 1,100 well-trained soldiers. PAVN forces fired rockets and mortars at a South Vietnamese Regional Force outpost at Cam My village on Route 2 on 19 September 1971. The Australian M11s sent to investigate and relieve the outpost were ambushed and came under attack from rocket-propelled grenades (RPG) and small arms fire from what was considered to be large force. 11 Platoon of D Company 4 RAR/NZ made contact with a PAVN platoon on 20 September and after a half-hour skirmish, four dead soldiers were found on the battlefield. Patrols by 11 Platoon, D Company 4 RAR/NZ on the morning of 21 September, found sawn logs near the south eastern part of the Courtenay rubber plantation which suggested that there were major fortified bunker positions nearby. B and D Company 4 RAR/NZ moved forward near Núi Lé to attack these fortifications. 12 Platoon, D Company 4 RAR/NZ made first contact with a bunker system containing the security elements of 33rd Regiment's headquarters, suffering one dead from an RPG and four wounded. An estimated platoon strength assault attacked 11 Platoon, and after a 15-minute firefight the PAVN forces withdrew to their bunkers after removing their dead and wounded from the battlefield. 11 and 12 platoons were ordered to withdraw to an area to the south so airstrikes and artillery could be called in to soften up the bunker systems. Under the control of the Forward Observer, United States Air Force air strikes were called in and F-4 Phantoms and A37 Dragonflys bombed the area with napalm, air to surface missiles, flechette and 500 pound bombs. Iroquois and Cobra helicopter gunships and Australian artillery strikes also hit the bunker system. The American pilots reported PAVN forces fleeing to the north. However this was a deceptive move by the PAVN in that they deliberately sent soldiers running from the scene of an attack to create the misbelief that they had abandoned the fight. At 14:00, D Company was ordered forward to search and destroy the bunker systems. Unknown to the Australians at that time was that the bunker system was manned by the 33rd Regiment's 2nd Battalion and they had not in fact fled after the previous fight as aerial intelligence had reported. The PAVN let the Australians advance some 50 metres (55 yd) into the bunker complex before opening fire, killing three soldiers and wounding two from 11 Platoon. Many grenades thrown by the PAVN did not explode, reducing casualties. This was fought hand to hand as the Centurion tanks of the 1st Armoured Regiment had previously been withdrawn from South Vietnam. 12 Platoon was also pinned down and could not move forward. The bodies of the three Australian soldiers who had been killed could not be recovered and orders were given to pull back, which under heavy fire did not happen until 16:00. Just as the sun was setting the ANZAC forces ran into the second PAVN battalion, with the commanding officer of 11 Platoon, Gary McKay being hit twice by a sniper's bullet in the shoulder. It was now pitch black and the Forward Observer, Captain Greg Gilbert, unable to use his map or compass, and unable to speak to the Company Commander, Major Jerry Taylor, brought artillery fire to within 25 metres of the company under difficult circumstances as more PAVN forces joined the battle. To compound the artillery problem the company was in range of only three guns and these were at the limit of their range. The PAVN commander subsequently realized the error of the VC intelligence about there being no artillery, and the PAVN disengaged at 21:00 just as the Australians were running low on ammunition. After a number of hours of fighting the elements of the PAVN 33rd Regiment pulled out of the bunker system and moved north after recovering the dead and wounded they could carry. The Australian wounded were evacuated by helicopter in the morning of 22 September. Five Australians had been killed and 30 wounded. Total PAVN losses are unknown, however 14 bodies were found on the battlefield. On the same day at 17:39 the New Zealanders of V Company RNZIR moved up to reinforce D Company in anticipation of an attack however the day passed with no enemy attack or activity. On 23 September, D and V companies moved back into the area of the bunkers. V Company began the assault on the PAVN bunker system at 11:05 moving in very short bounds in torrential rainfall through bomb and artillery craters and fallen timber and it was not until 17:25 that they reached the bunkers where they found the bodies of three Australians from 11 Platoon who had been killed in the assault the day before. The PAVN had fully vacated the bunker system. V Company cleared a track to a helicopter winch point and the New Zealand riflemen shouldered arms and formed an impromptu "guard of honour" in tribute as members of D Company moved forward with litters for the fallen. For his role in the battle, Second Lieutenant Garry McKay, who was badly wounded, received the Military Cross. Captain Gilbert was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 2018 for his actions during the Battle. You can read more about the circumstances which resulted in the deaths of the five Australians here: https://business.facebook.com/2318023658237334/posts/3698149083558111/ Lest we forget. Image: Machine-gunner Private Jimmy Duff of 12 Platoon, D Company, 4RAR/NZ, fills his water bottle in August 1971. One month later he was killed at the Battle of Nui Le. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964

24.01.2022 Evening all, An Arab sheikh was admitted to the hospital for heart surgery, but prior to the surgery, his doctors needed to have some of his blood type stored in case the need arose. As the gentleman had an extremely rare type of blood that couldn't be found locally, the call went out around the world. ... Finally a Scotsman was located who had the same rare blood type. After some coaxing, the Scot donated his blood for the Arab. After the surgery the Arab sent the Scotsman a BMW, a diamond necklace for his wife, and $100,000 in appreciation for the blood donation. A few months later, the Arab had to undergo a further corrective surgery procedure. Once again, his doctor telephoned the Scotsman who was more than happy to donate his blood. After the second surgery the Arab sent the Scotsman a thank-you card and a box of Quality Street chocolates. The Scotsman was shocked that the Arab did not reciprocate his kind gesture as he had anticipated. He phoned the Arab and asked him: "I thought you would be more generous than that. Last time you sent me a BMW, diamonds and money, but this time you only sent me a lousy thank-you card and a crappy box of chocolates?" To this the Arab replied: "Aye laddie, but I now have Scottish blood in me veins".

23.01.2022 #OTD Formation of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) On the 20th of September 1912, official approval was given for the establishment of a military Central Fl...ying School. This event marked the official formation of the Australian Flying Corps, the forerunner for the modern day Royal Australian Air Force. Officially named the Australian Aviation Corps, the name does not appear to have been widely promulgated. Flying training did not commence until 1914, and the first class of graduating pilots would go on to form the No. 1 Flight of the AFC. The first operational flight did not until 27 May 1915, when the Mesopotamian Half Flight was called on to assist the Indian Army in protecting British oil interests in what is now Iraq. More info on the Mesopotamian Half Flight can be found here:https://www.facebook.com//a.231815674822/2318288591544174/ Over the course of WWI, the AFC would expand to four operational squadrons, and four training squadrons. By the end of WWI, a total of 880 officers and 2,840 other ranks had served, of whom only 410 served as pilots and 153 as observers. Members of the AFC would see service in Egypt and Palestine, in France at Passchendaele and Lens; and during the Hundred Day Offensive where pilots flew reconnaissance and observation around Amines, and raids at Ypres, Arras and Lille. Casualties during the War included 175 dead, 111 wounded, 6 gassed and 40 captured. Pilots from the AFCs four operational squadrons claim to have destroyed or downed 527 enemy aircraft, and the Corps produced 57 flying aces. One member of the AFC Lieutenant Frank McNamara, received the only Victorian Cross awarded to an Australian airman during the war. Following the armistice, the AFC was slowly disbanded and formed into the Australian Air Corps. In 1921, the Australian Air Corps was succeeded by the Royal Australian Air Force, the organisation which exists today. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964

23.01.2022 These two WRAAF'S are on a recruiting campaign in Sydney(1970) They pose in front of the El Alamein Fountain at Kings Cross

22.01.2022 Francis "Frankie" John Hunt with his family onstage at the Welcome Home Concert in The Domain, Sydney. On 8 May 1969, Hunt enlisted with the 6th Battalion, The ...Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), as a Private (service number 39701) and served as a forward scout with the battalion in the Vietnam War. On 21 July 1969, he was on patrol with 3 Platoon, A Company, 6RAR, when Lieutenant Peter Hines stepped on a mine, which activated and killed the latter. The explosion injured several others, including Hunt, who was standing closest to Hines. Hunt was air-lifted to the military hospital in Vung Tau and then evacuated to Australia for further surgery at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital to amputate his severely injured legs. He spent 19 months in rehabilitation in Australia. In 1983, musician John Schuman wrote and released the song "I Was Only 19" which was performed by his band, Redgum. The song references Hunt and the mine explosion: "Frankie kicked a mine the day that mankind kicked the moon" and was performed onstage in The Domain for the Welcome Home Concert. #VietnamWarStories #vietnamveteran #lestweforget #ANZAC #VietnamVets #VietnamWar #anzacs Original description and photo sourced by: www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1270672.

21.01.2022 Our Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program continues to help our veterans who have received an assistance dog already, with many making incredible progress in manag...ing their PTSD symptoms. Veteran Mark, who served in the Australian Defence Force for 20 years in the medical corps, has been managing his PTSD with assistance from a mental health professional. After speaking with his health professional, Mark applied to DVAs Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program and has recently welcomed Murphy into his life. Today Mark is pleased to share with us the positive effect his assistance dog has already had on his everyday life. When I first saw Murphy my heart melted, he instantly came up to me and interacted with me. He was gentle and immediately reacted to the affection I showed him, Mark shared. The process with DVA has been fantastic from beginning to end, I will never forget the day Murphy appeared on my door step. The experience was exciting. For me, an assistance dog has been a life changing event. My confidence is improving and I am able to manage my anxiety better at times. Murphy has helped me transition back into the community and has reduced my self-isolation, Mark said. Veterans who are thinking about applying for the program should stop thinking about it and talk with DVA now. The unconditional love and companionship an assistance dog gives cannot be found in any other therapy. The single biggest change Murphy has had on me is allowing me to say, I have PTSD but I will be ok. For more information on the Psychiatric Assistance Dog program and to learn how to apply visit www.dva.gov.au/dogs

20.01.2022 Welcome home! #OurPeople from 7th Brigade - Australian Army recently finished their 14-days of hotel quarantine and returned home to their families following a ...two-month deployment to Victoria on #OpCOVID19Assist. While on deployment, the teams supported the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services with a range of tasks, including contact tracing and community outreach. We'd like to thank all personnel who have supported, and who continue to support, #YourADF's efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. To learn more about the Brigade's experience on deployment, head to https://www.army.gov.au//army-personnel-reunite-families-a.

19.01.2022 Afternoon veterans, Food for thought after sunray cluster let's us out of isolation https://defenceholidaysnq.com.au/

19.01.2022 On 22 November 75 years ago, Mrs Jessie Vasey held the first formal meeting of the War Widows’ Guild, now known simply as Australian War Widows. Dedicated to su...pporting Australia’s war widows, they have grown since that first meeting in Melbourne’s Assembly Hall, and in 2020 they support than 50,000 widows across the country. Formed to support the 10,000 war widows from the Second World War, today the Guild continues to serve Australian war widows from all wars and conflicts, providing financial and health support and companionship through lived experience. Earlier this year, Billie Hughes, a former National and State President of the Guild, was featured in our 75 Days, 75 Stories series, where she spoke about the formation of the organisation. You can listen here: https://www.dva.gov.au/new/75-days-75-stories/billie-hughes Thank you to the Guild for 75 years of supporting Australia’s war widows.

18.01.2022 afternoon all, enjoy

18.01.2022 Did you serve in Australias military forces and have a military tattoo? The Australian War Memorial wants to see them. Behind every military tattoo is a story ...of remembrance, mateship, identity and healing. Share a photo of your military ink on social media using the hashtag #InkintheLines and tell us what it means to you. Your tattoo could be shown on their digital display within the Ink in the Lines exhibition at the Memorial or on the Memorials website. Ink in the Lines will open 25 September 2020. See whats been shared at www.awm.gov.au/ink #InkintheLines

18.01.2022 #OTD Second Battle of Amman On the 25th of September 1918, Australians from the ANZAC Mounted Division participated in the Second Battle of Amman, winning a d...ecisive victory over the Turkish forces in Jordan and ultimately capturing the town. The Australian forces were placed under the command of New Zealand Major General Edward Chaytor, and comprised of mixed Australian and New Zealand forces including the Australian 1st and 2nd Light Horse Brigade, and the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Brigade. This force formed the ANZAC Mounted Division and were supported by the 20th Indian Brigade. In total, the Allied forces numbered approximately 11,000 men. The defences at Amman had been strengthened since March that year by a series of machineguns and redoubts. Additionally, the broken country surrounding the town provided a natural defensive feature. The town was held by the Ottoman 4th Army, and consisted of 6,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry supported by 74 artillery pieces and numerous machineguns. Chaytors ANZAC Mounted Division commenced their attack at 0600 on the 25th of September from the North West and successfully took a ridge overlooking Amman at 0830, defeating a force of 200 Turks armed with rifles and machineguns. Following further fighting, they captured 106 prisoners and four machineguns, but suffered some casualties from Turkish artillery and machinegun fire. The ANZACs then commenced the attack on the town in force, with the British 20th Indian Brigade in reinforcement. The attack was delayed by concealed machinegun fire from the towns Citadel, but by 1330 the New Zealand elements had successfully entered the town, with the Australians not far behind. By 1517, Turkish resistance had effectively collapsed and the Citadel was captured shortly after. The ANZACs were then occupied with clearing out the remaining Turkish snipers and capturing prisoners as they advanced throughout the city to occupy Hill 3039, a high feature on the opposite side of the town. In total, the ANZAC division suffered 16 men killed and 56 wounded. The allied forces captured 10,322 prisoners, 57 guns and 147 machineguns. The Anzac Mounted Division had captured Amman and 2,563 prisoners, 300 sick, ten guns and 25 machineguns. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.cwith the om/groups/2626189084317964

18.01.2022 Confronting scenes were unfolding as Australian troops arrived in East Timor for the INTERFET deployment, and Professor Major General Jeffrey Rosenfeld (Rtd.) t...ook much of it in his stride. I joined the ADF to serve my country and when called upon to serve I had no hesitation but to agree to deploy, he said. Working as a consultant surgeon to INTERFET Professor Rosenfeld worked around the clock to look after military personnel and the local populations diverse health needs. Sometimes, he would visit villages in the mountains to deliver remote health care, including administering antibiotics and vaccinations. Mostly though, he was based at the old museum of Dili which had converted into a hospital by the Australians. An average day at the hospital if there was one would start with ward rounds and patient reviews. Nobody knew how the rest of the day would unfold. Emergency cases ranged from draining abscesses to orthopaedic surgery, stitching up machete wounds and repairing gunshot wounds. What Professor Rosenfeld remembers most about his time in East Timor as part of INTERFET and Later with the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) is the camaraderie that developed while on overseas deployment. The very positive element of being on deployment is that you really do feel part of family. You know that everyone is looking after you, your welfare. Everyone has got everyones back and everyone has everyone elses welfare at heart. Were all trying to look after and protect each other. Read Professor Major General Jeffrey Rosenfeld full story here: http://interfet.rslvic.com.au/ Image Courtesy: Australian Defence Force and Professor Major General Jeffrey Rosenfeld

17.01.2022 Afternoon veterans, the link to DVA about non liability health care. Have a look and see if you are covered for this. Pass on to other veterans who may not know of this https://www.dva.gov.au//hea/non-liability-health-care-nlhc

17.01.2022 In 'Imagining Centaur, celebrated contemporary artist Dean Bowen explores the tragic story of the sinking of the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur on 14 May 1943.... The exhibition features a specially commissioned animation of Bowens charcoal drawings by Japanese audio-visual artist, Ayumi Sasaki. The animation is a wonderful synergy of several creative minds, from two nations, once enemies now friends, which bring to life Bowen's beautiful, unsettling but ultimately hopeful vision. See the full animation, hear survivor interviews and learn more about the exhibition: shorturl.at/jyLP0 #lestweforget #vpday75 #victoriaremembers

16.01.2022 Brigadier Arthur Godfrey January 26th 1896 November 4th 1942.

16.01.2022 Today marks the anniversary of the departure of the first Australian and New Zealand contingents from Albany, Western Australia, bound for Egypt. The men sailed... in a convoy of 38 Australian troopships (36 from Albany and 2 from Fremantle) and 10 from New Zealand. Precious cargo on board the troopships included over 21,000 Australians, 8,500 New Zealanders, 12,000 horses from both countries along with medical and military equipment and supplies. Only one in three of those who sailed in the first convoy would return physically unscathed at the end of the WWI. We thank these selfless ANZACs for their bravery and service, and honour those who paid the supreme sacrifice. #thankyou Image Courtesy: AWM

16.01.2022 So, defence wants to buy a dog for 50 bucks. DMO says no, not when we can buy a cat for 30. DMO goes ahead and purchases a cat. After years of field trials, it is decided that the cat cannot perform the function of a dog. Defence says look, we can still get a dog for 50 bucks, it's all good. DMO says no, we've already got the cat, and we can retrofit it out to perform the function of a dog for only 45 bucks! Thats still cheaper than the dog! DMO kit the cat out, and with a lo...t of screaming and shouting, the cat almost passes the tests. DMO decide to lower the standard of the test because it is unfair on the cat, who is feeling belittled because it is expected to pass the dog test. DMO hire a cat specialist for 30 bucks to design a testing process for the cat. Once the testing process is tailored to suit the cat, it passes with flying colours! DMO supply defence with the upgraded cat. Once in use, defence discovers that the cat is not functional as a dog, and demands a dog. DMO have no money left to purchase a dog after project cat blew out the budget, and defence has no choice but to put up with the cat." See more

15.01.2022 #OTD HMAS Voyager Scuttled On the 22nd of September 1942 the destroyer HMAS Voyager left Darwin carrying the 2/4th Australian Independent Company, which was t...o relieve the 2/2nd Australian Independent Company. The 2/2nd had been waging a guerrilla war against the Japanese in Portuguese Timor since February that year. The ship made passage safely to Betano Bay, on the south coast of Timor, where the change-over was to take place. Disembarkation was in progress when currents caught and swung the ship on its anchors, causing her to ground solidly at the stern. Efforts made to free her were unavailing, and next day Japanese bombers attacked the ship relentlessly. On the 25th of September. The Voyager's crew exploded demolition charges on board and, for good measure, she was fired fore and aft early next morning to prevent her being salvaged by the Japanese. The crew were later evacuated to Darwin by the corvette, HMAS Warrnambool. Image: Painting of the HMAS Voyager being scuttled --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.cwith the om/groups/2626189084317964

15.01.2022 #OTD Battle of Bumi River On the 23rd of September 1943, the 2/13th and 2/15th Australian Infantry Battalions participated in the Battle of Bumi River in Papu...a New Guinea. Following the landing at Scarlet Beach the day before, the Australians commenced their advance on the Japanese held town of Finschhafen. The Japanese positions along the southern bank of the river would mark the first significant challenge for the advancing Australians. The Australians initially attempted to outflank the Japanese positions by sending a force inland to the west, climbing through steep terrain and dense jungle. The troops were able to find a suitable crossing inland, but the Japanese, anticipating such a tactic, had placed a team of Marines on a high feature overlooking the river. The Japanese opened fire just as the lead section approached the river bank, killing one and wounding a number of other soldiers. The Australians withdrew, before bringing up six 3-inch mortars and began firing on the Japanese positions. The 2/13th were then ordered to advance and secure a bridgehead over the Bumi, through which the Australians would then advance to capture Finschhafen. At this stage, the Australians were still approximately 350 yards away from the river. In the early hours of the 24th, the 2/15th with the 2/13th close behind commenced the advance towards the river. Observing barbed wire on the opposite shore, the lead platoon was ordered to move 150 yards up the river to find a better spot. During the reconnaissance, the platoon commander and a captain were killed by a sniper. The Australians then began to cross the river in earnest. As the company formed up, the enemy firing from the opposite bank inflicted three casualties but were shortly silenced by machinegun fire. During the crossing, the water reached the mens waists but only one man was killed most of the Japanese strength appeared to be farther downstream. With the lead company across, the remaining troops of the 2/15th and 2/13th began the crossing. Despite harassing fire from snipers and machineguns further downstream, they were able to cross with no further casualties. The Battle of Bumi River saw the Australians successfully bypass a strong Japanese defensive position along the river to capture the key positions of Snells Hill and Starvation Hill overlooking Finschhafen. Given the well established enemy line, the Australians were fortunate to come through with such few casualties. For their actions, the 2/13th and 2/15th were awarded the battle honour Bumi River. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.cwith the om/groups/2626189084317964

14.01.2022 #OTD RAN CDT3 awarded US Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation On the 23rd of September 1969, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Clearance Diving Team 3 (CDT3) was ...awarded the US Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation for conspicuous service during the Vietnam War. CDT3 was an elite group of 49 officers and men trained in explosive ordnance disposal who embodied the units motto United and Undaunted. The first contingent of six personnel arrived in Vietnam on 6 February 1967 and commenced operations to prevent enemy sabotage of friendly during Operation STABLEDOOR in Vung Tang. During this operation, the men successfully defused a number of devices planted by Vietcong sappers, and also participated in clearances of Vietcong tunnel complexes for weapons caches. For their service, the first contingent would be recognised with the US Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation for conspicuous service from the 19th of February to 30th of June 1967. In August 1970 the team was relieved by South Vietnamese Navy personnel. During the three and half years on Operation STABLEDOOR, CDT3 searched 7,441 ships. In total, eight contingents served in CDT3 for six to seven month rotations across four years of service. The only fatal casualty suffered by CDT3 was a young sailor who was killed during a motor vehicle accident whilst on exchange with an American unit in Cam Ranh Bay. CDT3 was disbanded in 1971 and was not reformed until 1991. Their legacy was carried on by their successors, who would go on to serve in the Gulf War and the 2003 Iraq Campaign. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.cwith the om/groups/2626189084317964

14.01.2022 Evening veterans, Employment opportunities at the RSL. It might be ofninterst to you or someone you know. http://www.rslvic.com.au/work-with-us/careers/

14.01.2022 21 years ago today, the first Australians from the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) arrived in Dili to assist with the restoration of peace and sec...urity in the region. What followed was the largest deployment of Australian troops since the Vietnam War, with 5,500 #YourADF personnel contributing to the 22 nation regional force. Today, we say thank you to #OurPeople and their families for their support to the INTERFET mission. We continue to support Timor-Leste and its people, and commemorate the courage, sacrifice and solidarity shown throughout our shared history. #GoodSoldiering

12.01.2022 #OTD Lieutenant Leslie Maygar, VC, DSO On the 23rd of November 1901, Lieutenant Leslie ‘Elsie’ Cecil Maygar took part in an action that would see him awarde...d Australia’s highest award for bravery, the Victoria Cross. At the outbreak of the Second Boer War, Maygar was serving in the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles as a Lieutenant. On this day in 1901, whilst fighting at Geelhoutboom, Natal, Maygar galloped out and ordered men of a detached post, which was being outflanked, to retire. The horse of one of his men was shot under him when the enemy were within 200 yards and he dismounted and lifted the man on to his own horse. Unfortunately, his horse bolted, forcing both to dismount. Maygar put the man on its back and told him to gallop for cover, whilst he continued on foot. This all occurred under very heavy fire. For his actions that day, Maygar was awarded the Victoria Cross. Maygar would later reenlist in the First World War, where he would rise to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before being mortally wounded in action at Beersheba in 1917. In addition to the Victoria Cross, he was also awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his command during WWI, and was also Mentioned in Despatches four times. Maygar was the sixth and final Australian to be awarded the Victoria Cross for service in the Boer War. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964

12.01.2022 Have you registered your #VeteranHealthWeek event with us? Veterans Health Week events are a great chance to engage with veterans in your local community and p...romote the importance of health in all aspects on your life from keeping fit and active, to keeping engaged socially. When planning your event, remember to account for any state or territory coronavirus restrictions that may be present during your event. For more information on hosting an event visit: www.dva.gov.au/vhw

12.01.2022 A bit of history for you

11.01.2022 Looking forward to having barefoot bowls running in the future.

11.01.2022 #OTD Charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade at Beersheba The charge of the 4th Australian Light Horse at Beersheba late in the afternoon of 31 October 1917, is... remembered as the last great Australian cavalry charge. The assault on Beersheba began at dawn and involved the infantry divisions of the British XX Corps with artillery and air support. Despite repeated attacks, the Allies were unable to capture the town by mid afternoon. With time running out for the Australians to capture Beersheba and its wells before dark, Lieutenant General Harry Chauvel, the Australian commander of the Desert Mounted Corps, ordered Brigadier General William Grant, commanding the 4th Light Horse Brigade, to make a mounted attack directly towards the town. Chauvel knew from aerial photographs that the Turkish trenches in front of the town were not protected by barbed wire. The Australian Light Horse was to be used purely as cavalry for the first time. Although they were not equipped with cavalry sabres, the Turks who faced the long bayonets held by the Australians did not consider there was much difference between a charge by cavalry and a charge by mounted infantry. The Light Horse moved off at the trot, and almost at once quickened to a gallop. As they came over the top of the ridge and looked down the long, gentle open slope to Beersheba, they were seen by the Turkish gunners, who opened fire with shrapnel. But the pace was too fast for the gunners. After three kilometres Turkish machine-guns opened fire from the flank, but they were detected and silenced by British artillery. The rifle fire from the Turkish trenches was wild and high as the Light Horse approached. The front trench and the main trench were jumped and some men dismounted and then attacked the Turks with rifle and bayonet from the rear. Some galloped ahead to seize the rear trenches, while other squadrons galloped straight into Beersheba. The 4th and 12th Light Horse casualties were thirty-one killed and thirty-six wounded; they captured over 700 men. The capture of Beersheba meant that the Gaza-Beersheba line was turned. Gaza fell a week later and on 9 December 1917, the British troops entered Jerusalem. The Australian victory at Beersheba marked one of the last great charges of mounted troops in history, the Australian Light Horse Brigade captured the town and secured crucial water wells. Their victory marked the beginning of the end of the war in the Middle East. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964

11.01.2022 Evening veterans, Have a look at this site and learn some of our military histroy from WW2 https://wwiiathome.com.au/

11.01.2022 We encourage community groups and organisations to consider applying for funding from the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program for projects and a...ctivities that mark the 55th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Grants are also available for projects and activities that commemorate other aspects of the Vietnam War, and other conflicts and operations. Submit your application by 11 February 2021. Further information, including how to apply, can be found on the Community Grants Hub website: https://www.communitygrants.gov.au//saluting-their-service

10.01.2022 afternoon all, a animation about how the best rifle worked https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsj-uuhGdCY

10.01.2022 Get in quick this opportunity won't last long! Email your CV to [email protected]

10.01.2022 Ever since Peter Liston can remember hes felt the entrepreneurial itch, but it was the skills and experience gained during service that gave him the confiden...ce to step out on his own. Since discharging from the Army in 2017, Peter has founded three organisations, including the Veteran Community Business Chamber, dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurial aspirations of veterans, serving members and their partners. Read more about Peters story here: https://www.veteransemployment.gov.au//becoming-your-own-b. #VeteransEmployment #TYFYS

09.01.2022 Today we commemorate the Battle of Beersheba. On 31 October 1917, the heavily fortified town of Beersheba, in what is now Israel, was the scene of a historic mo...unted charge by the men of the 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade. Commencing at dusk, the brigade stormed the town, using their bayonets as swords. The momentum of the surprise attack carried them through the Turkish defences securing the town before it could be destroyed by the retreating Turkish force. The unconventional approach was a successthe town and its wells were secured, providing the 60,000 allied troops with access to the region’s only dependable source of water. However, 31 men from the Light Horse lost their lives and an additional 36 were wounded. Sadly, at least 70 horses also died during the charge. This coming November, please remember to buy a poppy or donate as we honour all of those who served our country, both past and present, and thank them for their bravery. #thankyou

08.01.2022 Have a look at this page. Great effort Jules.

08.01.2022 Happy 100th birthday to Joan Johnston (nee Lees). Born in Rose Bay, Sydney, Joan enlisted with the Australian Womens Army Service in October 1942 and was a cor...poral stationed in Wollongong and Sydney. Joan feels the best things about serving were the friendships and the company. After the war, Joan married Charles (who passed away in 1998) and settled into home life. Charles also served in the Australian Army with the 2/1st Australian Infantry Battalion from October 1939 until September 1945. He was a POW in Europe. Joan credits her long life to a healthy lifestyle. She is still very active does crosswords and puzzles on her tablet, and knits. On Tuesdays, school children come after school to pack Care Packages for Australian deployed troops and Joan marks the roll and does the address labels. The group is known as the Aberdeen Care Package Cadets. Joan also enjoys moving from chair to chair. Happy birthday Joan and thank you for your service. #TYFYS #OurVeterans

06.01.2022 Afternoon veterans, Have a read about the airforce https://www.contactairlandandsea.com//raaf-dropped-royal-/

05.01.2022 Evening veterans

04.01.2022 RSL Victoria proudly supports the Australian War Memorial and their coverage of the daily The Last Post Ceremony. The Last Post Ceremony streams live from the M...emorial in Canberra at 4.55 pm every day, where it gives us a chance to pay our respects to those who have served our country. To tune in live daily, please visit the official Australian War Memorial Facebook page. #lestweforget

04.01.2022 Evening veterans, This may be of interest to you or someone you know. https://www.nbnco.com.au//dev/medical-alarms/upgrade-offer

04.01.2022 #OTD Private Luke Worsley, KIA Today we pause to remember the life and service of 8265028 Private Luke James Worsley, who was killed in action on the 23rd of... November 2007 whilst fighting in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. Private Luke Worsley enlisted into the Australian Regular Army on the 23rd of October 2001. After completing his Recruit Training he was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry Corps and commenced his Initial Employment Training at Singleton, NSW on the 15th of April 2002. At the completion of his Initial Employment Training, Luke was posted to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. During his service with 1 RAR, Luke deployed to East Timor as part of OPERATION CITADEL, providing security to the people of East Timor. After two years of service with the 1st Battalion, and looking for more of a challenge, Luke applied for selection with the 4th Battalion, (Commando) The Royal Australian Regiment. He was successful his attempt, and Luke went on to complete the Commando suite of courses, becoming ‘beret’ qualified in 2004. Luke deployed with Delta Commando Company Group to Afghanistan in 2006. Upon return from his rotation, Luke was posted to Bravo Commando Company Group and deployed with them to Afghanistan in September that year. On the 23rd of November 2007, Luke was killed by small arms fire while participating in a planned and deliberate attack by Australian forces against Taliban leaders and their supporters in Oruzgan Province. He was 26 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

03.01.2022 An interesting perspective from Peta Credlin, well worth the read . . . Peta Credlin. (Daily Telegraph) Forgive me if I reject headlines that declare the Australian Army a national disgrace, or demand that the Australian War Memorial pack away its SAS display....Continue reading

03.01.2022 Afternoon veterans, FYI.

02.01.2022 Morning veterans, Another day is about to begin. Stay safe, keep the mind active, get outside, avoid watching the news unless you want your blood pressure to go through the roof and don't forget about all those the phone numbers I post.

02.01.2022 Evening veterans, Have a read of this article and see what you think https://www.contactairlandandsea.com//proposal-to-raise-a/

01.01.2022 #OTD LCDR Stanley Darling awarded second DSC in less than seven days On the 14th of November 1944, Lieutenant Commander Stanley Darling, RANVR, was awarded th...e Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for the second time in seven days for his actions whilst in command of anti-submarine operations in the Atlantic Ocean. He would retire from the Navy at the rank of Captain having been appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and been awarded the DSC and two Bars. Stanley Waldron Darling was born at Bellerive, Tasmania, in 1907. He was educated at The Hutchins School and studied engineering at the University of Tasmania. In 1931 he was a radio announcer with the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) at Hobart. By the outbreak of World War II, Darling was a Lieutenant Commander in the RANVR. His background led him naturally towards the use of Asdic equipment and Darling was one of the specialists loaned to the Royal Navy in August 1940. After commanding anti-submarine vessels varying from trawlers to frigates on convoy escort in the Atlantic, Darling was given command of the new frigate HMS Loch Killin. She was equipped with the Squid, which used a mortar to throw a depth charge ahead of the ship, so that the ship did not have to pass over her submerged target and lose its Asdic signal. In 1944 Darling joined Captain Johnnie Walker’s Second Support Group, which was deployed in the South Western Approaches and English Channel to keep the seas clear for the Normandy landings. On a single patrol in 1944 Darling sank two U-boats and assisted in the sinking of two more. He was awarded his first DSC for ‘courage, resolution and skill’ in destroying U-333 in the Channel on July 31 1944, and a Bar for forcing U-736 to the surface and sinking her on 6 August. Darling detected U-736 at close range; he turned towards her and, slowing to establish Asdic contact and set his weapons, fired the Squid. The depth charges’ explosion set off two torpedoes coming from the U-boat. The massive blast a few yards from Loch Killin blew U-736 to the surface and, as a fountain of water settled around both vessels, Loch Killin ran over the German submarine. On April 15 1945, Darling sank U-1063, the last German submarine to be lost in the English Channel. For his courage, outstanding efficient and devotion to duty he was awarded a Second Bar to his DSC, just seven days after his first. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964