NEWSLETTER ISSUE 6/2017 October 1 SSuuppppoorrtt,, ffrriieennddsshhiipp,, vvaalluueess -- sshhaarriinngg aa lloovvee ooff AAiirr FFoorrccee aanndd aavviiaattiioonn RAAF ASSOCIATION [[A ACCTT DDiivviissiioonn]] Inside this Issue Welcome Battle of Coral & Balmoral Battle for Australia ceremony Battle of Britain ceremony Last Post ceremony DVA National Health week 37 SQN plaque Lake Cruise lunch Veterans Advisory council th RAAF 100 Anniversary RAAF Roundel RAAF Blue Ensign Memorial Grove working bee RAAF s new spy planes Committee activities IBC Centre opening Membership renewals ARDU Mirage Division Calendar Meetings Submissions Our Mission Information Contacts Lake Cruise Form Renewal form 1 1 2 WELCOME As I had advised by email on Friday 29th, Air Vice Marshal Brent Espeland (Ret d) passed away at about 1000hrs on Friday 29 September. He had been recovering from brain tumour surgery but experienced a fall from which he did not recover. Very sad and tragic indeed. 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 6 The loss of a truly fine gentleman. Not a lot has happened committee-wise since the previous newsletter but that does not mean we have been idle. Work continues on the membership database and ensuring consistency with the National Membership database. If it is practical, our intention once the finances have moved fully to MYOB is to get rid of our local membership database and move to using the NATMEMS for all membership recording and administration. The planning for the Lake Cruise Lunch is well underway and the tickets have been purchased. Please book as early as possible refer to the booking form attached. We are also planning a working bee out at the Memorial Grove on 25 October. The RAAF Personnel Division has decided to support the RAAF memorial Grove and will be attending the working bee. 6 Yes its that time again!!! No not Christmas but membership renewal time. 7 Please renew as per the attached form as early as possible before the Christmas break. 8 R RA AA AFFA AA AC CTT D Diivv -- C Coom mm miitttteeee 8 BATTLES OF COARL & BALMORAL 8 As mentioned in previous newsletter, May 2018 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Battles of Coral and Balmoral Fire Support Bases in Vietnam. The national ceremony will be held in Canberra on ANZAC Parade on 13 May 2018. 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 11 12 These were most significant for Australia during the Vietnam War and ones that need to have a special place in our commemorations. Put the date in the diary.
2 BATTLE B FOR AUSTRALIA CEREMONY The Battle for Australia ceremony was held at the AWM on Wednesday 6 September and again was very well attended. The ceremony is growing each year both in terms of numbers and also in terms of the significance being placed on this ceremony as part of our history. The ceremony was held inside this year due to the inclement weather. As usual Dr Nelson gave an outstanding commemorative address and it was wonderful to see so many veterans in attendance. We all owe Ron and Jan Usher and Doug Hurst (members of the ACT Division) a huge vote of thanks for their significant contributions to the planning and execution of this ceremony. BATTLE OF BRITAIN CEREMONY The 77 th anniversary of the Battle of Britain ceremony was held at the AWM as part of its Last Post Ceremony on Friday 15 September. The event was very well attended and the Division paid wreaths on behalf of the RAAF Association and the ACT Division. Photographs of both these AWM events can be found at [insert link] LAST POST CEREMONY 5 OCTOBER Roll of Honour John Warren Alexander Farthing Service number 421860 Final Rank Unit Service Flight Sergeant No. 460 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force Conflict/Operation Second World War, 1939-1945 Conflict Eligibility Date Second World War, 1939-1947 Date of Death 02 January 1944 Place of Death Cause of Death Cemetery or Memorial Details United Kingdom Flying Battle Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom Please consider attending this and other Last Post ceremonies.
NEWSLETTER ISSUE 6/2017 October 3 DVA NATIONAL HEALTH WEEK 23 27 OCTOBER 2017 The Division has decided to not undertake any specific activities for this year s National Health week however, the following invitation from the Communications Branch of the Royal Australian Navy Association might be of interest to some. I would like to invite all associations affiliated with KOC, all ex servicemen and women, all current serving ADF members and all their families and friends to join us in a 5 Kilometre walk around the Central Basin Lake Burley Griffin on Wednesday 25th October. This walk will start and finish at the HMAS Canberra Memorial, Wendouree Drive, Central Basin, Lake Burley Griffin. You can start anytime between 1200 and 1300. I will be in attendance until all have finished. No registrations or prizes. All walkers and joggers should come prepared with sun screen, hat, sunglasses etc as necessary. Regards, Ken Eynon President RANCBA (ACT) Please contact Bob Weight if you would like to join a RAAFA-ACT group for a leisurely stroll around the Lake. 37 SQUADRON PLAQUE DEDICATION The 37 SQN plaque was dedicated at 1100hrs on Friday 15 September. A large number of serving and exsquadron personnel braved a very cold morning to attend the memorial Grove for this event. The event was hosted by the President of the 37 SQN Association and he was supported by the current CO of the Squadron. A C130H made two fly pasts just prior to the formal dedication. Mike Matters (ex-co) with current CO No 37 SQN plaque
NEWSLETTER ISSUE 6/2017 October 4 LAKE CRUISE LUNCH SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER As advised in previous newsletter the annual Lake Cruise lunch will be held on Sunday 22 October. We have purchased 20 tickets for the lunch with a number already sold. But we could do with a few more participants. This is usually a great day on the lake and is always a very good lunch. Please use the booking form attached to secure your place for this great activity. VETERANS ADVISORY COUNCIL The Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) provides advice to the ACT Government on matters relating to veterans and the veterans community. The objectives of the council include to: Research, monitor and provide advice about matters relating to veterans, including issues relating to mental and physical health, welfare, disability, ageing, employment, social inclusion and participation; Promote the wellbeing of the veterans community; and Promote cooperation and collaboration across organisations dealing with issues affecting the veterans community. The Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) is made up of community members with a material interest in issues affecting the veterans community in the Australian Capital Territory. No less than half of the members will be current or ex-members of the Australian Defence Force. To get in contact with the Veterans Advisory Council please contact the Secretariat: Office for Veterans and Seniors GPO Box 158 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Phone: 6205 2598 Email: communityparticipation@act.gov.au Bbbbbb Website: http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/wac/ageing/councils Please let us know if you want to be added to our Newsletter mailing list (email or postal), or if you have an article you would like included in future editions, by emailing communityparticipation@act.gov.au or post to The Office for Veterans and Seniors, GPO Box 158, CANBERRA ACT 2601 RAAF 100th ANNIVERSARY 2021 The RAAF is celebrating its 100th anniversary throughout 2021. We will keep you all informed of RAAF, RAAFA and ACT Division planned activities and major events.
NEWSLETTER ISSUE 6/2017 October 5 WHERE DID THE RAAF s ROUNDEL COME FROM? (Acknowledgement RAAF News) ONE of Air Force s most enduring symbols is the roundel displayed on the fuselage and wings of all Service aircraft. This comprises an outer blue circle, an inner white circle and a red hopping kangaroo in the centre, always facing the front. The roundel first appeared on French aircraft at the start of WWI, as both sides realised the necessity for quick identification of their own aircraft, to avoid blue on blue engagements. The French adopted three concentric circles, using the national colours of red, white and blue in the centre. In October 1914, the British adopted the roundel in royal blue, white and red in the centre. The Australian Flying Corps adopted the same roundel and retained it after the formation of the RAAF in 1921. After the start of WWII, a yellow circle was painted outside the roundel. Then, in the Pacific theatre, a RAAF Catalina was attacked by a US Navy aircraft. The pilot mistook the red inner circle for the distinctive Japanese red Rising Sun meatball. From then on, in the Pacific, Australian aircraft removed the red circle. After the war, the RAAF decided to adopt its own, Australian roundel. Options considered included the Southern Cross, a boomerang and a sprig of wattle. Another was the red kangaroo and this was formally adopted on July 2, 1956. Fifty years later, the Australian roundel continues to be flown with pride on operations and exercises around the world, and is an easily-recognisable symbol of Air Force s tradition, history and professionalism in peace and war.
6 WHERE DID THE RAAF s BLUE ENSIGN COME FROM? (Acknowledgement RAAF News) An Ensign is an official flag or banner, normally used by a country or a country s services. The RAAF Ensign is flown in place of the Australian National Flag (ANF) at its various establishments in Australia and overseas and is used by the Chief of Air Force as his official banner on ceremonial occasions. The Australian Airforce was formed on the 31 st March 1921 (The Royal bit came into being on the 13 th August 1921) and the new arm of the fighting services needed its own distinctive ensign. Initially it adopted the Royal Air Force (RAF) ensign which became the RAAF s ensign as the new force came into being. In 1948, there was concern that the continued use of the same ensign would create confusion between the two air forces and a design based on the ANF was created. The new ensign retained the light blue of the British ensign and the Commonwealth Star and Southern Cross of the ANF, but included the roundel, reduced in size. The Southern Cross stars were rotated 20 degrees clockwise to fit the roundel. In 1956, the red kangaroo replaced the red circle in the Australian roundel but the standard red-dot roundel was retained on the flag, however, the Vietnam war created some confusion as the UK was not involved, so the use of the existing roundel without the roo became inappropriate and as a result, on the 6th May 1952, the present RAAF ensign (above) entered service. MEMORIAL GROVE WORKING BEE We will be having a working bee at the RAAF Memorial Grove on Wednesday 25 October 2017 starting around 10.30 AM. Should only take about an hour and a half to two hours and we will have a snack/drink after (BBQ sausage sambos). Please contact Bob Weight re details if you want to help. Thus year we will be supported by the RAAF Personnel Division.
7 THE RAAF S NEW SPY-PLANES (Courtesy of The Weekend Australian) Earlier this year, the US government gave in-principle approval for Australia to purchase up to five Gulfstream G550 modified intelligence and surveillance aircraft. The deal, which was mooted in last year s Defence white paper, will sharply boost the RAAF s intelligence capabilities. The highly secretive G550 is expected to be able to fly for more than 12 hours non-stop with a range of more than 12,000km. The aircraft will have airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare mission systems and will cost about $US1.3bn. This price includes the aircraft modifications, ground systems, crew training and engineering and logistics. The project involves converting the luxury Gulfstream jets into state-of-the-art spy planes. The RAAF will acquire the G550 aircraft from the early 2020s, in two tranches, and they will be incrementally upgraded to maintain commonality with US-developed systems. They will complement the Australian fleet of six E-7A Wedgetail airborne early-warning-and-control aircraft and the eight Poseidon P-8A surveillance planes, giving Australia its most advanced aerial intelligence capabilities yet. It will also increase the inter-operability between the US Air Force and the RAAF. The sale supports and complements the ongoing efforts of Australia to modernise its electronic warfare capability focusing on electronic intelligence (ELINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) gathering. Although no formal statement on the deployment of the Gulfstream has been announced by the Department of Defence, it would seem sensible to co-locate those aircraft at Edinburgh to help build greater mission commonality and enhance the ADF s ability to coordinate complex intelligence gathering missions that occur within a joint operational environment.
8 COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES The committee has been and is involved in the following activities: Attended the Battle for Australia Day ceremony Attended 37 SQN plaque dedication Attended Battle of Britain reception at British High Commission residence Attended Battle of Britain Last Post ceremony Attending the RAAFA National Council Meeting Continued work with NC in regard to move to Company Limited by Guarantee Follow-up activities from National Council strategy workshop Attended the 315 SQN (AAFC) Dining In night Attended general meeting of the ACT Kindred Organisations Committee (KOC) Attended Battles of Coral & Balmoral commemorative ceremony meeting Attended War Widows spring luncheon Finalising arrangements for the 2017 Lake Cruise lunch INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE OPENING Attached to the newsletter is an extract from the recent IBCC newsletter, advising that the opening of the Centre has been incorporated into the events celebrating the RAF s centenary. The opening is scheduled for 12 April 2018. MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Please note membership renewals are due 1 January 2018. To avoid having to do this over the Christmas break we ask that memberships be renewed during November. Please refer to the renewal form attached. ARDU MIRAGE (photo courtesy of Bob Grant and RAM magazine)
9 2017 RAAFA-ACT EVENT CALENDAR Sunday 22 October Lake Cruise Lunch Wednesday 25 October Memorial Grove Working Bee TBA Xmas lunch MEETINGS We invite all members and to join us at our scheduled RAAFA ACT Div meetings and get-togethers as detailed in the Division s calendar of events. These are held mostly at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla, ACT commencing at 1230h. We welcome new ideas and suggestions and value the contributions of all who have an interest in supporting the committee to forge a path toward achieving our mission and objectives; and that is, to strengthen and sustain our association, support our members and the wider defence community and maintain relevance now and into the future. SUBMISSIONS Submissions or requests for discussion topics for the newsletter are to sent direct to the RAAFA ACT Div Newsletter Editor at: bob.weight@bigpond.com We are particularly interested in personal stories and anecdotes (with pictures preferably) from members service and/or personal histories. So please send any items to Bob Weight or even if you would like to see something explained or detailed just let us know.
10 RAAFA (ACT DIVISION) MISSION To foster friendships based on sharing Air Force and aviation experiences; to support commemorative activities, heritage and records of history; and to provide for the welfare of members through advice, liaison and representation. Patron: President: Air Marshal David Evans AC DSO AFC (Retd) Mr Bob Weight INFORMATION For membership and general enquiries please contact: RAAF Association (ACT Division) Secretary Mr James Elsbury Email: secactraafa@bigpond.com SUPPORT Mobile: 0428 622105 CONTACTS President Bob Weight - 0412 427 346 - bob.weight@bigpond.com Secretary James Elsbury - 0428 622105 - secactraafa@bigpond.com FRIENDSHIP Vice President Vacant Treasurer Judy Webster - judykw@iinet.net.au Newsletter Editor Bob Weight Committee Mac Cottrell - macthefac@tpg.com.au Arthur Skimin - 12/1-5 MacNaughton St, HOLT ACT 2515 VALUES
NEWSLETTER ISSUE 6/2017 October 11 RESERVATIONS PROFORMA LAKE CRUISE LUNCHEON 1200-1430, Yacht Club, Yarralumla. (Arrive by 1130) Name:... Number attending Ph:. (for postal bookings only) Cost: $70 per person TOTAL AMOUNT $ (Please tick option below) [ ] Cheque - (made out to RAAF Association ACT Division); or [ ] Direct Debit* - (Account No: 0342 0295 BSB: 805 022) Add Lake Cruise Lunch and your name in the reference section. Send email advice to Judy at judykw@iinet.net.au and bob.weight@bigpond.com or [ ] Call Bob - You may call Bob Weight on 0412 427 346 to book and arrange to pay on the day When paying by cheque, post this proforma to arrive by 1700 hrs Wednesday 19 July 2017 to Bob Weight PO Box 111 Campbell ACT 2612 or bring and pay on the day. Note: There is no capacity for last minute arrivals and lunch can only be provided for those who have pre-booked
12 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL 2018 Membership subscriptions for the ACT Division fall due on 1 January each year. We would greatly appreciate it if you would please now forward payment for your 2017 membership. Subscriptions fee - $30. Membership also entitles you to receive the quarterly RAAF Association s magazine Wings. If you have received this form by post and have an email address can you please provide us with that address so we communicate with you and send newsletters to you via email... @... REMITTANCE DETAILS Please complete the information below and return to Membership Officer, PO Box 111 Campbell ACT 2612 I wish to pay $30 by (please check the appropriate box): Cheque or money order - (made out to RAAF Association ACT Division); or Direct Debit* - (Account No: 0342 0295 BSB: 805 022) * Account Name: AFC & RAAF Association ACT Division (Please place 2017 subs with your name in the reference section) Please email direct debit advice to the Treasurer/Membership Officer Judy Webster): judykw@iinet.net.au NAME (BLOCK LETTERS) ADDRESS: