|
Volume 22 Number 2 |
May 2010 |
What's in this Issue
(Click on link to read article - Press `Home`
key to return to
here)
President's Report
 It
has been rather busy time since the last newsletter. I will separate each
occasion or topic in this report to make it easier to read.
Graduation Class
Activities
Earlier in the year Bruce Davis and I attended a social evening to mark the
graduation of staff cadets who had just graduated at RMC. QURA
presented an award to the staff cadet who was deemed to be the most
consistent performing graduate over the years of training. Photos from
this occasion and the occasion of the graduation at RMC are seen within this
newsletter. The graduates were encouraged to become active members of
QURA.
Back to Regiment
Function
The Back to the Regiment function in February was a success again. We
had some more old faces turn up. It was great to regain contact with
them. Harry Standfast was able to attend to celebrate the 30th
anniversary of the Standfast Club. Harry was presented with an
engraved plaque, which will be mounted on the wall of the club. The CO
presented a personal commemorative medallion to Harry to mark the occasion.
Once again I must thank the CO and members of the Regiment for hosting us on
that evening. Photos can be seen within this newsletter.
Anzac Day
The Regiment again participated in a very moving Anzac Day ceremony at
Toowong. The number of QURA members attending was down from the usual.
Photos and speeches from the ceremony are enclosed in this newsletter.
The Regiment again hosted visitors at breakfast. The Regimental
members conducted some very spirited games of chance at breakfast and this
proved popular with those who attended. One of the most notable
differences from previous years was the band. Unfortunately due to
Army decisions the previous large and high profile members of the QUR band
were absent….. permanently! The number of band members has been
reduced to one or two. It is a great pity that Army decision makers
have been responsible for the complete destruction of a great band.
Enclosed in this newsletter are the speeches presented by the Commanding
Officer and the Unit Chaplain,
Annual Regimental
Dinner
The Annual Regimental Dinner was conducted on 8 May 2010 at Cromwell
College. Although fewer QURA members attended, the number of serving
unit officers attending was pleasing to see. Brigadier Peter Jeffrey
(Commander 11 Brigade) spoke of the unit and its very busy training
schedule of courses. Of particular note Dr Jennifer Parslow, daughter
of the late Brigadier Tom Parslow, ex CO and Honorary Colonel, presented
Tom’s ceremonial sword to the unit. It was Tom’s wish that his sword
be passed to QUR on his passing, as he had very fond memories of his time
associated with QUR.
The Commanding Officer presented newly struck special medallions to mark the
service of Honorary Colonels of the unit. Brigadier Sam Harrison and
Major General John Pearn were presented with their medallions on the night.
Major General Denis Luttrell was not able to attend on Saturday and will be
presented with his medallion at the next formal occasion.
Sculptured QUR Badge
within the University of Queensland
The University of Queensland is celebrating its centenary year in 2010.
To mark the close association of QUR and the disbanded Queensland University
Squadron (RAAF) with the University, the U of Q has invited both units to
have their badges sculptured into the shields on two of the sandstone columns which
make up the Great Court at the St Lucia campus. The badges will be
unveiled by the Governor General on Saturday 3 July 2010 in the morning,
around 1000 hours (time to be confirmed). All past members of both
units are invited. The Association will be giving the contact details
for all of its members in order for the U of Q Centennial Committee to send
personal invitations. If however, our contact details register is not
current, the University is interested that anyone wishing to attend is
personally invited by them. Members can contact the University
Centennial Committee to arrange for an invitation. (UQ Centenary
Secretariat, Phone 33467705 and or email centenary@uq.edu.au)
Final decisions are yet to be made for the format of the ceremony but it is
anticipated that the whole ceremony, including morning tea, will be
approximately two and a half hours in length.
At the AGM in 2009 the Association (QURA) agreed to fund the sculpturing of
the badges and this will be $5000. An application to the Department of
Veterans Affairs for a grant was successful to the value of $2000, leaving
an amount of $3000 for the Association to fund. QURA has now launched
a campaign to fund the project through donations from members. We
would appeal to all who would wish to be involved to consider donating to
the cost of the badges. All donations will be eligible for a taxation
deduction from the University. Should you wish to assist us to fund
the badges a special article is included within this newsletter explaining
how to donate. I appeal to all to ensure that this historic event is
successfully funded. It is noted that the carving of military badges
into sandstone walls within universities is an extremely rare event.
Annual General Meeting
and Dinner – Friday 10 September 2010
The Annual General Meeting and Dinner will be conducted on Friday 10
September 2010 at the United Service Club. Please put this date into
your diary. We will remind you of the function closer to the date.
Historical Collection
Every opportunity is taken to collect any documents, photos and items for
recording in the unit history. Currently all of the old photos and
documents are being scanned into electronic media format. This will
ensure that the photos and documents are preserved. These scans will
be available to all at a minimal charge to cover costs. The historical
collection is starting to suffer from age especially the articles which were
able to be recovered when the Regiment was flooded. I again appeal to
all to consider loaning any old photos and documents to the Association so
that we may scan them into the historical collection. We are even
interested in Admin Instructions, Joining Instructions, Exercise
Instructions, newsletters, parade cards etc. We will return them to
you after copies have been taken.
In an effort to record more history the Association wishes to obtain the CV
of all ex QUR members. We would wish to obtain these from all so that
they can be recorded into history thereby allowing the future generations to
undertake research on who passed through the gates. It will be also
interesting for families to research the military service of QUR members.
If you wish to participate in this historical project please send to us your
CV, including both civilian and military aspects. It would be
preferable to send it in electronic form through email. The CV will be
stored in a CV file and will form the basis of a large historical database
of members.
Recently we found a number of very old newsletters of QURA and have
displayed them on the QURA website. Please take time to view these
documents. It would be greatly appreciated if you could check to see
if you have any copies of newsletter still missing so we can complete the
collection.
Membership Checking
Project
The executive management committee is continuing with the checking of the
membership details of all. We also appeal to you all to forward the
names of any ex QUR members you meet so we can keep in contact. If you
get an email or surface mail communication from QURA please take the time to
check your contact details.
Northern Chapter of
QURA
Some members residing in north Queensland have suggested that they would
wish to establish a northern chapter of QURA. This is currently being
put into place. I am sure that the northern chapter would welcome any
contact with any members of QURA should you be travelling through
Townsville.
It has been a busy time this year. I look forward to meeting you again
at the unveiling of the sculptures on 3 July 2010 and at the Annual General
Meeting in September.
Please take the time to
maintain contact with us.
CO's Report
May 2010
Time passes quickly
when you are busy, and, for members of the Regiment, it is hard to
believe that we are already approaching the end of May. Most parts of
the Unit have been operating at full speed since early January and have
already achieved much in 2010.
In late February, several Officer Cadets attempted the final phase of
their First Appointment Course; a four week training block (TB5)
conducted at RMC. Those that successfully complete this last hurdle are
commissioned on the last night of the course. For QUR, this last night
was a memorable occasion:
• Adam Kelly was awarded the Student of Merit for the TB, the
Tactics Prize for the graduating class, and the Blamey Sword of
Honor for the overall top graduating cadet (noting that these are
all national awards);
• Analeise Voss became the first cadet from our NQ Company to be
commissioned in two years; and, most importantly,
• All QUR cadets that attempted the course completed it successfully
and were commissioned on the night.
The Honorary Colonel and I had the great pleasure of attending the
graduation and witnessing this significant milestone in the careers of
our cadets, in the presence of their families, the Chief of Army and
many other senior Army members.
So in our traditional realm of Officer Cadet training, the Regimental
family already has much to be proud of in 2010. Indeed, OCDT George from
our NQ Company has continued this success by recently securing the
Student of Merit award on the recent TB4.
Elsewhere in the Regiment, work continues unabated. To date in 2010, we
have delivered eight separate two week courses and two one week courses,
covering the full span of soldier, driver, officer and other specialist
training. At the request of the President, I have provided a list of the
Regiment’s training obligations for 2010, shown elsewhere in this
newsletter, so that members of the association can get an appreciation
from the scale and breadth of the training that the Regiment is now
responsible for.
The Regiment has also been busy outside of our training
responsibilities. ANZAC Day was a hectic time with the Unit supporting
both the Toowong and Indooroopilly services, and providing several
speakers and catafalque parties to various engagements in the lead up to
the day. The post-service activities at the Unit were a great success.
It was great to see so many people return back to the Regiment’s St
Lucia home and enjoy the traditional games and camaraderie well past
lunch time. I hope this success continues to build in future years.
At the recent Regimental Officers dinner, the Regiment was honoured to
accept a gracious bequest from the Parslow family. The sword of
Brigadier Tom Parslow, former Commanding Officer and Honorary Colonel
was presented to the Regiment by Dr Jenny Parslow (daughter) and Ms
Fiona Wiseman (granddaughter). It is quite humbling for the Unit to be
entrusted with such a treasured family item, and the Regiment will be
sure to take great care the sword on behalf of the Parslow family and
the wider Regimental family.
Finally, the Regiment is very much looking forward to the historic event
that is to occur on the 3rd of July, (as detailed by Trevor Luttrell in
this newsletter). Last year, the Regiment gratefully accepted the offer,
from the University, to have the Unit crest engraved in sandstone within
its Great Court, as part of the University’s centenary celebrations. The
crest will serve to give permanent recognition to the Regiment and to
the historic bond that exists between both institutions. Its unveiling
on July 3rd will be a significant occasion for the Regiment, with the
unveiling to be performed by Her Excellency, the Governor General.
Once again, I would like to thank the QURA, on behalf of the Regiment,
for its role in raising the funds required for the crest to be created.
Given the unique nature of the event (a University event with a military
theme) the Regiment requested that the University hosts consult with
Government House, to ensure that the appropriate military protocol is
understood. We will await the advice of the experts and follow their
direction regarding the format of proceedings.
The University has invited all members of the Regiment to the event,
along with all members of the QURA, so I look forward to seeing many of
you on the 3rd of July, for what will be a great day for the Regimental
Family.
Scientia ac Labore
Tim O'Brien
Lieutenant Colonel
Commanding Officer
Queensland University Regiment
The
following table summarises QUR’s training
responsibilities for 2010
|
Course |
Length (days) |
No. held |
Notes |
|
State
/ 11 BDE Courses: |
|
Infantry
IET Module 1 |
16 |
4 |
|
|
Infantry
IET Module 2 |
16 |
4 |
|
|
Driver
|
16 |
4 |
Various
licenses. |
|
Reserve
Response Force |
9 |
3 |
One in
NQ. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
National courses: |
|
Offr
Grade 3 – AR |
16 |
3 |
Akin to
Intermediate Staff Course |
|
Offr
Grade 3 – HRR |
16 |
3 |
High
Readiness Reserve |
|
Offr
Grade 2 – AR |
16 |
3 |
Akin to
Intermediate Operations Course |
|
Offr
Grade 2 – HRR |
16 |
2 |
High
Readiness Reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specialist courses: |
|
Cert 4 :
Training and Assessor |
9 |
2 |
Formal
instructional qualifications. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals:
23 x 16 day courses.
5 x 9 day courses.
= 413 days of formal
course delivery. |
|
Officer
Cadet training and Regimental training is in
addition to this. |
*****************************
2010 ANZAC Day Ceremony
QUR once again provided the guard at the ANZAC
Day Service held at Toowong Memorial Park, Sylvan Rd Toowong.
A number of QURA members attended the Ceremony and later attended a
Gunfire Breakfast provided by QUR at their Walcott St Depot.
REQUIEM
by Padre LTCOL Graeme Ramsden
At the Going Down of the Sun...
I crouched in a shallow trench on that Hell of
exploded beaches...
Steeply rising foothills bare of cover...
A landscape pockmarked with War's inevitable
litter...
Piles of stores...
Equipment...
Ammunition...
And the weird contortions of death sculptured in
Australian flesh...
I saw the going down of the Sun on that first Anzac
Day...
The chaotic maelstrom of Australia's blooding
I fought in the frozen mud of the Somme...
In a blazing Destroyer exploding on the North Sea...
I fought on the Perimeter of Tobruk ...
Crashed in the flaming wreckage of a fighter in New
Guinea ...
Lived with the damned in the place cursed with the
name Changi.
I was your Mate...
The kid across the street...
The Med. student at graduation...
The mechanic in the corner garage...
The baker who brought you bread...
The gardener who cut your lawn...
The clerk who sent your phone bill...
I was an Army Private...
A Naval Commander...
An Air Force Bomb aimer...
No man knows me...
No name marks my Tomb, for I am every Australian
serviceman...
I am the Unknown Soldier...
I died for a cause I held just in the service of my
land...
That you and yours may say in freedom...
I AM PROUD TO BE AN AUSTRALIAN
*****************************
ANZAC Day Address
by CO QUR LTCOL Tim O`Brien
Good morning to you all.
I consider it a privilege to be asked to deliver an ANZAC Day
address - and I would like to thank the Toowong Sub-Branch for
their invitation to do so again this year. Can I also commend
them on their organisation of yet another fine ANZAC Day
service.
ANZAC Day stands like a beacon on our national landscape.
Its date was set by an event that took place on the other side
of the world and almost a century ago. An event that is etched
indelibly into our Nation’s psyche; one from which we draw
national identity; and one from which has evolved a day of
national recognition - not only of those original ANZACs, but of
all men and women who have served in our Defence Force since
that day.
This morning, on this 95th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing,
I would like to briefly recount some of the events that took
place on the very first anniversary of Gallipoli. The purpose of
this is not to give a history lesson – but to give an insight as
to how the original ANZACs themselves commemorated ANZAC Day.
And I do this is because - I believe - an interesting conclusion
can be drawn about how we commemorate ANZAC Day, in modern
Australia.
The events I will refer to are taken from the War Diaries of an
Australian soldier, recording the events of April 25 1916 – the
first anniversary of ANZAC.
At that time, the AIF had withdrawn off the Gallipoli peninsular
and were based in Egypt, preparing for redeployment into Europe.
These are the words:
I turned out the
whole Brigade…at 6-45 in the morning. Every man who had served
on Gallipoli wore a blue ribbon on the right breast, and every
man who, in addition, had taken part in the historic landing on
April 25 wore a red ribbon also ………Alas, how few of us are left
who were entitled to wear both ! We then had a short but very
dignified service…..(later ) We spent the morning in cricket
matches and other amusement, and in the afternoon, the whole
Division went down to the Canal to swim and take part in a great
Aquatic Carnival…at times there were over 15,000 men in the
water… one teeming mass of naked humanity….and later we had many
comic items on the program, including a skit on the memorable
landing…...(later in the day)..the Prince of Wales attended, and
in the evening we had mess dinners and finished up with band
concerts and exchanged greetings with each other for this famous
Day – OUR DAY.
The person who wrote those words was John Monash – at that time
a Brigadier, and who went on to become General Sir John Monash –
considered by many to be Australia’s greatest ever military
leader.
After reading this account from Monash, I could not help but be
struck by the similarities between how Australians and New
Zealanders will today commemorate ANZAC Day – and how the
original ANZACs themselves did so – 94 years ago.
• Today, as then, we commence with dignified, solemn services,
to remember all who have served, but are no longer with us.
• Today, as then, through marches and the wearing of ribbons, we
will recognize and say thankyou to all who have served, and are
still with us.
• And after the formalities, both then and today, we will take
time out - to enjoy each others’ company, and engage in a wide
range of pastimes.
The fact that what we do today is so very similar to what those
original ANZACs themselves chose to do – leads me to conclude -
that as a Nation - we have got the formula right. We commemorate
ANZAC Day the right way.
We ensure that all who have paid the supreme sacrifice will
never be forgotten.
We ensure that all who have served in uniform, from every era,
experience the outward, heartfelt gratitude of a nation.
And later in the day, after the services and the marches – we
allow ourselves to live our lives as we would like – mates have
reunions, families have gatherings, crowds will fill football
stadiums.
And it is by living our lives, the way that we choose, in
freedom, that we actually pay the greatest tribute of all to
those service men and women – for it is our ability to do this
that is their legacy to the nation. A legacy hard won, and
constantly defended – and one for which no repayment is asked
for – other than to make the most of it, everyday.
CONCLUSION
ANZAC Day stands like a beacon on our national landscape.
On no other day do Australians gather in such numbers and with
such respect.
And if General Sir John Monash was here today, I am sure he
would approve with the way in which we commemorate this most
sacred of national days – OUR DAY.
Thank you – good morning – and have a good ANZAC Day.
*****************************
The following is a pictorial representation of the Service thanks to
resident QURA photographer
Trevor Luttrell
*****************************
Correspondence from Members
Please note: QURA receives emails/letters from time to time requesting contact
details of members. The current policy is if a fellow member requests
contact with another member, the contact details are given without
contacting the relevant member.
Where contact is requested by a non-member, the contact is referred to the
individual member to follow up the contact if they so desire.
==================================================================
From:- Bob O`Brien
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:-
The
passing away of Deborah Jean Nielsen on 12 April 2010
Its with sadness that
I inform you all that Deborah passed
away this morning at the Mater
Hospital after her long and
brave fight with cancer.
Regards Rob
Robert O'Brien
Major
NFM ASLAV
Armoured Fighting Vehicles Systems
Program Office (AFVSPO)
Land Systems Division
Defence Material Organisation
==================================================================
From:- Neil Munro
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:-
BTR
Hello Peter,
I regret that I will not be able to
attend the BTR function as I will be
in China at that time.
I hope that you have a most
successful and enjoyable night of
reminiscing, etc.
Cheers,
Neil.
==================================================================
From:- Trevor Luttrell
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:-
Designer of QUR Badge
Can anyone shed any light on
the answer to this question
from the Uni Qld?
Trevor L
---------- Forwarded message
----------
From: Ellen Juhasz
Date: Thu, Feb 11, 2010 at
4:35 PM
Subject: Designer of QUR
Badge
To: Trevor Luttrell
Dear Trevor,
The Squadron association
members have been able to
give me the
name of the person who
designed the squadron
badge. He’s a graduate of
ours who is still an active
alumni member.
I wondered if
you know if the Regiment
had a
record of the designer of
the regimental badge. It
would be nice to acknowledge
both at the
unveiling
ceremony if possible.
Regards, Ellen J
Ellen Juhasz | Executive
Officer
UQ Centenary Secretariat
==================================================================
From:- Brian Smith
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:-
re BTR
G'day
Peter,
We have
just sold our house at Chapel Hill and
bought another at Peregian Springs, so this
may be my last BTR for some time...so
definitely, I'll be there.
Regards
Brian
==================================================================
From:- Barry Hayne
To:-
Peter Morton
Subject:-
Re
BTR
Dear Peter:
I am sorry I will not be able to attend
the Back to the Regiment Function on
Sat. March 6th.
My wife and I will be away on a short
trip to New Zealand.
Please keep me on your e-mail mailing
list and I will hope to make the next
function.
Best regards,
Barrie Hayne
==================================================================
From:- Judy Costello
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:-
I thought I should make contact
Hello Peter
it must be getting close to
30 years since I was at QUR - but life in
Canberra is like that! QUR popped up in a
google search I was doing on someone so I
thought I should make contact.
How the hell are you?? I am
still doing the public service rounds in
canberra and it is amazing how many QUR
people are here. I had coffee with Col
Green (ex ADJT) only last week
What should I do to become a
member and keep in touch with what is
happening?
I finally grew out of the
Reserves about 5 years ago and have not been
tempted to go back...
cheers
Judy Costello
==================================================================
From:- David FCreeman
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- QUR BACK TO REGIMENT FUNCTION
Dear Peter,
I am now posted to Defence Legal Division in
Canberra, so regrettably won't be able to
make the function.
I wish you and all the members a successful
evening.
regards
David Gower Freeman
LTCOL
==================================================================
From:- Paul Smith
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- re BTR
Peter
Please pass on my apologies. Hit by a car whilst
riding last week. Still on crutches. Fortunately no
broken bones.
Paul E. Smith
Barrister-at-law
==================================================================
From:- Ian Harding
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- re BTR
Hi
Peter,
I
recall cleaning the mud from the flood off
the louvers in 75 and the Standfast Club in
full swing in 76 after we got the Jukebox.
Unfortunately I am at a conference in
Canberra over the weekend and my apologies.
Regards,
Pepper
==================================================================
From:- David Ross
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- re BTR
Sorry
Peter,
I will be
in New York this week-end. Time zone and
distance will be a problem ;)
Best of
luck for the night.
- David.
==================================================================
From:- Trevor Luttrell
To:- Tim O`Brien; Russell Jacob
CC:- Peter Morton
Subject:- THANKS
Tim,
Russell,
On behalf
of QURA please accept our gratitude for hosting
the BTR for another year. Although it is another
inconvenience hosting "old farts" we really
appreciate the efforts of you both and your
soldiers.
Harry
Standfast was particularly taken by the chance
to once again visit. He was very moved by the
presentation of the coin from you and a tie from
QURA.
Brigadier
Harrison was equally affected by the success of
the night and by your support.
Thanks once
again,
Trevor
Luttrell
(for the
Association)
==================================================================
From:- Tim O`Brien
To:- Trevor Luttrell
Subject:- RE - THANKS
Sir,
No need to thank us.
It is always our pleasure to host
the Regimental family.
We are now looking forward to
ANZAC DAY, and hope many of the family can come
'home' again.
Regards
Tim
==================================================================
From:- William Ridley
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- QURA Membership
Dear Peter,
Thanks for
the reminder. Will forward another 10 year
subscription in a few days to be renewed when I
turn 90?
All my
personal details appear to be in order.
Cheers
William.
==================================================================
From:- Laurie Smith
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- QURA Newsletter - February 2010
G’day Peter
In the Feb edition, the interesting photos
include one of the then Governor of Queensland,
Sir Walther Campbell, with the caption QUR
Camp Visit 1979 – is there any chance of
finding out the exact date of that visit?
The reason I ask is that the photo prompted a
memory that the Governor, myself and a GPMG
featured in a photo in the Courier Mail the day
after that visit – from memory Dick Palk was in
charge of publicity on the day.
I’d really like to retrieve it out of the
newspaper archives to show the kids, but I need
at least an approximate date to start that
process.
I’d appreciate any light you can shed – no sweat
if you can’t.
cheers
Laurie
Ed.
Can anyone help Laurie out with the date?
==================================================================
From:- Neil Munro
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- QURA Membership
Hello again
Peter,
My email
address is now
munro.neil@yahoo.com The phone number you
have there for me no longer exists. My house
sitter's number is (07) ********; he passes
messages on to me. I've been living in China for
the past three years.
Cheers,
Neil.
==================================================================
From:- John Hammond
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- Story of the Australian Flag
Although this is quite long - is is a
MUST - If interested click on the website.
http://voiceoftheflag.wheylite.com.au/votf.htm
This website has a free copy of the story
of the Australian Flag.
It is written and it is also spoken it's
absolutely worth a listen.
Cheers
John
==================================================================
From:- Bob Donnelly
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- Shave for a Cure 2010
Dear all,
Well, the day has come and gone,
and so has my hair!
I raised nearly $3K this year,
thanks to you.
Many thanks,
Bob
Bob Doneley
BVSc FACVSc (Avian Medicine) CMAVA
Registered
Specialist in Bird Medicine
==================================================================
From:- Trevor Luttrell
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- Newsletter Photo
Peter,
Attached article from Army Newspaper
about Major Chris Pyke who is currently
an instructor in QUR.
He
won a gong for long service in forces.
For
the next newsletter.
Trevor
Maj Pyke
(left), a QUR instructor, joined the Citizen
military Force on March 2, 1966, aged 16.
“In those days they didn’t check too hard and if
your father signed the form, you were right,” he
said.
I joined 31 RQR as a digger and was commissioned
as a 2Lt in March 1969.”
He felt honoured and privileged to be presented
with his Federation Star by the CA.
“It was great that my wife could be there with
me because she has been a great support to me
during most of my 44 years in the Army.” He
said.
Maj Pyke’s postings have included instructional
positions at 11 Trg Gp, OCTU, LWC, and 1 Trg Gp,
as well as company commander and Battalion 2IC
at 9 RQR.
He said he was still interested in remaining in
the Army and would consider an overseas
deployment if one was offered.
“I haven’t considered retiring and will stay on
as long as I can still contribute,” he said.
==================================================================
From:- Paul deighton
To:- Russell Jacob
CC:- Peter Morton
Subject:- QUR Dinner
Dear Russell,
I am an Air Force
Officer who is a member of the
QUR Association. Thankyou for
the invitation to the QUR
Officers Mess Dinner on 08 May
10. Unfortunately I will be
unable to attend the Dinner due
to my current posting but I wish
you and committee well and hope
that the dinner is a success.
Regards
Paul Deighton
Squadron Leader
Assistant Defence
Attache, Beijing, PRC
==================================================================
From:- Ruth Kassulke
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:-
Life in the Army........
Text of a letter from a kid from
Eromanga to Mum and Dad. (For
Those of you not in the know,
Eromanga is a smalltown, west of
Quilpie in the far south west of
Queensland )
Cheers
Ruth
Dear Mum & Dad,
I am well. Hope youse are too.
Tell me big brothers Doug and
Phil that the Army is better
than workin' on the farm - tell
them to get in bloody quick
smart before the jobs are all
gone! I wuz a bit slow in
settling down at first, because
ya don't hafta get outta bed
until 6am. But I like sleeping
in now, cuz all ya gotta do
before brekky is make ya bed and
shine ya boots and clean ya
uniform. No bloody cows to milk,
no calves to feed, no feed to
stack - nothin'!! Ya haz gotta
shower though, but its not so
bad, coz there's lotsa hot water
and even a light to see what ya
doing!
At brekky ya get cereal, fruit
and eggs but there's no kangaroo
steaks or possum stew like wot
Mum makes. You don't get fed
again until noon and by that
time all the city boys are
buggered because we've been on a
'route march' - geez its only
just like walking to the
windmill in the back paddock!!
This one will kill me brothers
Doug and Phil with laughter. I
keep getting medals for shootin'
- dunno why. The bullseye is as
big as a bloody possum's bum and
it don't move and it's not
firing back at ya like the
Johnsons did when our big
scrubber bull got into their
prize cows before the Ekka last
year! All ya gotta do is make
yourself comfortable and hit the
target - it's a piece of piss!!
You don't even load your own
cartridges, they comes in little
boxes, and ya don't have to
steady yourself against the
rollbar of the roo shooting
truck when you reload!
Sometimes ya gotta wrestle with
the city boys and I gotta be
real careful coz they break easy
- it's not like fighting with
Doug and Phil and Jack and Boori
and Steve and Muzza all at once
like we do at home after the
muster.
Turns out I'm not a bad boxer
either and it looks like I'm the
best the platoon's got, and I've
only been beaten by this one
bloke from the Engineers - he's
6 foot 5 and 15 stone and three
pick handles across the
shoulders and as ya know I'm
only 5 foot 7 and eight stone
wringin' wet, but I fought him
till the other blokes carried me
off to the boozer.
I can't complain about the Army
- tell the boys to get in quick
before word gets around how
bloody good it is.
Your loving daughter,
Sheila
==================================================================
From:- Harry Standfast
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- I'll gladly keep this
going
Thought you might like to see this.
James is a friend of the family.
Email from CPL James Harrison, John
and Julie’s Son.
James has done duty in Afghanistan.
James Harrison
CPL
Movements Clerk
RHQ
5 Avn Regt
RAAF Base Townsville
==================================================================
*****************************
QUR Graduation February 2010
| |
|
Winner of the Blamey
Sword of Honour as the top cadet for the
whole national graduating class was Adam Kelly
Winner of the QURA
Prize for the most consistent, high
achieving cadet for the entire course, for
service to the cadet company and to the
Regtiment - Ashley Baldry
|
| |
 |
|
Pictured - From LHS to
RHS
Trevor Luttrell(President
QURA), Andrew
Hargreaves, Jonathan (Jack) Cawcutt, Adam
(Ned) Kelly, Ashley Baldry, Tim O'Brien
(CO QUR)
Not pictured
above:
Annaliese Voss from the
QUR Northern Company Townsville.
|
|
Postings:
Andrew Hargreaves - 2
CER (Engineers)
Jack Cawcutt - A
Company 25/ 49 RQR
Adam Kelly - 141 Sig
Sqn
Ashley Baldry - 41
RNSWR
|
 |
|
MAJGEN John Pearn, Ashley Baldry
(QURA Prize winner), LTCOL Tim
O`Brien |
| |
 |
| |
|
from left:- Steve John, Ashley Baldry, Andrew Hardgreaves,
Annaliese Voss,
MAJGEN John Pearn(Honorary Colonel),
LTCOL Tim O'Brien(CO QUR)
John Cawcutt, Adam Kelly, Sgt Elona
Drain
|
| |
*****************************
QUR
Plaque - University of Queensland
Centenary
Appeal for Donations Towards the
QUR Plaque for University of Queensland Centenary
Sculptured Badges on Great Court Columns,
3 July 2010.
This year is the Centenary Year for the University of
Queensland. On the weekend 2-4 July 2010 the
University will celebrate this milestone. As part of
the celebrations the University Senate wishes to
recognize the long association of QUR and the University
of Queensland Squadron RAAF (now disbanded) with the
University. This will be gained by having the badges of
both units carved into the column capitals in the
cloister of the heritage listed Great Court of the St
Lucia campus. On Saturday morning 3 July 2010, the
carvings will be unveiled by the Governor General of
Australia. The exact timing of the unveiling will
be notified to members when available.
As a project, QURA has undertaken to provide the funds
for the carving of the Regimental Badge and the
administrative costs for the unveiling ceremony. Dr
Rhyl
Hinwood, a well known artist will sculpture the
badge. The location for the sculptured badges is seen in
the photograph above.
QURA has had approved a Department of Veterans Affairs
grant under the Australian Government commemorations
program, “Saluting Their Service”. Unfortunately the
grant does not fully cover the costs of the project.
Although the final costs are not accurately known at the
present it appears that the shortfall will be in the
order of approximately $3000.
At the Annual General Meeting of QURA in September 2009
a motion was passed to call for donations from members
who would like to contribute to cost of the plaques.
QURA is now appealing for donations to make up the funds
needed to complete the project. All donors will be
issued with a receipt from the University of Queensland,
which may be used as a taxation deductible cost.
I now appeal to all for support to cover the cost of the
sculptured badges.
Should you wish to seek advice regarding this campaign
please contact me on Home 3345 2754,
Mobile 0437 442 964 or Email
trevor.luttrell@gmail.com)
.
This is an exciting project where QURA can mark the
contribution of members of QUR within the life of the
University.
I encourage all to ensure that this opportunity is
successful.
DONATION TOWARDS THE SCULPTURING OF THE QUR BADGE FOR
UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
FULL
NAME ___________________________________________________
CONTACT ADDRESS OR EMAIL TO SEND TAX DEDUCTIBLE
RECEIPT:-
______________________________________________________________________________________
I
wish to make the following donation towards the sculpture of the QUR Badge at
the University of Queensland
Please find my donation
of
$200
Please find my donation
of
$100
Please find my donation
of
$50
Please find my donation
of $20
Please find my donation of $
(please enter amount)
Signed __________________________________________
Donations may be made by direct deposit
or by
cheque.
If paying by Direct debit, the QURA Bank Account Details are:-
BSB
064 129, Account 0090 4500, Account Name QUR Association
Inc. Please ensure your name is supplied in the payment
details
If
paying by cheque, please address the
cheque to QUR Association, 24 Walcott Street, St Lucia Q
4067.
*****************************
QUR
Regimental Dinner 2010
QUR held its 2010
Regimental Dinner on 8th May at Cromwell College, Walcott St St Lucia.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Brig Tom Parslow's
ceremonial sword by his daughter Dr Judy Parslow to LTCOL Tim O`Brien,
CO QUR. The dinner was well attended by current serving officers
as well as former officers of QUR.
For those that were
unable to attend and missed the excellent meal, the menu has been
included below as well as photos of some of the attendees.
 |
Brad Shillig, Peter Morton and Dave Woodrow
catching up prior to dinner |
|
|
|
|
Bruce Maughan, Neil Heather and Sam Harrison
sharing a drink |
 |
|
|
|
 |
Garry Collins, Rob Byrne, Rhys Thomas discussing
how Brian Venz can still fit into his mess uniform |
|
|
|
|
Current members of QUR - John Eiby, Peter Walsh
and Matthew Wilson |
 |
|
|
|
 |
Current QUR members Adam
Christensen and Chris Pyke chatting with new
QURA member
Brent Common (centre) |
|
|
|
|
QUR officers Ben Mackie
and Mal Bishop talking with (RHS)QURA members Rob Cumming
and Peter Sharwood |
 |
|
|
|
 |
Current QUR members (from
left)
David Fagan, Roxanne Scott, Dominic O’Connell,
Melanie Wilkins |
|
|
|
|
QUR members (from left)
Peita Foster, Peter Tuton, Paul Petter, Les Tobin |
 |
|
|
|
 |
QUR members Toni Clews, Tony Smith, Steve John |
|
|
|
|
David Woodrow, Brad Shillig, Peter Jeffrey
having a chat before dinner |
 |
|
|
|
 |
Dr Jennifer Parslow
presenting CO QUR Tim O`Brien with her father's
sword |
|
|
|
|
CO QUR, LTCOL
Tim O’Brien expressing the Unit`s gratitude in
receiving BRIG Tom Parslow`s ceremonial sword |
 |
|
|
|
 |
LTCOL Tim
O’Brien presenting QUR Honorary Colonel medals to Dr Jennifer Parslow,
MAJGEN John Pearn and BRIG Sam Harrison |
|
|
|
|
MAJGEN John Pearn (on
behalf of Dr Parslow and BRIG Sam Harrison)
accepting the QUR Honorary Colonel medals
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*****************************
Back to the Regiment Photos
The Queensland University Regiment
invited the Association to enjoy their hospitality at the "Back to the
Regiment" function on Saturday, 6 March 2010.
Highlight of the evening was the presentation by LTCOL Tim
O`Brien of a QUR ceremonial badge to LTCOL Harry Standfast after whom the
Other Ranks Mess was named some 30 years ago.
Also in recognition of LTCOL Standfast, BRIG Trevor Luttrell
presented Harry with a QURA tie to commemorate the event.
 |
From the left, Rod Hardaker, Dave Sallows, John Pearn and
Serge Voloschenko enjoying a chat at BTR March 2010 |
| |
|
| Mal Try having a "close" chat with
Andrea Wilson |
 |
| |
|
 |
QURA President Trevor Luttrell with his halo slipping
just a little |
| |
|
| Man of the night Harry Standfast (left) with
Bruce Davis, Brian Smith and Terry Gygar |
 |
| |
|
 |
Dorothy Willis looking admiringly at a rather coy Bill
Beach |
| |
|
| Brad Shillig catching up with Chris and Sue
Goodhew |
 |
| |
|
 |
Col Ahern looking rather pleased to have caught up with
Melanie Bates-Smith and Donna-Lee Greaves |
| |
|
| Garry Collins and Rod Hamilton with Sam
Harrison(right) |
 |
| |
|
 |
Peter Morton (right) surprised at being caught talking
with Ruth Kassulke while Chris Goodhew (left) lurks in the
background |
| |
|
******************************
War Quotes
My headquarters will be in the saddle.
Major General John Pope, taking charge of the Army of
the Potomac, June 1862
You will be home before the leaves have fallen from the
trees.
Kaiser Wilhem II, addressing German troops leaving the
Front, August 1914.
The trenches were the concentration camps of the First
World War.
Robert Kee, 1976
Hard pressed on my right. My centre is yielding.
Impossible to manoeuvre. Situation excellent. I am
attacking.
Ferdinand Foch on the eve of the Battle of the Marne
1914.
I have not got an Army in France, really, but a
collection of divisions untrained for the field. The
actual fighting Army will be evolved from them.
Douglas Haig, March 1914
It is not an army that we must train for war; it is a
nation.
Woodrow Wilson 1917
Our most vulnerable point is our food and oil supply.
The submarine has introduced a new method of attacking
these supplies. Will feelings of humanity restrain our
enemy from using it?
Sir Percy Scott, 1914
Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was
a common virtue.
C. W. Nimitz, March 1945
In the near future, if nuclear weapons are unleashed
there will be no front and no rear.
Nikita Khrushchev 1961
Things to Think About
If
electricity comes from electrons, does morality come
from morons?
Plan to be spontaneous, tomorrow.
The hardness of butter is proportional to the softness
of the bread.
A good pun is its own reword.
Always borrow from a pessimist, he never expects
anything back.
Dancing cheek to cheek is really a form of floor play.
Banning the bra was a big flop.
One hundred per cent of all non- smokers die.
If a truckload of tortoises collided with a lorry full
of terrapins, would it be a turtle disaster?
If a first you don’t succeed, redefine success.
If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?
If you fell into an upholstery machine would it take
long to be fully recovered?
The easiest way to find something you have lost around
the house is to buy a replacement.
If you chopped off the bottom of one of your trouser
legs and put it in a library, would that be a turn up
for the books?
If you can survive death, you can probably survive
anything.
If it is the thought that really counts very few of us
would ever get presents.
The man who forgets his wife’s birthday will get
something to remember it by.
A diplomat is the man who sends 25 roses to a woman on
her 31st birthday.
My dog took first prize at a cat show. He took the cat.
All is fair in love and the war which follows.
May you never have to eat your hat.
May your luck like the capital of Ireland, always
Dublin.
I’ll be seizing you, in all the old familiar places.
Here’s to the volcano song: Larva come back to me.
If you
pulled the wings off a fly, would it be called a walk?
Adamant: The very first insect.
Ability: What you need if the boss has no daughter.
Absentee: A missing golf accessory.
Abundance: A local hop usually staged in a barn.
Adolescence: When a girl’s voice changes from no to yes.
Quotable Quotes
I was so naïve as a kid I used to sneak behind the barn
and do nothing.
Johnny Carson
You can’t expect to be depraved until you has been to a
good school.
IH.H. Munro
Everyone is in awe of the lion tamer in a cage with a
half a dozen lions – everyone but a school bus driver.
Laurence J. Peter
If you want to recapture your youth, cut off his
allowance.
Al Bernstein
Youth is such a wonderful thing. What a crime to waste
it on children.
George Bernard Shaw
Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously
about it.
Oscar Wilde
There is nothing new under the sun but there are lots of
old things we don’t know.
Ambrose Bierce
Even in civilized mankind faint traces of monogamous
instinct can be perceived.
Bertrand Russell
Divorce is a game played by lawyers.
Cary Grant
Do you realize if it weren’t for Edison we’d be watching
TV by candlelight?
Al Boliska
*****************************
FUNCTIONS - 2010
Back to the Regiment
Saturday 6 March 2010 (1800Hrs)
Anzac
Day
Sunday 25 April 2010 (Gunfire breakfast at Walcott St, St
Lucia)
Regimental Dinner
Saturday
8 May 2010 (TBC) - By Invitation from QUR
Unveiling of QUR Plaque Saturday 3 July ( Morning Function in U of Q Great
Court)
AGM Friday 10 September 2010 - ( 1900Hrs for 1930Hrs)
Christmas
Function Thursday
2 December 2010 - 5.30 PM (Victory
Hotel)
*****************************
MEMBERSHIP DUES
- PAYMENT REMINDER
Please
check the Members Page to ensure that your membership is
current.
If you pay your membership fees on a year by year basis
payment is
now due for 2010.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO PERUSE THE
Members Page AND CHECK THE ENTRIES WITH AN
ADDRESS FLAG OF `N`. WE HAVE LOST CONTACT WITH THESE MEMBERS AND REQUIRE
EITHER AN EMAIL ADDRESS OR POSTAL ADDRESS TO RE-ESTABLISH CONTACT
Membership status codes are:
-
SMEMB - Special Member (no fees)
-
LMEMB - Life Member (no fees)
-
PUOM - Paid Up Ordinary member (no fees but can transfer to 10 year membership for $50)
-
NEW - New member (no membership fees received as yet)
-
2005 - 201? membership fees paid to year indicated
-
199? - 2000 membership fees due for 2010
Annual dues are $10 and a 10 year paid-up membership can be had for $70.
Cheques should be forwarded to:
The Treasurer
QUR Association
24 Walcott Street,
St Lucia
4067
For those members with internet banking, payments may be made
direct to the QURA Bank Account.
Details are BSB 064 129, Account 0090 4500, Account Name QUR
Association Inc
Please ensure
your name is supplied in the payment details.
*****************************
EMAIL ADDRESSES
The Executive Committee encourages all members to provide a current email
address to allow quick and easy communication of important
notifications and reminders of upcoming events.
If you know of any ex-members of QUR who are not in the association, please
contact the Membership Registrar (Peter Morton)
with any contact details that you have.
THE ASSOCIATION WILL ONLY CONTINUE TO EXIST BY RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS
For members wishing to provide a new email address, please send an email to
Peter Morton
to ensure your address is
received and entered onto our contact list.
*****************************
HISTORY OF QUR
Have you
considered purchasing a copy of the History of QUR magnificently
complied and edited by Paul Smith?
It
contains 128 pages of stories, photographs and has a coloured badged cover.
COST : $15 per
copy.
What about a CD containing over 100 images of the history of the Regiment.
COST : $10 per
copy.
Why not treat yourself to a copy or buy copies for your friends. These are
collectors items so don't miss out.
How to purchase copies:
Ring
Trevor Luttrell
0437 442 964
Email
trevor.luttrell
Send your payment to:
The Treasurer, QUR Association, 24 Walcott Street, St Lucia Q 4067.
For those members with internet banking, payments may be made
direct to the QURA Bank Account.
Details are BSB 064 129, Account 0090 4500, Account Name QUR
Association Inc
Please ensure
your name is supplied in the payment details.
*****************************
Association Office Bearers
|
![[]](2010_05_files/image002.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image004.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image006.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image008.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image010.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image012.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image014.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image016.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image018.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image020.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image022.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image024.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image026.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image028.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image030.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image032.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image034.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image036.jpg)
![[]](2010_05_files/image038.jpg)
