Volume 22 Number 3 |
August 2010 |
What's in this Issue
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President's Report
It
has been a busy few months for the Association since the last newsletter.
Unveiling of
the Regimental Badge
The highlight of the last few months was the unveiling of the sculpture of
the Unit Badge in the Great Court of the University. On 3 July 2010 Her
Excellency Dr Quentin Bryce AC, Governor General of the Commonwealth of
Australia, unveiled sculptures of the badges of the Queensland University
Regiment and the Queensland University Squadron (RAAF). The badges were
sculptured into the column capitals in the cloister of the heritage listed
Great Court of the University at St Lucia.
The sculptures were created by acclaimed sculptor Dr Rhyl Hinwood. The
badges can be seen on two column capitals in front of the entrance to the
Parnell Building by standing on the grass in front of the main entrance and
looking to the right of the door. The Parnell Building is situated on the
south western corner of the Great Court. Photographs can be seen in the
special report of the ceremony later in this newsletter.
Along with members of the RAAF, QUR formed a guard of honour for the
Governor General. Speeches were presented by the Vice Chancellor Professor
Paul Greenfield AO, Her Excellency the Governor General, the Commanding
Officer QUR LTCOL Tim O’Brien, Brigadier Sam Harrison foundation member of
QUR and first President of QURA, and Mr Ted Vowles, President of QAS. It was
a unique event in that Brigadier Sam Harrison was one or the first soldiers
in QUR, a past Commanding Officer, a former Honorary Colonel and the first
President of the Association.
There was a good roll up from ex members of QUR. Following the unveiling,
guests were able to mingle with old friends over morning tea.
A pictorial coverage of the ceremony, copies of the speeches by the
Commanding Officer, and Brigadier Sam Harrison can be seen later in this
newsletter.
The Association was able to fund the cost of the sculpturing of the badges
through a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs (Saluting Their
Service Commemorations Program) and from donations from QURA members. I wish
to thank all those QURA members who donated to the cost of the project.
The ceremony was highly
memorable. On behalf of the Association I wish to pass congratulations to
the Commanding Officer and members of the Regiment for a job well done.
Continuing
of the Electronic Recording of the Unit History
Work is ongoing with the recording of the photos and documents from the past
years. This will ensure that QURA do not lose the history through the
gradual decay of the images and paper documents. A decision will be made as
to how we make the electronic history available to members. It is
anticipated that we will record the history onto CD/DVD. QURA will forward
copies to the Australian War Memorial , the library at the University of
Queensland, and the John Oxley Library. This will ensure that families will
be able to undertake hereditary research in the future.
Members will be aware that QURA completed a book of the written history of
QUR in December 2000. Copies are still available for purchase. A project to
complete the next ten years has commenced. It is planned that the additional
written history document (2000-2010) will be completed by the end of 2010.
I appeal again to all to search your own history items and permit us to
borrow any QUR items so we can expand our historical collection. Members
should remember that we lost a huge part of the historical items through the
1974 Brisbane floods. Please contact me (0437 442 964) should you want to
arrange for us to borrow any items you might have.
Contacts
with ex Members of QURA
One of the most pleasing events of the past months for me was the unexpected
contact made by ex members. I have been delighted to receive phone calls and
emails from many members who have reacted to the contact we made through the
invitations sent for the sculptured badge ceremony. Additionally we are
happy that ex members and members of the general public have been “googling”
QURA to find our magnificent website.
We will be continuing to chase as many ex QUR members as we can so we
maintain contact with the Regimental family.
Annual
General Meeting and Dinner 2010
The Annual General Meeting and Dinner for the Association will he held at
the United Service Club, Brisbane, on Friday 10 September 2010.
We have been honoured by Brigadier Iain Spence, Director General Reserves,
Australian Army, in that he has accepted our invitation to join us on that
evening. He will be happy to talk to us about the Reserve Forces in
Australia today. I look forward to hear what is happening today in Defence.
I am delighted to inform you that we have been able to cost the function at
$65 per head. This is exactly the same as last year and covers a three
course meal with drinks.
I invite you all to that evening. The atmosphere is very relaxed with a
minimum of business of the Annual General Meeting. It is great to meet old
friends again. Why not contact some of your old comrades and get them to
attend the dinner as a reunion? Later in this newsletter you will find an
advertisement for the evening.
In the current financial climate, negotiations with the USC requires us to
confirm attendance numbers several days before the function. We are able to
adjust numbers closer to the evening but we remind members that we are
charged for the dinner costs for those who accept our invitation and not
turn up at late notice.
As usual there will be an election of members to make up the Executive
Management Committee. Should anyone wish to be nominated for any of the
positions please
fill out the Committee Nomination form
(Click here)
and email to
Peter Morton
. I encourage all
to attend. You will have a great time.
Activities
to end the year
We have booked the Victory Hotel for our Xmas drinks function. It will be
held on Thursday 2 December 2010. We have chosen a Thursday evening as the
venue is not crowded with Xmas revellers. We organise a special area for our
function so members can chat in comfort. We will advertise this function
closer to the date.
I look forward to meeting you all again at the AGM.
CO's
Report August 2010
The ceremony held on 3
July was a great day in the history of the Regiment, and I would like to
take this opportunity to thank the QURA for all its work in helping to
make the day a success.
In 2009, when I advised the QURA of the University’s offer to commission
the badge, the Association immediately threw its weight behind the
project – and its support did not falter. From the promotion of the
event, through to the funding of the engraving and several other support
functions, the QURA can take much of the credit for the great success of
the day, and, on behalf of the current serving members of the Regiment,
I whole-heartedly thank the Association.
With regard to the ceremony itself, the Regiment could not have hoped
for a better outcome. I am very proud of all members who participated,
and of all those who worked so hard, along with the UQ staff, Government
House staff and the RAAF to plan and prepare for the day. I, along with
the other members of the Regiment feel very fortunate to be serving in
the Unit at the time this piece of its history was created, and to have
taken part in the ceremony.
Such ceremonies often produce interesting bylines, and this one was no
different. I thought these three items would be of interest to the
Regimental Alumni:
-
The sword
carried by the guard commander, Major Tony Smith, was the sword of
Brigadier Tom Parslow, presented to the Unit by the
Parslow family in May. We are currently arranging an appropriate
image of the parade, that will be presented back to the Parslow
family.
-
As all the
audience marveled at Brigadier Sam Harrison’s fine speech, without
notes, Her Excellency turned to me and remarked “isn’t he
wonderful”.
-
On her
departure, Her Excellency remarked to the Chancellor and I that “it
was a shame she had to leave so many dear friends”.
Although the ceremony
will be confined to a single date in history, it is very gratifying to
know that the service of all QUR members, both past and present, will
now be forever recognized in such an enduring manner within the historic
cloisters of the University’s Great Court.
Aside from the ceremony, I am equally proud that the Regiment sustained
its high tempo of training delivery, uninterrupted by the event. Indeed,
the Regiment was amidst conducting two officer courses at the time the
ceremony as held.
Finally, I am looking forward to again catching up with members of the
Association at its upcoming AGM, and the opportunity to provide them
with an update on the activities of the Regiment.
Scientia ac Labore
Tim O'Brien
Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Officer Queensland University Regiment
*****************************
QUR Badge Unveiling - 3 July 2010
As part of the 100
year anniversary celebrations of the University of Queensland, the Queensland
University Regiment and the Queensland University Squadron were invited
to display sculptures of their Unit Badges in the Great Court (near the
Parnell Building) at St Lucia. The unveiling of the badges was
attended by Her Excellency the Governor-General Dr Quentin Bryce AO
For those that were
unable to attend and missed a most excellent ceremony, the following is
a pictorial record of the event.
The following is a transcript of the speech
delivered by BRIG Sam Harrison at the Unveiling of the QUR Badge
Ceremony at the University of Queensland
Your Excellencies,
It is my intention to make some brief reference to the development of
Queensland University Regiment.
In 1932 two graduates Thomas Penberthy Fry, lecturer in law and Cecil
Ellis an engineer commenced recruiting a university platoon to be a
sub-unit of 9115th militia battalion. In the next year returning Rhodes
Scholar James Mahoney was appointed to command Queensland University
Detachment which by 1939 had grown to two platoons and the battalion
intelligence section. At the outbreak of war some joined the navy or air
force but two who remained with the army were Thomas Penberthy Fry who
became Deputy Judge Advocate General and James Mahoney who was Brigade
Major 7 Brigade at the landmark victory over the Japanese at Milne Bay
in 1942.
In 1947, the army no doubt impressed by the outstanding leadership of
graduates such as Brigadier Eric Martin who became the unit's first
honorary colonel and Robert Risson who became a general, decided that
each of Australia's six universities should have a regiment. So a rifle
company was raised under the command of Captain Jack Lawrence Kelly
growing by 1950 to an independent unit commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
August Shaw Gehrmann.
The army in 1953 showed its awareness of the quality of the
university soldier when QUR was nominated to provide the Guard of Honour
at King George Square for the first visit to Brisbane of the
Governor-General Field Marshal Sir William Slim. The Field Marshal
summed up the ethos of the reserve soldier,
"This man is twice the citizen an upholder of his country in peace,
yet ready for war."
In 1978 new colours were presented by His Excellency Sir Zelman Cowen
to the unit which by then included female soldiers. The original colours
having been damaged in the 1974 flood were laid up in The Warriors
Chapel Emmanuel College.
Your Excellency, members of the QUR Association respectfully
acknowledge your presence here today as a confirmation of the bond
between unit and commander in chief established by your predecessors.
Freedom of The City of Brisbane was granted to the unit in 1986 at a
parade which included a march past and salute to Lord Mayor Sally Anne
Atkinson.
1997 marked the final graduation parade at St Lucia for that ceremony
is now held at Royal Military College at the conclusion of a residential
qualifying course.
In 2005 Lieutenant Colonel Nan Bahr became the first female
Commanding Officer and she was followed by Lieutenant Colonel Jenny
Cotton.
In the years since Ellis, Fry and Mahoney provided such a splendid
foundation for today's regiment there have been thousands who have
proudly worn the badge so brilliantly depicted in our university's great
court.
Among those men and women have been Advocates and Artisans Chancellor
and Chief Justice Musicians and Medicos Scholars and Subalterns
In this place of light liberty and learning let Samuel Johnson have
the final word -
"Every man feels mean for not having been a soldier or not having
been to sea."
R.I. Harrison
St Lucia
3.7.2010
=================================================================================
The following is a transcript of the speech
delivered by LTCOL Tim O`Brien, CO QUR, at the Unveiling of the QUR Badge
Ceremony at the University of Queensland
• Your Excellency - Ms Quentin Bryce AC - Governor General of
the Commonwealth of Australia. • Your Excellency Mr Michael Bryce, AM, AE.
• Mr John Story – Chancellor – University of Queensland. • Professor Paul Greenfield – Vice Chancellor – University of
Qld.
• Major General Mick Slater – Commander of the 1st Division –
and representing the Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshall
Houston. • Air Commodore Christopher Swade – Commander, Combat Support
Group – and representing Chief of Airforce, Air Marshall Binskin • Air Commodore Andrew Kilgour, Queensland University Squadron.
• Acting Assistant Commissioner – Paul Doyle – representing
Commissioner for Police, Bob Atkinson.
• Distinguished guests. • Ladies and Gentlemen.
I would like to begin by congratulating the University on its
100th anniversary.
As I conveyed to the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor back in
April - such a milestone is noteworthy for any institution but,
in the case of UQ, it is made all the more so, by the
outstanding contribution that it has made to the community
throughout those one hundred years – So our Regiment takes this
opportunity again, today, to congratulate the University.
Secondly, I would like to sincerely thank the University - on
behalf of all current and former members of the Regiment - for
the honor it has paid to it, through the commissioning of this
magnificent sandstone badge. I understand that our Regiment, and
the University Squadron, are the only two bodies, other than
Universities, to be recognized in this way and we are genuinely
humbled by the gesture.
From the Regiment’s perspective, we see this sandstone badge as
permanent recognition of the very close connection that exists,
on many levels, between our Unit and the University.
Some connections are rather obvious – the Regiment’s badge, its
motto, and indeed its name, are all derived from those of the
University itself. So, even to a casual observer, some links are
quite apparent.
But we are also very similar in function.
Within the Army, our Regiment is a Training Establishment,
providing what could be regarded as undergraduate, post graduate
and vocational training for members of the Army Reserve.
The traditional role of our Regiment has been what is known as
the First Appointment Course - which is very much akin to an
undergraduate course for those aspiring to be officers in the
Army Reserve. Young Australians, mostly University students,
undertake a very thorough training programme, with the
successful cadets graduating - not with a bachelor degree - but
with the much prized Queens Commission as an officer in the
Australian Army. And, just like graduates from this University,
those newly commissioned Lieutenants then leave the Regiment, go
out into the wider Army, and bring into practice the skills,
knowledge and attitudes that they have developed through their
training.
In recent years, the Regiment has also assumed the
responsibility for delivering higher levels of officer training
with what are referred to as Grade 2 and Grade 3 courses. These
courses are very akin to post graduate studies, for officers
seeking to achieve the higher qualifications necessary for
promotion to the ranks of CAPT and MAJ. Ours is the only
University Regiment in Australia that delivers this
post-graduate training.
And lastly, but certainly no less importantly, our Regiment also
delivers a range other training which is essentially vocational
training for Reserve soldiers. Courses such as IET for Infantry
soldiers; driver’s courses; and a number of others specialist
courses, all of which provide specific skill-sets for use by
soldiers, in their military workplace.
So, you can see that, quite apart from the obvious connections
through our names and embellishments, there is a great
similarity - in function - between the University and the
University Regiment.
However, the greatest link between our two institutions – in my
view - is the personal connection that exits through our common
alumni.
Since the Regiment was established in 1948, there have been –
literally – thousands of University of Queensland students and
staff who have served in the Regiment – many of whom, have gone
on to distinguished civil and military careers – and, I am glad
to say, many of whom are here today.
I believe, it is through this personal connection, of the common
alumni, that the relationship between our two bodies is elevated
beyond being just a ‘connection’ to one that is a very deep and
enduring bond.
Perhaps the best example of this can be seen in the most senior
representatives of each body – both present here today. • From the University, Chancellor John Story is a former member
of our Regiment. • From the Regiment, our Honorary Colonel, MAJGEN John Pearn is
an alumnus of the University – indeed, in 2004, he was
recognised as its Alumnus of the year.
So from the university students, who currently serve in our
Regiment, through to the most senior figures of each
institution, the personal connection is very real and very
strong – and, to me is the most profound and enduring link that
our two bodies have.
In closing, can I again thank the University, not only for this
great honour that you have paid to the Regiment, but also for
all the hard work that your staff have put in to organize
today’s ceremony. Our Regiment is very grateful.
I would also like to thank Rhyl Hinwood, the sculptor of the
badges – thank you for your fine work – this piece of our
history was entrusted to very safe hands.
Your Excellency, may I thank you for performing today’s
unveiling. This is an important day in our Regimental history,
and it is made all the more memorable by your presence here
today.
And, finally, may I end where I began, by again congratulating
the University on the milestone of its Centenary – may the
University of Queensland continue to grow from strength to
strength, and may its bond with the Queensland University
Regiment continue to remain strong.
Thank you and good morning.
Unveiling of the Plaques at the University 0f Queensland 3 July 2010
The Governor General of Australia unveiled
sculptures of the badges of the Queensland University Regiment and
Queensland University Squadron on 3 July 2010. The following pictures
are sourced from the official pictures taken by the University of
Queensland (Mr David Spoule and Mr Stewart Gould). Some pictures of QURA
members who attended were taken by QURA members.
The entire collection of photos numbers around 300 photos. Should any
member want a copy of the photos, they can be purchased from Trevor
Luttrell for a cost of $15.00 (to cover postage and cost of CDs).
QUR Badge sculptured by
Dr Rhyl Hinwood AM
The following photos were taken by Mr David Spoule
The following photos were taken by members of QURA
|
|
Rob and Mirella Byrne, Col Ahern, Neil
Heather, John
Hammond and Brad Shillig chatting after the ceremony |
|
|
Peter and Monica Sharwood talking with George Kearney
prior to Peter leaving for an exercise in New Guinea |
Beth and Bruce Davis with Donna and Ian Crellin - Bruce and Ian
are work mates from Bruce's stint in Canberra |
|
|
Col Ahern (left), Kerry Tscherepko, Jenny Cotton and Geoff
Brearley |
Brian
Sheahan (left) with
Barry O’Callaghan |
|
|
George and Geraldine Fryberg (left) with John Greenwood |
Long serving QUR and QURA member Kerry
McGreevy with partner Beryl |
|
|
Acting Assistant Commissioner (representing the Police
Commissioner) Paul Doyle talking with QURA members
Wayne Barclay, Brad Shillig and Donna Greaves |
Chris and Sue Goodhew with daughters Sarah and Jemina |
|
|
Dr Rhyl Hinwood AM (Sculptor of the
two badges) with QUR Honorary Colonel MAJGEN John Pearn
|
Peter Morton and Pam O`Keefe catching up with
Col Ahern |
|
|
BRIG Peter Smith chatting with MAJGEN Denis 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:- Neil Heather
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- Ian Hughes
Dear Peter,
Col Ahern asked me to let you
have some details on Ian Hughes.
Ian died on 9 June. I can provide
more detail if you need it.
He served in QUR from early 1951
until about 1954 as a machine gunner in Support
Coy and was the unseen driver of the carrier in
the disc of Regimental pictures. (His brother
Keith is one of the crew of the carrier).
Ian had served in 25 Bn for a
year or so before joining QUR while he was a
part time student in Science at UQ.
From memory he transferred
back from QUR to 25 Bn as a sergeant qualified
for first appointment and was immediately
commissioned. He used to reminisce on field
firing exercises at Noosa. Ian then served on in
25 Bn for maybe 15 more years reaching the rank
of Major and I believe was Battalion 2i/c and
apparently administered the Battalion in a void
between Commanding Officers.
He would have had an ED and
possibly an RFD.
Ian was a foundation member of
QURA and was involved in the collection of
Regimental history, acknowledged subsequently by
Paul Smith.
Regards
Neil
==================================================================
From:- Ian Bunce
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- Sid Smith
Hello Peter
Just to let
you know that Sid Smith RFD died last night.
He had been unwell for many years.
Sid was a
contemporary of mine. He was, I think, OC HQ
Coy in the late stages of Sam Harrison's and
the early stages of Ken Gaulton's command.
I remember he
was the very antithesis of that mythical Q
persona. Even if he did not have what you
wanted,he would try to get it.. Even if he
could not give you something, his cheerful
refusal never offended.
His wife told
me he received the RFD and National Medal
only a few days before he died. The receipt
of these medals at that time were a great
source of pleasure to him.
Sadly he will
not have the opportunity to wear them.
Ian Bunce
==================================================================
From:- Rod Hardaker
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- Sid Smith
Hi Peter
I'm
currently in Oregon and have just read an
e-mail from a Brisbane mate informing me of
the death of Sid Smith.
Sid was a QUR
member at about the same time as I was and
was also an officer of cadets.
He spent part
of his teaching career at Yeronga SHS.
Regards
Rod
==================================================================
From:- Bruce Davis
To:- Trevor Luttrell
Subject:-
UAVs
are here
Big Time
Has anyone ever heard of
Creech AFB? I hadn't, but
our Friday night dinner
speaker was Colonel Chris
Chambliss, Commander of the
432nd (UAS) Wing at Creech
AFB. All of the Air Force's
unmanned drones are now
operated from Creech Air
Force Base, 45 miles
northwest of Las Vegas at
Indian Springs. They used to
run out of Nellis AFB but
now have their own Wing at
Creech AFB.
Some of his comments: It's
the most deadly remote
controlled plane in the
world. Pilots fly it like a
teenager playing a video
game. Airmen at Creech AFB
can control the Predator
drone and the second
generation Reaper anywhere
in the world. "At least
since 2001, Predator's have
been airborne 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week ,
primarily over Iraq and
Afghanistan .. There has
never been a time when we
haven't." The unmanned
program is so successful
it's now under the command
of the Air Force. "We are
going to increase the number
of combat air patrols that
we fly with it and the
number of hours
astronomically," Col.
Chambliss said. This year
the Predator drone will fly
75,000 hours -- up
20-percent from last year.
Overall a very interesting
and informative talk from
Col Chambliss. What a
different perspective on
future combat roles!
Saturday we attended the
Nellis AFB Air Show, and
that is one HUGE air show.
Sunday was the last show of
the season for the AF
Thunderbirds. Our Sunday
night dinner speaker was
Major Chris Austin, who
flies the #2 left wing
position with the
Thunderbirds. He gave a
very informative talk about
some of the maneuvers they
do and how complex they
are. A lot goes into them
to make it look easy, but
really, they're anything
but.
Some time back , I expressed
the assumption to a couple
of you that the Thunderbirds
did not use G-Suits since I
knew the Navy Blue Angels
didn't. I asked that
specific question to Major
Austin and he confirmed that
the Blue Angels did not use
G-Suits but my assumption
was WRONG. The Thunderbirds
DO use them and he wouldn't
advise anyone flying the
F-16 to not use one. He
admitted to being a little
out of position that
afternoon after the
bomb-burst maneuver and was
behind where he should be
for the simultaneous
cross-over, he went
afterburner for about five
seconds and tightened up his
turn to catch up on
distance, pulling over eight
G's. He could never have
done that without a G-Suit.
So I was WRONG in assuming
Thunderbirds didn't use
G-Suits. Oh well, I can't
be perfect all the time!
:-)
Here's an excerpt from the
present and the future:
10.10.07 | 12:00 AM Wired
Magazine
Flight of the Extreme UAVs,
From Smallest to Deadliest
As unmanned aerial vehicles,
or UAVs, become a staple of
modern military operations,
their uses and forms have
grown more varied. Today
they range from
slingshot-launched spybots
to global guardians. In
fact, the acronym itself may
be morphing into UAS
(unmanned aerial systems) to
indicate that these are not
just aircraft, but systems
that include ground stations
and other elements. It's not
just the military that uses
them -- police use the same
technology for surveillance,
while terrorists build
flying suicide bombers. Check out the stealthiest,
deadliest and highest flying
drones in use today, and the
UAVs that are most likely
to be making tomorrow's
headlines. WASP is the
smallest UAV in use today,
weighing less than 300
grams. The miniaturization
is achieved by the use of
multifunctional components,
like the combined
wing/battery. WASP is nearly
silent and, when flown at
night, it's almost
undetectable. The Air Force
has just ordered several
hundred for reconnaissance
and bomb-damage assessment.
Photo: U.S. Navy
Most Famous
The MQ-1 Predator was an
evolution of the earlier
Gnat-750. Originally
intended purely for
reconnaissance, it was later
armed with a single Hellfire
missile. This combination
appears to be extremely
effective at precision strikes according to the
Department of Defense, which
claims a success rate of
"nearly 100 percent."
Predators are used by both
the Air Force and the CIA.
Photo: U.S. Air Force
Deadliest
The MQ-9 Reaper is a
scaled-up version of the
Predator, larger, faster and
more powerful. Reaper was
designed from the outset as
a hunter- killer. It can
carry up to 14 Hellfire
missiles or other weapons
such as the 500-pound,
laser-guided bombs shown.
The 432nd Wing of the U.S.
Air Force was activated to
operate MQ-9 Reaper on May
1, 2007.
Photo: U.S. Air Force
?
Widest Range
RQ-4A Global Hawk is the
Air Force's endurance drone,
able to cruise at around 400
mph for 35 hours. It has an
operational ceiling of
65,000 feet, and from this
altitude it can scan an area
the size of Illinois (40,000
nautical square miles) in
just 24 hours. It is
equipped with radar and
infrared, as well as optical
sensors.
Photo: U.S. Air Force
Stealthiest
The Joint Unmanned Combat
Air System demonstration
program, or J-UCAS-D, is
intended to be the
forerunner of the next
generation of stealthy
robot-strike aircraft. Its
geometry and radar-absorbent
materials make it
difficult to impossible to
spot on radar, as well as making it look badass.
Operating from aircraft
carriers, the UCAS-D could
fulfill the Navy's goal of
an aircraft that can carry a
payload (such as bombs) of
up to 2,000 pounds, plus an
extra 2,500 pounds
externally when stealth is
not required. A typical use
would be to send unmanned
drones in as a first wave to
take out enemy air
defenses and clear the way
for manned aircraft.
Photo: U.S. Navy
Most Welcome
The CQ-10 Snow Goose is a
parafoil-wing UAV for
carrying medical equipment
or other urgent supplies to
Special Forces operating in
unfriendly territory. The
flexible wings are made of
textile, like a parachute.
The Snow Goose can be
launched from the ground or
from the loading ramp of a
transport aircraft. Range
and payload are inversely
proportional; the CQ-10 can
carry a 75-pound payload for
200 miles, or 500 pounds for
a shorter distance depending
on launch altitude and wind
speed.
Most Alarming
The MIRSAD-1 drone has been
flown over Israel by the
Lebanese militia group
Hezbollah (mirsad
means "ambush" in Arabic).
It may be armed; Hezbollah
has claimed that it can be
loaded with a warhead of 40
to 50 kilos (90 to 110
pounds) of explosives,
turning it into a flying
suicide bomber able to reach
anywhere. The Israeli
Defense Force shot down two
similar drones in 2006.
Image: Hezbollah
Highest
HELIOS was NASA's
record-breaking
solar-powered flight
demonstrator. It achieved an
altitude of more than 96,000
feet -- the highest for any
aircraft not powered by a
rocket. A combination of
solar cells and fuel cells
meant it could, in
principle; stay aloft for
days, weeks or even months
at a time.
The vehicle broke up in
2003 during a flight near
Hawaii when it hit
turbulence, but the military
is rumored to be continuing
research into solar-powered UAVs with ultra-long
endurance (vehicles capable
of many hours in flight)
The Toughest
The Battlehog 150 is
intended to meet the Marine
Corps requirement for a
vertical takeoff drone
capable of operating from
aircraft carriers. It can
fly at over 300 mph with a
payload of 500 pounds, with
armaments likely to
include Hellfire missiles,
rocket pods and 7.62-mm
mini-guns. The Battlehog
series is designed to be as
robust as possible, being
able to withstand small-arms
fire from close range. The
drone is steered entirely by
moving the two wingtip fans,
so there are no vulnerable
flight controls.
Image: American Dynamics
Flight Systems Wingspan
Most Modular
The Killer Bee is part UAV,
part missile. It's intended
to be deployed in
'constellations' of many
vehicles working
cooperatively. These swarms
can be used for either
reconnaissance or for attack with up to 30 pounds of
weapons per drone. The
Killer Bee is designed so
several can be stacked
together in the cargo bay of
an aircraft or in a truck ,
maximizing the number that
can be carried.
Photo: Northrop Grumman
Most Local
The German-made Microdrone
is equipped with GPS, a
camera and a loud-hailer to
give instructions to those
on the ground, and is
currently being tested by
police in the UK. This
type of UAV is the one
you're most likely to see
hovering around your
neighborhood.
Its quad-rotor design is
intended to make it
resilient -- Microdrone can
return to base with just two
rotors. Law enforcement
officials hope the Microdrone can carry out
some of the tasks of
police helicopters, but at a
fraction of the cost.
Photo: Microdrones GmbH
?
Carrier Copter
The MQ-8 Fire Scout made by
Northrop Grumman is operated
by the U.S. Navy and can make an automated landing on
a moving aircraft carrier.
Typical missions include
surveillance, locating
targets and directing fire.
There have also been weapons
tests with a Fire Scout armed
with 2.75-inch rockets.
The U.S. Army has now shown
interest in having its own
version.
Though nine MQ-8 vehicles
are in the flight-test
stage, the model is not yet
operational. The Navy plans
to eventually have a fleet
of 168.
Photo: U.S. Navy
Future Force
The Honeywell MAV, or micro
air vehicle, will be an
integral part of the U.S.
Army's Future Combat System,
giving reconnaissance
capability to front-line
troops. The small 'Class I'
version seen here will be
back-packable. It has a
planned weight of 20 pounds,
and is capable of a
50-minute mission spying on
locations up to half a mile
away. The vertical takeoff
and hovering capability make it well-suited to the
urban canyons of the modern
battlefield.
Photo: U.S. Army
?
Most versatile
The morphing micro air/land
vehicle, or MMALV, is a
hybrid that can fly, then
land, fold up its wings and
crawl around buildings or
other tight spaces. The
MMALV project is lead by
BioRobots, in collaboration
with the Biologically
Inspired Robotics Laboratory
at Case Western Reserve
University , the University
of Florida and the Naval
Postgraduate School.
Photo: Richard Bachmann,
President of BioRobots
Marine's Friend
Originally used for tracking schools of tuna, the
Scan Eagle drone is used by
the Marine Corps in Iraq ,
where various versions of
the model have flown several
thousand hours of missions.
It has a stabilized,
gimbaled camera turret that
can be fitted with either
daylight or infrared
imagers. No runway is
required; instead it is
fired aloft by a pneumatic
launcher and retrieved by a
rope-and-hook arrangement
where a crane snags it out
of mid-air.
Photo: U.S. Air Force
|
==================================================================
From:- James Underwood
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- Re May Newsletter
Dear Peter,
As you advised me on Anzac
Day, the QURA Inc
Newsletters have been
hitherto erased by an
over-enthusiastic virus
killer program in my
computer. One would but wish
that the next avian ‘flu
could be as swiftly and
effectively dealt with!
I’ve
read this latest newsletter
and it is a cracker. And
that’s not simply because it
has a picture of myself and
my lad AND a picture of my
sister and my brother-in-law
AND a picture of a man who
is not my brother-in-law but
who is captioned to be my
brother-in-law. (Who does, I
will say, look a bit like
Chris, but is a good deal
shorter and in a different –
though still pale – shirt.)
An absolute delight to see
all the pictures and read
the stories and a great
sadness to see vale Debbie
Neilsen. A very lovely lady.
Well done to all who put
this newsletter together.
James Underwood
Director
James Underwood
& Associates |
==================================================================
From:- John White
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:-
re Regimental
Badge Unveiling
Hi Peter
A brief note about the QUR
plaque at UQ!
Firstly and unfortunately, I
am not able to be there for the unveiling as
I am returning that morning from Norfolk
Island. I have faxed apologies to the
Protocol Office at UQ.
Secondly, I have made a
donation to the Plaque Appeal via a direct
debit into the Association’s bank account.
It’s identified through mention of both the
plaque and my name. A receipt will of
course be appreciated.
I hope both the unveiling and
the appeal are successful. One day soon
I’ll drop by the Great Court and view the
sculpturing!
Regards
John White
Brisbane, Australia
==================================================================
From:- John Hammond
To:- Trevor Luttrell
Subject:-
Re
Interesting Military Photographs
==================================================================
From:- Evan Singleton
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- Re May Newsletter
Hi Peter
Thank you for your recent news letter,
always good to keep in touch. In particular
I was pleased to see the details on Tom
Parslow.
A good friend and a great fellow.
Regarding the members list there are in my
case a few errors.
Singleton is spelt incorrectly,
My title is in fact Doctor,
My status should be PUOM not 2012 as
listed.
Regards
Evan Singleton
==================================================================
From:- Donna-Lee Greaves
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- re QUR Plaque Unveiling
Hi Peter,
Is this the event where the Govenor will be
attending?
Lawrence is meant to be playing in 2 Wing Band (AAFC)
for this event.
I would love to be there, since I have a dual
interest, could you send me the times, etc, I'd love
to park at QUR and walk up with the rest of the
group.
Ciao,
Donna-Lee
==================================================================
From:- Bruce Davis
To:- Trevor Luttrell
Subject:- THE LAWS OF ULTIMATE REALITY
Law
of Mechanical Repair
After
your hands become coated with grease, your
nose will begin to itch and you'll have to
pee.
Law
of Gravity
Any
small important part, when dropped, will
roll to the most inaccessible place.
Law
of Probability
The
probability of being watched is directly
proportional to the stupidity of your act.
Law
of Random Numbers
If you
dial a wrong number, you never get a busy
signal, and someone always answers.
Law
of the Alibi
If you
tell the boss you were late for work because
you had a flat tyre, the very next morning
you will have a flat tyre.
Variation Law
If you
change traffic lanes, the one you changed
from will always move faster than the one
you changed to.
Law
of the Bath
When a
body is fully immersed in water, the
telephone will ring.
Law
of Close Encounters
The
probability of meeting someone you know
increases dramatically when you are already
with someone you shouldn’t be with.
Law
of the Result
When
you try to prove to someone that a machine
won't work, it will.
Law
of Biomechanics
The
severity of an itch is directly proportional
to the square of the difficulty to reach it.
Law
of the Theatre
At any
event, the people whose seats are furthest
from the aisle arrive last.
Starbuck’s Law
As soon
as you sit down to enjoy a cup of hot
coffee, your boss will ask you to do
something that will take until the coffee
has become cold.
Murphy's Law of Lockers
If
there are only two people in a locker room,
they will be issued immediately adjacent
lockers.
Law
of Physical Surfaces
The
possibility of an open-faced jelly sandwich
landing face down on a floor covering
directly correlates to the combined newness
and value of the carpet.
Brown's Law of Physical Appearance
If the
shoe fits, it's ugly.
Wilson's Law of Commercial Marketing
Strategy
As soon
as you find a product that you really like,
they will stop making it.
Doctors' Law
If you
don't feel well, make an appointment to go
to the doctor. By the time you get there,
you will have recovered. If you don't make
an appointment to see the doctor, you will
get worse.
Law
of Logical Argument
Anything is always possible if you don't
know what you are talking about.
==================================================================
From:- Peter Sharwood
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- re QUR Plaque Unveiling
Peter,
Thanks for the invitation,
I have actually received an
official invitation from UQ and will be there
with Monica. Unfortunately I will not be able to
attend the Reserve Forces dinner as I will be
deployed to PNG, going Saturday night via
Townsville.
Catch up on Saturday
regards
Peter
==================================================================
From:- Ruth Kassulke
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- Garry's letter - C.M. June 29 Letters to
Editor - title was "Shakespearean Downfall"
Peter,
Here's the
article by Garry Collins that I mentioned to you
at the Unveiling Ceremony
Cheers
Ruth
==================================================================
From:- Keith Bell
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- RE - QUR Embellishments
Hi
Peter
I
note a couple of international listings on Ebay
for QUR embellishments:
Cheers
KCb
From Canada
From UK:
Keith Clifford Bell
World Bank
Sustainable Development Department, EASRE
East Asia Pacific Region
==================================================================
*****************************
The Annual General Meeting for the QUR Association will be held at the United
Service Club, Wickham Terrace, Brisbane on the evening of Friday 10
September 2010 at 1900 for 1930 hours.
If you know of any former members of QUR that have been part of
QURA or might like to join, please invite them along to the
Dinner/AGM.
The committee has worked hard to obtain a very reasonable price
for the evening - $65. The price will include limited
pre-dinner drinks with a 3 course meal that includes wine and
port.
The guest speaker
will be Brigadier Iain Spence, Director General Reserves, Australia.
Iain will be able to give members the lastest thinking on where the
Army Reserve is heading.
RSVP 6 Sep 10
EMAIL reply to the membership Registrar
(Peter Morton
).
Name: ________________________________________________________________
I understand that from
7 September 2010 should I later find that I
cannot attend, I will be liable to pay for the function.
For members with internet banking,
a payment of $65.00 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.
If you wish to pay by cash or cheque, please pay on the night.
NOW IS YOUR CHANCE!!
ADD A BIT OF NEW BLOOD TO OUR AGEING EXECUTIVE,
NOMINATE TO BE A PART OF THE QURA
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Fill out the Committee Nomination form (Click here)
and email to
Peter Morton
*****************************
War Quotes
And by thy sword shalt thou live.
Genesis 27.xl
The sword itself often incited a man to fight.
Homer, 8th century
BC
When great numbers of people are killed, one should weep
over them with sorrow. When victorious in war, one
should observe the rites of mourning.
Lao Tzy, 6th century BC
Whenever a people has grown savage in arms, so that
human laws no longer have their place, the only
effective means of reducing it is religion.
Giambattista Vico,
1668-1744
The circumstances of war are sensed rather than
explained.
Hermann Maurice,
Comte DE SAXE, 1696-1750
Man has become great through perpetual struggle. In
perpetual peace his greatness must decline.
Adolf Hitler,
1889-1945
How different the new order would be if we could consult
the veteran instead of the politician.
Henry Miller ,
1891-1980
They have sent me here to manoeuvre, but things are not
going very brightly. This eternal stretching out in line
is getting on my nerves.
Marshall Foch,
1914-1939
Things to Think About
Give a
person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach them
how to use the internet and they wont bother you for
weeks.
If you
get too big for your britches you’ll be exposed in the
end.
Whenever you feel blue, start breathing again.
Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children.
If you
can’t convince them, confuse them.
Is it
true that cannibals don’t eat clowns because they taste
funny?
It is
easier to get forgiveness than permission.
It’s
true that an early bird catches the worm, but the second
mouse gets the cheese.
If at
first you don’t succeed, find out if the loser gets
anything.
Junk is
something you keep for years then throw away three weeks
before you need it.
Life is
like toilet paper. The closer you get to the end, the
faster it goes.
If you
must choose between two evils, pick the one you’ve never
tried before.
Light
travels faster than sound. That’s why some people appear
bright until you hear them speak.
He is
the biggest bull artist since Picasso.
Don’t move. I want to forget you exactly as you are.
Next
time you pass my house I’d appreciate it.
His
family have been aristocrats for degenerations.
I went to the doctor. I said to him 'I'm frightened of
lapels.' He said, 'You've got cholera.'
He is a
member of the effluent society; one of the stinking
rich.
The
upper crust is just a few crumbs held together by a lot
of loose dough.
Formal
wear for Australians is care to ensure that one’s thongs
are the same colour.
When
two egoists meet it’s case of an I for an I.
The
coffee they serve is a special blend; some of
yesterday’s with today’s.
I call
my car Flattery. It gets me nowhere.
An
Irish pillion rider is called Pat on the back.
Athletes run in the family.
My dog
has such a pedigree that, if he could talk, he wouldn’t
speak to either of us.
Always
hire a rich lawyer.
Life’s
tragedy is that we get too old soon and wise too late.
Don’t move. I want to
forget you exactly as you are.
Next time you pass my house I’d appreciate it.
His family have been aristocrats for degenerations.
The upper crust is just a few crumbs held together by a
lot of loose dough.
Formal wear for Australians is care to ensure that one’s
thongs are the same colour.
When two egoists meet it’s case of an I for an I.
I call my car
Flattery. It gets me nowhere.
An Irish pillion rider is called Pat on the back.
Athletes run in the family.
My dog has such a pedigree that, if he could talk, he
wouldn’t speak to either of us.
Always hire a rich lawyer.
Quotable Quotes
I always turn to
the sports pages first, which record people’s
accomplishments. The front page has nothing but man’s
failures.
Chief Justice Earl Warren ,1891-1974
A classic is a book that has never finished saying what
it has to say.
Italo Calvino
It was a lovely day I thought it was a pity to get up.
W Someset Maughan, 1874-1965
I would have made a good Pope.
Richard M Nixon
When your IQ rises to 28, sell.
Professor Irwin Corey
The present is the period when the future pauses for a
short while before becoming the past.
Laurence J. Peter
*****************************
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
|