|
Volume 23 Number 2 |
May 2011 |
What's in this Issue
(Click on link to read article - Press `Home`
key to return to
here)
President's Report
As usual it has been a
busy start to the year. The Association again was represented at the
cocktail party celebrating the graduation of the latest officer cadets.
All QUR cadets qualified for promotion to the officer ranks at the Royal
Military College. The Association presented a book prize to the officer
cadet who gained the highest results for the overall time study as an
officer cadet. Photos and names of all the graduates are included
further in this newsletter. It was interesting to note that Garry
Collins, past Commanding Officer of QUR, has a “MARK 2” clone in that one of
the graduates shares his illustrious name. Would it not be a notable
event should the “MARK 2” ever have the privilege to also command the
Regiment. (Note that he even looks like the “MARK 1” version).
At future Regimental dinners one might hear the following statement “Would
the real Garry Collins please stand up!” The book prize was a copy of “The
Fighting 9th” written by Major Clarrie Wrench MC who served in
the 9th Battalion in WW1. It is indeed fitting that the
book prize is part of the history of the 9th Battalion located in
South East Queensland. Two of the graduating class were posted to 9
RQR this year.
Although the unit was
substantially damaged by the floods the Association conducted the annual
“Back to the Regiment”. Through the kindness of Brigadier Sam Harrison
the function was conducted at the St Lucia Bowling Club. The
Association was very grateful to the club for its generosity in permitting
us to use their facilities free of charge. It was indeed pleasing to
welcome some new “old faces”. Some of the graduating cohort from 1961
attended as a reunion. Rodney Hardaker, Jim Babon, Geoff Harley, Bob
Hughes and
Gary Whelan shared memories of their service in QUR. Maybe the class
of 1962 might consider arranging a reunion for the Back to the Regiment in
2012. I would also like to express my gratitude to Sam Harrison for
his assistance with the administrative arrangements for the function.
Although it was heavily raining Peter Morton, Greg Adams, Col Ahern and
Garry Collins undertook the arduous duties of working as cooks at the
barbque. The Commanding Officer gave the members a brief address on
the effects of the flood and the continued work of training within the
Regiment. All attendees enjoyed themselves.
Representatives from the
Association again attended the Anzac Day ceremony. Due to the effects
of the floods the Regiment was not able to invite guests back for breakfast
and games following the service. Photos can be seen in this
newsletter. The number from the Association attending was down this
year.
Everyone is aware of the
QURA website. I am continually surprised by members of the general public
contacting me wishing to regain contact with the unit or just out of
interest. Interested people find the QURA website in their general
searches. We receive high praise about the quality of the website
presentation.
The Commanding Officer
has notified the Association of the date of the 2011 Regimental Dinner and
has issued an invitation to any interested officer. Should you wish to
attend, please contact the Unit Second in Command. Further details are
included in this newsletter.
The Annual General
Meeting and Dinner will be held on Friday 9th September 2011 at
the United Service Club. All members of the Association are most
welcome at this enjoyable occasion. Please include this date in your
calendar.
We continue to gather
items of historical significance. Recently I was pleased to receive
from Brigadier Sam Harrison some rolls of negatives of pictures of QUR
activities in the 1960’s era. We are currently arranging to convert the
images to digital format so they can be preserved and presented in the
future in newsletters. Thanks to Sam.
I will continue to ask
for all members to arrange for us to borrow any pictures, correspondence,
old instructions from the time when members served with QUR. We take
copies and return the originals to the member. We lost so much
historical items in the flood of 1974. I am desperate to locate and
preserve anything which will record the history of the unit.
I know I sound like a
broken record but I again appeal to any member to send us small items of
interest written by ex members. They do not have to be long articles.
Just a small comment or note of something or occasion of the life in the
unit would be suitable. Does anyone remember the time when Len Eacott
received an electrical (lightning) communication from the heavens whilst
operating a radio set at Tin Can Bay? Does anyone remember the sound
of the cooks lighting the chuffers early in the morning in preparation for
cooking breakfast? Did you ever lie, awake in your stretcher, waiting
for a yell when the General Duties soldier lit too much fuel in the bottom
of the device? Did you ever experience an interesting event whilst
representing the Commanding Officer as a member of the duty picquet?
Just a short note about anything you remember will be suitable. I
remember the joy (panic) of risking life and limb jumping from the back of a
truck whilst practicing a vehicle ambush drill.
I wish you all continued
good health.
CO's
Report May 2011
It is a
pleasure to again pen a short note to keep the members of the QURA
abreast of activities within the Regiment.
In short, and at the risk of sounding repetitive, the Regiment has
been extremely busy.
Already this year, QUR has delivered three Staff Officer courses,
two Infantry IET courses, a Trainer/Assessor course, an RRF course
and one Driver course, with a second one currently underway. Each
has had their unique challenges, but one theme has been consistent
across all courses – and that is the continued dedication of the
members of the Regiment to deliver excellent training and to grow
the capability of the Army Reserve.
The same level of devotion also continues within our two Cadet
Training Companies. So far this year they have prepared cadets for
attendance at six different FAC Training Blocks. Testament to the
quality of their work is the fact that no QUR Cadet has failed any
TB this year – an achievement that no other UR can claim and one
that is founded on the tireless work of the Cadet training staff in
both North and South Queensland. The fruits of this hard work were
clearly on display at RMC Duntroon in February, when every QUR cadet
successfully completed the final TB5 and were commissioned as
Officers – with QUR accounting for one third of the national
graduating class.
None of these training outcomes can be achieved without the
invisible hand of the logistic support, training support, and
administrative elements. Unlike the training companies, these areas
receive no respite in between courses. For me, these are the true
heros of the Regiment, without whom, none of the more visible
training outputs would materialize.
This dedication, across all quarters of the Regiment, continues to
serve as a humbling force, and makes it a privilege to serve within
the Unit.
Aside from the training tempo, we were kept busy with ANZAC Day
again this year, with the Regiment providing guards to two services,
catafalque parties to four services and speakers to several others.
All activities were very well received and appreciated by the
veterans and public in attendance. For the Regiment itself, the day
didn’t quite have the same feel, as we could not muster at our
traditional St Lucia home – a temporary inconvenience that will make
next years ANZAC Day at the Unit all the more enjoyable.
With regard to the St Lucia depot, little work is occurring on the
ground while we go through the procedures of preparing and issuing a
Government tender for the re-build. Originally we were encouraged to
suggest zero-cost alterations that could improve functionality, but
the design has now effectively been constrained to returning the
Unit back to its previous layout. July remains the likely start date
for work, but unfortunately the completion date is becoming
increasingly ‘flexible’, with a comment made at the last meeting
that we should definitely be in by Christmas! An unwelcome
development has been the news that our prized polished floor may
need to be replaced, as the drying process has caused it to warp. If
this is to occur, steps are in place to retain a quantity of the
floor boards for sentimental recycling.
Finally, I would like warmly encourage all former serving Officers
to attend our annual Officers Mess Dinner on May 21st (details
elsewhere in this newsletter). Although we are not in our
traditional venue, I am sure all that attend will enjoy the
camaraderie of the night within the facilities of the ANZAC Officers
Mess, in the presence of the Colours.
I look forward to catching up with many of you at that dinner, and
others later in the year.
Scientia ac Labore
Tim O'Brien
Lieutenant Colonel
Commanding Officer
Queensland University Regiment
*****************************
Photos from
the QURA `Back to the Flood`
The Back to the Regiment function for 2011 was
cancelled due to the Brisbane floods inundating the Walcott St. depot.
However, due to the efforts of Sam Harrison, QURA was able to hold a
`Back to the Flood` evening at the St Lucia Bowls Club with
approximately thirty members attending the
function.
QUR CO LTCOL Tim O`Brien gave an update on the status
of QUR operations whilst the depot is under repair as well as a blow by
blow account of the rescue of QUR memorabilia from the invading flood
waters. Thankfully the Colours were removed for safe keeping
(unlike the 1974 flood when the Colours went under). Below is a
photo of QUR CO LTCOL Tim O`Brien inspecting the flood damage with QUR
Honorary Colonel MAJGEN John Pearn.
The following photos were taken by our resident photographer Trevor Luttrell
 |
Garry
Collins
(left) and Col Ahern (right) cooking the BBQ at the Back to the
Regiment function whilst Peter Morton supervises. |
|
|
|
|
Mal Try entertaining Vicky Ahern (left) and Lynne Bowe at the
BTR. |
 |
|
|
|
 |
George and
Geraldine Fryberg having a quiet chat. |
|
|
|
| Sam Harrison (left) and John Hammond chatting
with 1961 recruit Bob Hughes. |
 |
|
|
|
 |
The usual drinkers group at the BTR - Chris Goodhew
(left), Greg Adams (centre) with Chris Backstrom. |
|
|
|
|
Pam O`Keefe (left) chatting with Serge and Anna Voloschenco. |
 |
|
|
|
 |
Michael Bond and Tim O`Brien took time out from their
Army duties to have a quick beer with Wayne Barclay and Brad
Shillig. |
|
|
|
|
Hard working organisers Trevor Luttrell (left) and Sam
Harrison took time out to chat with Bob Hughes. |
 |
|
|
|
 |
Ruth Kassulke (right) took a short break from helping
with the catering to catch up with Donna-Lea Greaves. |
|
|
|
|
Orell McKenna (left) having a drink with Sue Goodhew. |
 |
|
|
|
 |
Members of the 1961 recruit get together, Jim Babon (left)
with organiser Rod Hardaker chatting to Jeff Harley and Gary
Whelan. |
|
|
|
|
Vicky Ahern (left), Denis Luttrell, Mal Try and Lynne Bowe
wait patiently for the BBQ to be cooked. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*****************************
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:- Jenny Cotton
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- Floods/QUR
Peter,
It is
with much regret that I will NOT be attending the
2011 Back to the Flood function on Friday evening,
18th March or Saturday afternoon, 19th March.
Unfortunately 21 years ago, I was blessed with a
baby boy, who now is in the army. He of course can
only get that weekend off as leave, and so we will
be celebrating his 21st birthday over that weekend,
with relatives coming from far and wide. The
Regiment will be in my thoughts and I will look
forward to the Regimental dinner to catch up with
all.
Cheers,
Jenny
Cotton
==================================================================
From:- Bruce Davis
To:- Trevor Luttrell
Subject:- re QUR Flood
|
VERY INTERESTING STUFF
In the 1400's a law was set forth in England
that a man was allowed to beat his wife with
a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we
have 'the rule of thumb'
-------------------------------------------
Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was
invented. It was ruled 'Gentlemen
Only...Ladies Forbidden'...and thus the word
GOLF entered into the English language..
-------------------------------------------
The first couple to be shown in bed together
on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma
Flintstone.
-------------------------------------------
Every day more money is printed for Monopoly
than the U.S. Treasury.
-------------------------------------------
Men can read smaller print than women can;
women can hear better.
-------------------------------------------
Coca-Cola was originally green.
-------------------------------------------
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
-------------------------------------------
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper
in their hair.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first novel ever written on a
typewriter: Tom Sawyer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The San Francisco Cable cars are the only
mobile National Monuments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each king in a deck of playing cards
represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great Diamonds -
Julius Caesar
------------------------------------------------------------------------
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 =
12,345,678,987,654,321
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If a statue in the park of a person on a
horse has both front legs in the air, the
person died in battle. If the horse has one
front leg in the air the person died as a
result of wounds received in battle. If the
horse has all four legs on the ground, the
person died of natural causes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What
is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far
would you have to go until you would find
the letter 'A'?
A. One thousand
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes,
windshield wipers, and laser printers all
have in common?
A. All were invented by women.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were
secured on bed frames by ropes.
When you pulled on the ropes the mattress
tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep
on. Hence the phrase......... 'goodnight,
sleep tight.'
------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was the accepted practice in Babylon
4,000 years ago that for a month after the
wedding, the bride's father would supply his
son-in-law with all the mead he could drink.
Mead is a honey beer and because their
calendar was lunar based, this period was
called the honey month, which we know today
as the honeymoon.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and
quarts... So in old England , when customers
got unruly, the bartender would yell at them
'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle
down.'
It's where we get the phrase 'mind your P's
and Q's'
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many years ago in England , pub frequenters
had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle,
of their ceramic cups. When they needed a
refill, they used the whistle to get some
service. 'Wet your whistle' is the phrase
inspired by this practice.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
At least 75% of people who read this will
try to lick their elbow!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Now....
Don't delete this just because it looks
weird. Believe
it or not, you can read it.
I cdnuolt blveiee that I
cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd what I was rdanieg.
The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid
Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde
Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in what oredr
the ltteers in a word are, the olny
iprmoatnt tihng is that the first and last ltteer
be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a
taotl mses and you can still raed it wouthit
a porbelm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid
deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but
the word as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2011 when...
1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the
microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real
cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to
reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the
desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with
friends and family is that they don't have
e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use
your cell phone to see if anyone is home to
help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web
site at the bottom of the screen
8. Leaving the house without your cell
phone, which you didn't even have the first
20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now
a cause for panic and you turn around to go
and get it.
10.. You get up in the morning and go on
line before getting your coffee.
11.. You start tilting your head sideways to
smile. : )
12.. You're reading this and nodding and
laughing.
13.. Even worse, you know exactly to whom
you are going to forward this message.
14.. You are too busy to notice there was no
#9 on this list.
15.. You actually scrolled back up to check
that there wasn't a #9 on this list.
|
==================================================================
From:- Joel Barnett
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:-
Government
to replace medals lost in natural disasters
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator the Hon
David Feeney, today announced that the Government will
relax the policy on replacement of Australian Defence
Force (ADF) medals so that medals lost during the
Queensland and Victorian floods, the impact of Cyclone
Yasi and the fires in Western Australia can be replaced.
“Government policy for many years has been medals can
only be issued to the ADF member who earned them,”
Senator Feeney said.
“This usually means that medals cannot be replaced if
they are lost or destroyed after the ADF member has
died.”
Where medals are lost in natural disasters, however,
this policy may be relaxed. This was done following the
Victorian bushfires in 2009.
“While the Government is committed to maintaining the
integrity of our system of military honours and awards,
there are circumstances in which the Australian
community rightly expects us to show greater flexibility
in implementing the existing policy. I believe this
unprecedented series of natural disasters is one of
those circumstances,” Senator Feeney said.
“I have therefore decided that ADF medals may be
reissued to the next of kin or other appropriate
relative of deceased ADF members, if the medals have
been lost or destroyed in the current natural disasters.
Family members who have, in the course of these natural
disasters, lost the medals of loved ones, may now make
application for replacements.
“Unfortunately, however, only medals dating back to the
First World War can be replaced. Medals for conflicts
prior to this war are no longer in production.”
Applicants should use the application form and statutory
declaration located on the Defence Honours and Awards
website at:
www.defence.gov.au/medals
<http://www.defence.gov.au/medals>
Completed applications should be submitted to:
Directorate of Honours and Awards
Department of Defence, PO Box 7952, Canberra BC, ACT
2610. Enquiries may also be directed to Defence Honours
and Awards toll free on 1800 111 321.
Media contact: Lorna Clarke 0408 345 730
==================================================================
From:- John Hammond
To:- Trevor Luttrell
Subject:- PRECISION!!
==================================================================
From:- Rod Hardaker
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:-
WWII Trivia
|
Very
interesting WWII Trivia
You might enjoy this from Col D. G. Swinford,
USMC (Ret) and history buff. You would really
have to dig deep to get this kind of ringside
seat to history:
1. The first German serviceman killed
in WWII was killed by the Japanese (China,
1937); the first American serviceman killed was
killed by the Russians (Finland 1940);
highest-ranking American killed was Lt-Gen
Lesley McNair, killed by the US Army Air Corps.
So much for allies.
2. The youngest US serviceman was
12-year-old Calvin Graham, USN. He was wounded
and given a Dishonorable Discharge for lying
about his age. His benefits were later restored
by act of Congress.
3. At the time of Pearl Harbor , the
top US Navy command was called CINCUS
(pronounced 'sink us'), the shoulder patch of
the US Army's 45th Infantry Division was the
Swastika, and Hitler's private train was named 'Amerika'.
All three were soon changed for PR purposes.
4. More US servicemen died in the Air
Corps than the Marine Corps. While completing
the required 30 missions, your chance of being
killed was 71%.
5. Generally speaking, there was no
such thing as an average fighter pilot. You
were either an ace or a target. For instance,
Japanese ace Hiroyoshi Nishizawa shot down over
80 planes. He died while a passenger on a cargo
plane.
6. It was a common practice on fighter
planes to load every 5th round with a tracer
round to aid in aiming. This was a mistake.
Tracers had different ballistics, so (at long
range) if your tracers were hitting the target,
80% of your rounds were missing. Worse yet,
tracers instantly told your enemy he was under
fire and from which direction. Worst of all was
the practice of loading a string of tracers at
the end of the belt to tell you that you were
out of ammo. This was definitely not something
you wanted to tell the enemy. Units that
stopped using tracers saw their success rate
nearly double and their loss rate go down.
YOU'VE GOT TO LOVE THIS ONE
7. When allied armies reached the
Rhine, the first thing men did was pee in it.
This was pretty universal from the lowest
private to Winston Churchill (who made a big
show of it) and Gen Patton (who had himself
photographed in the act).
8. German Me-264 bombers were capable
of bombing New York City, but they decided it
wasn't worth the effort.
9. German submarine U-120 was sunk by
a malfunctioning toilet.
10. Among the first 'Germans'
captured at Normandy were several Koreans. They
had been forced to fight for the Japanese Army
until they were captured by the Russians and
forced to fight for the Russian Army until they
were captured by the Germans and forced to fight
for the German Army until they were captured by
the US Army.
AND I SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST . . .
11. Following a massive naval
bombardment, 35,000 United States and Canadian
troops stormed ashore at Kiska, in the Aleutian
Islands. 21 troops were killed in the assault on
the island. It could have been worse if there
had been any Japanese on the island.
|
|
|
==================================================================
From:- John Hammond
To:- Trevor Luttrell
Subject:- Aircraft detection before Radar
|
Aircraft Detection Before Radar
Aircraft Detection Before
Radar....
I
bet none of you ever saw this
stuff before.
How air attacks were detected
before radar...
Old time acoustic hearing aids
ACOUSTIC "EARS"
BEFORE RADAR - ON A SWIVEL
ACOUSTIC "EARS"
BEFORE RADAR - GERMAN
ACOUSTIC "EARS"
BEFORE RADAR - ON WHEELS
ACOUSTIC "EARS"
BEFORE RADAR - ENGLAND
 |
|
==================================================================
From:- Lou Szegedi
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:- Launch of WW2 places website
G'day Peter,
Might be of interest to some
Association members.
Public Works have released a
searchable site of WWII locations in Queensland.
It appears a work in progress as
the live firing (artillery & mortar) ranges at
Coomera aren't shown.
Other random facts are:
-
The TAA
terminal/hanger (hanger 8) at the old
Brisbane Airport is Heritage listed. During
the war the government denied it existence
as aircraft engineers rebuilt captured
Japanese aircraft prior to test flying them
around the area.
-
During construction of the
Brisbane busway an underground air-raid
warden command post was discovered (at the
King George Square station). The command
post had been built under the old Roma
Street Police Station and still had details
painted on the walls.
-
A number of
bus stop shelters in the city are extremely
well made - as they were originally air-raid
shelters during the war years.
www.ww2places.qld.gov.au
In particular have a look at the
mapping facilities that make use of
google-earth and overlay technologies.
Cheers,
Lou
==================================================================
From:- Bruce Davis
To:- Trevor Luttrell
Subject:- Are You In The Right Job?
1. My first job was working in an Orange
juice factory,
but I got canned. Couldn't concentrate.
2. Then I worked in the woods as a
Lumberjack,
but just couldn't hack it, so they gave me
the axe.
3. After that, I tried being a Tailor,
but wasn't suited for it -- mainly because
it was a sew-sew job.
4. Next, I tried working in a Muffler
Factory,
but that was too exhausting.
5. Then, tried being a Chef - figured it
would add a little spice to my life,
but just didn't have the thyme.
6. Next, I attempted being a Deli Worker,
but any way I sliced it... couldn't cut the
mustard.
7. My best job was a Musician,
but eventually found I wasn't noteworthy.
8. I studied a long time to become a Doctor,
but didn't have any patience.
9. Next, was a job in a Shoe Factory.
Tried hard but just didn't fit in.
10. I became a Professional Fisherman,
but discovered I couldn't live on my net
income.
11. Managed to get a good job working for a
Pool Maintenance Company,
but the work was just too draining.
12. So then I got a job in a Workout Center,
but they said I wasn't fit for the job.
13. After many years of trying to find
steady work,
I finally got a job as a Historian - until I
realized there was no future in it.
14. My last job was working in Starbucks,
but had to quit because it was the same old
grind.
15. SO, I TRIED RETIREMENT - AND I FOUND I'M
PERFECT FOR THE JOB!
==================================================================
From:- Lou Szedegi
To:- Peter Morton
Subject:-
AT THE GOING DOWN
OF THE SUN
|
LEST WE FORGET
AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE
SUN
I crouched in a shallow trench on that hell
of
exposed beaches......
steeply rising foothills
bare of cover.....a
landscape pockmarked
with war's inevitable
litter...piles of stores..equipment..ammunition..and 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
the
blazing destroyer
exploding on the North sea...I fought on the perimeter at Tobruk....crashed
in the flaming wreckage
of a fighter in New
Guinea...lived with the
damned in a place cursed
with the name Changi and
fought off north
vietnamese assaults at
Fire Support Base Coral.
I was your mate...the
kid across
the
street..the med student
at graduation...the mechanic at 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 bombardier....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
stay in freedom...
I am proud to be an
Australian....
|
==================================================================
*****************************
QUR ANZAC
Day Ceremony 2011
Due to the recent Brisbane flood, QUR could not
provide the usual Gunfire Breakfast at their Walcott Street Depot as
it was still undergoing repairs. However, QUR provided an
excellent guard for the Sylvan Rd ceremony.
LTCOL Tim O`Brien`s address is reproduced here for
those members who could not attend.
FORMALITIES:
* Returned service men and women;
* Distinguished Guests;
* Ladies and gentlemen – boys and girls.
Good morning to you all.
INTRODUCTION
This morning, Australians and New Zealanders will gather to solemnly
recognize what we now refer to as the “ANZAC Legend”.
A Legend that had its birth at Gallipoli on this day, 96 years ago – and one
that has, to this day, been proudly upheld by those men and women who have
served across all conflicts, peace keeping operations and humanitarian
operations – since that beginning.
One of the enduring legacies of this Legend is that Australians, today,
enjoy a freedom of speech which, ironically, can be used to question the
bona-fides of ANZAC. And there are those that do so, arguing against the
legitimacy of the legend, on various grounds, and in some cases, referring
to it as the “ANZAC Myth”.
This morning I would like to exercise my freedom of speech, and – politely -
disagree with those critics who seek to diminish the ANZAC Legend.
In particular, I will address one component of the Legend that some question
- namely, the motives of why Australians committed so wholeheartedly to that
first Great War, from which our ANZAC identity is drawn.
BODY
For a fledgling nation, Australia’s contribution to WW1 was extraordinary.
To coin a current day phrase – Australia punched well above its weight.
-
Around 40% of
our eligible population enlisted for service – a
proportion that was similar to other allied nations
– but, unlike other nations, the AIF, alone,
consisted totally of volunteers – there were no
conscripts.
-
Australia was
the only dominion to contribute significant naval
and air contingents - withholding no aircraft and
just a single naval vessel in Australia, for
domestic security; and
Economically, Australia
threw the full weight of its primary industries behind
the war effort – committing, among other things, 100% of
the national wool clip to the allied war effort, for the
duration of the war.
While such measures of Australia’s contribution can be
generally agreed, there are some that question the
motives behind why such a significant contribution was
made. In general they argue that Australia’s
participation was not founded, upon any noble principles
or moral stance, but rather, they argue that our
contributions emerged from a combination of:
-
Misplaced loyalty to
a distant motherland;
-
Ignorance, regarding
the causes and nature of the war; and
-
A romantic, somewhat
naive sense of adventure.
While there is little
doubt that such sentiments did exist during the early
1900’s, were they – alone – so compelling as to
underwrite Australia’s extraordinary commitment to the
war ?
I would argue not – and I do so, not by delving back
into the history books, but by looking at the ethos of
today’s service men and women.
It cant be said that those sentiments and influences
that existed a century ago still exist today:
- Affectionate as we may still be for England, I don’t
think the apron strings to the ‘Motherland’ have long
been severed.
- And it cant be said that the current generation is
naïve, or ignorant regarding the nature of war. The
public has never been better informed, with
instantaneous communications provided through a range of
independent media sources.
…..and yet, without such factors, today’s service men
and women are equally willing to endure hardship, long
separations, and to put themselves in harms way, just
like those original ANZACs ! ?
Most notable are our two most recent Victoria Cross
recipients. If ever there were two men who could be said
to have “done their bit”, it is these two modern day
heroes - and yet both have insisted on returning to
active service.
Last year, when Queensland’s Army Reserve Brigade – the
11th Brigade - called for 160 Reservists to serve in
East Timor, the volunteers outnumbered the available
positions by a rate of 2 : 1. These people were prepared
to put their everyday civilian lives on hold for 12
months – purely so that they may serve, and purely
voluntarily.
So – if the sentiments and influences that are said to
have drawn us unwittingly into service in WW1 don’t
exist now, why are today’s Australians so willing to
serve, just like those original ANZACs ?
Well, maybe – just maybe – they believe in what they are
doing.
Maybe they believe that their sacrifice will create a
safer world for future generations. And maybe they
believe this strongly enough that:
-
They are
prepared to endure hardship;
-
They are
prepared to endure separation;
-
And they are
prepared to put themselves in harms way.
And if we need any
confirmation that this is indeed their motivation, we
need look no further than the families of those 23 men
who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in our current
conflict – because, without exception, each of those
families, during their most darkest days, proudly stated
that their loved ones gave their lives, willing fighting
for what they believed in.
CONCLUSION
I believe
in the ANZAC Legend.
I believe it was real in 1915, and I believe it has been
real in all endeavors by our Armed Forces, since that
time.
I believe it - because it is real today.
Long may we embrace the ANZAC Legend, and long may we
express our deep gratitude for all those that created
and uphold it.
Good morning – and enjoy your ANZAC Day.
The following photos of
the 2011 ANZAC Day ceremony at Sylvan Rd., Toowong were
taken by our very capable photographer, Trevor Luttrell
 |
CO QUR LTCOL Tim O`Brien
with QUR Padre Bob McKennay. |
| |
|
|
David Ross
with family Joel Bennett and Mikiesha Bennett. |
 |
| |
|
 |
ANZAC
Day March On
of Toowong RSL members. |
| |
|
|
The Salvation
Army provided the band for the ANZAC Day
Ceremony. |
 |
| |
|
 |
QUR Guard for ANZAC Day
2011. |
| |
|
|
QUR Guard for
ANZAC Day 2011. |
 |
| |
|
| Col Ahern `out
medelled` by QUR Honorary Colonel John Pearn |
 |
| |
|
 |
Mick Van Baarle (left)
chatting with Paul Carr before the ceremony. |
| |
|
| QUR guard at
the Sylvan Rd ANZAC Day ceremony. |
 |
| |
|
 |
Kerry
Gallagher, President Toowong RSL, laying a
wreath at the ANZAC Day ceremony. |
| |
|
|
QUR Honorary Colonel MAJGEN John
Pearn and QUR CO LTCOL Tim O`Brien laying a
wreath at the ANZAC Day ceremony. |
 |
| |
|
| |
|
*****************************
War Quotes
In war it is
necessary not only to be active but to seem active.
Andrew Bonar Law 1858-1923
To call war
the soil of courage and virtue is like calling
debauchery the soil of love.
George Santayana 1863-1925
Ninepunce a
day fer killin’ folks comes kin o’low fer murder.
James Russell Lowell 1819-1891
No great art
yet rose on earth but among a nation of soldiers
J ohn
Ruskin 1819-1900
The creator
has not thought to mark those in the forehead who
are of the stuff of good generals. We are first,
therefore, to seek them blindfold , and let them
learn the trade at the expense of great loses.
Thomas Jefferson 1743-1826
The Americans
have become too liberal to fight.
Nikita Khrushchev 1962
The Russians
can give you arms, but only the United States can
give you a selection
Anwar el-Sadat January 1977
Ike is the
best dam general the British have got.
George Patton talking about Dwight Eisenhower
1909-1969
Things to Think About
He works as a tout
for a doctor. He goes around making people sick.
He was so dumb it was written all over his face. And
even then it was spelt wrong.
You can brighten up a room just by leaving it.
Children should be seen and not had.
If your parents didn’t have any children, chances are
you won’t be either.
Age is a matter of attitude. I am retreaded, not
retired.
The secret of longevity is deep breathing, as long as
you can keep it up for eighty years.
A wedding is oceans of emotions surrounded by expanses
of expenses.
Death is nature’s way to tell you to slow down.
Why is abbreviation such a long word?
Why isn’t phonetic spelled the way it sounds?
Could a halfwit work part time for Intelligence?
Was King Kong the original urban gorilla?
Two people in one is a schizophrenic.
Money used to talk. Now is goes without saying.
Never under any circumstances take a sleeping pill and a
laxative at the same time.
Ninety percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
No husband has even been shot while doing the dishes.
Nothing is faster than the speed of light. Try opening
the refrigerator door before the light comes on.
When all else fails, read the instructions.
If you don’t blow your own horn someone will use it as a
spittoon.
A sure way to make your old car run better is to look up
the price of a new model.
Old weathermen never die, they reign forever.
On the other hand you have different fingers.
One good turn gets most of the blankets.
Old upholsterers never die, they just recover.
Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.
Our mind is like a parachute, it works better when it’s
open.
Out of work contortionists find it hard to make ends
meet.
QUR Graduates 2011
| |
|
 |
|
| QUR 2011 Graduates posing with QUR
Honorary Colonel MAJGEN John Pearn Left to Right
Christopher Maguire, Garry Collins,
Michael Schloss, Louise Broadfoot, Sgt Brain, Hon Col,
Lee Unitt, Aleisha Dunn, Andrew Paisley.
|
|
| |
|
.jpg) |
|
| |
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
2011 QUR Graduates
celebrating at the cocktail party
from left
to right. (Including Corps and Postings)
Lee Unitt - RAINF 9
RQR
Christopher Maguire-
RAINF 9 RQR
Louise Broadfoot -
RACT 7 CSSB
Aleisha Dunn - RACT 2
CER (QURA prize for highest achievement in Military
Studies)
Andrew Paisley - RAE
2 CER
Garry Collins - RAA 1
FD REGT
Michael Schloss -
RAAOC 7 CSSB (Not present)
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
*****************************
FUNCTIONS - 2011
Back to the Flood
Saturday 19 March 2011 - 1800Hrs
Anzac
Day Sunday
25 April 2011 - 0615Hrs
Officers Mess Dinner Saturday
21 May 2011 - By Invitation from QUR
AGM
Friday 9 September 2011 - ( 1900Hrs for 1930Hrs)
Christmas
Function Thursday
8 December 2011 - 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 2011
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 2011
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
Sectretary
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
Historian
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
|
Position |
Name |
Bus Hrs |
A/Hrs |
Email |
|
President |
Trevor Luttrell |
0437 442 964 |
3345 2754 |
President |
|
Vice President |
Paul Smith |
3221 1275 |
0417 629 885 |
|
|
Secretary/Treasurer |
Bruce Davis |
3622 1777 |
3878 2920 |
Treasurer |
|
Membership Secretary |
Peter Morton |
3114 2010 |
0419 484 736 |
Secretary |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Committee Members |
|
|
|
Executive |
|
|
Greg Adams |
3264
5544 |
0418 744 678
|
|
| |
Col Ahern |
3896 9510 |
3278 1862 |
|
| |
Chris Backstrom |
3863 9238 |
3359 6262 |
|
| |
Garry Collins |
|
3359 5993 |
|
| |
Ruth Kassulke |
3119 9789 |
3314 6818 |
|
| |
David Ross |
3227 6974 |
0402 904 204 |
|
| |
John Hammond |
|
0409 575 848 |
|
|
