Volume 24 Number 1

February 2012

What's in this Issue

(Click on link to read article - Press `Home` key to return to here)

Presidents Report	CO's Report
2011 QURA Christmas Drinks	Correspondence from Members
LTCOL Armstrong - CO QURA	War Quotes
Things to Think About	Quotes
Functions in 2012	Membership Dues
Back to the Regiment Function	QURA Office Bearers

 

 

President's Report

 

I extend to all the best of wishes for a prosperous and happy new year.

The only activity for QURA since the last newsletter was the Xmas function in Brisbane. There was a good roll up of new and old. This newsletter contains some pictures of the happy attendees.

On behalf of all members the Association extends the best of soldiering to the new Commanding Officer. The Association looks forward to working closely with the CO and the Regiment to further the aims of the Regiment.
We also recognize Tim O’Brien, our past CO, and thank him for his dedication to the Regiment, and we wish him well in his future military career.

Over the new-year period we noted that several ex QUR members were honoured in the New Year and Australia Day honours.

Brigadier Peter Jeffery - AM
Colonel Michael Bond  - CSC (Promoted Deputy Commander 7 Bde)
John Fenwick  - AM (Civil) (Around the era of Brian Venz)
We offer our sincerest congratulations to them for their awards.

Recently Captain Eric Gall has retired from his civilian job in the Department of Defence. Many members of QUR knew Eric as he had managed their career appointments and promotions for a long time. Eric took a close interest in QUR and the members. We extend to Eric our gratitude and wish him well in his future career of relaxation.

Latest news from the new CO is that the unit should return to the depot around early March. Some negotiation has started to the re-locating of some of the Association’s historical items into display areas within the depot.

Again the Association has been invited by the Regiment to present prizes to the graduating class who completed the Officer Training at RMC over the Xmas period.  The presentation of the QURA prizes will take place at Enoggera on 3 March.  The Association will also extend an invitation to all the graduates to join the Association.

 

 

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The 2011 QURA Christmas Party was held at the Victory Hotel, Cnr Edward and Charlotte Streets on Thursday 8th December.  Approximately twenty members attended.

 

 

The following photos were taken by Trevor Luttrell

	James Underwood (left), Craig Blanch and Joe Barnwall chatting at the Victory Hotel.
Bill Beach giving Sue Goodhew a Christmas hug.

	Gary Collins (left) with Peter Morton and John White at the 2011 QURA Christmas drinks.
	Chris Backstrom (left) with Chris and Sue Goodhew sharing a beer at the Christmas drinks.

 

 

 

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Correspondence from Members

Listed below is some of the correspondence received since the last Newsletter.  These emails are reproduced here for entertainment and also to keep members informed of other members movements, etc.

 

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.

 

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From:- Peter Phillips

 

To:- Peter Morton

Subject:-  Re C Tranberg

 

Dear Peter,

 

You may recall the time I was Adj/QM 74/75? I have just heard through another Association that Charles Tranberg has died. Is this correct? Sickness?

I often think about those flooded days and the many good times (and probably not so good?) Oh well we were very young.

 

CO was Harry Standfast.

 

 

Peter Phillips

Adj/Qm

74/75

 

Note:- Following notice appeared in Courier-Mail 13 Feb 2012

 

TRANBERG, Prof Charles Harrold A.M. "Charlie" Late of Toowoomba and formerly of New Farm, passed away on 27th January, 2012. Beloved Husband of Sharon. Dearly loved Father and Father-in-law of David and Jeanette, Paul and Brooke, and Daniel. Devoted Grandfather of James, Sam, Isabella, Eliza, and Jack. At Charlie's request a private Service was held on Monday, 6th February, 2012.

 

Note:- If anyone has any further information re Charlie Tranberg,  please email the Secretary so the details can be passed onto Peter

 

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From:- Eric Gall

 

To:- Trevor Luttrell

Subject:-  Retirement

 

Hello All

 

I have accepted an offer of a VR and will cease work on 10 Feb 12.

 

I thank you for your friendship, advice and guidance over the years and wish you all the best for the future.

 

Kind Regards

 

Eric

 

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From:- John Hammond

 

To:- Trevor Luttrell

Subject:-  China's new A/C Carrier

 

 

CHINA'S NEW AIRCRAFT 

These aircraft carriers look formidable and of ultra modern design. There are reports the 1st Chinese aircraft carrier is under construction and could enter service around 2015 or earlier. It won't be long before we see the real thing. Defense analysts are waiting; watching anxiously.

THIS IS A QUANTUM LEAP ABOVE ANYTHING WE HAVE ON THE DRAWING BOARD. THEY HAVE THOUGHT " OUTSIDE THE BOX " ON THIS ONE. BETTER SPEED, LARGER CAPACITY, MUCH MORE STABLE, ETC. DEFINITELY A " BLUE-WATER " LONG REACH VESSEL.
PLUS THEY CAN SERVICE THEIR NUKE SUB FLEET IN-BETWEEN THE TWIN HULLS ( SIGHT UNSEEN ) OR EVEN LAUNCH AMPHIBIOUS OPPS FROM SAME. IT WILL BE LAUNCHED IN HALF THE TIME IT TAKES THE USA AT JUST ONE-THIRD THE COST. ADD THE NEW CHINESE STEALTH FIGHTER BOMBER ( NAVAL VERSION ALREADY FLIGHT TESTING ) IN THE MIX AND YOU HAVE THE MAKINGS OF A FORMIDABLE WEAPONS SYSTEM INDEED.

 

ALSO LOOK AT THAT EXTRA ''PARKING AND READINESS'' STATION BETWEEN BOTH HULL STRUCTURES.. AND OF COURSE THE LAUNCHING AND LANDING CAPABILITIES FROM THE UTILIZATION OF TWIN FLIGHT DECKS AT ONCE.
 P.S. SOME THOUGHT SHOULD BE GIVEN TO ADVISING YOUR GRANDCHILDREN TO LEARN TO SPEAK MANDARIN. 

NOTE: THE CHINESE ARE ALREADY DRILLING FOR OIL OFF CUBA, BRAZIL AND VENEZUELA.
CAN THEY BUILD A FLEET OF THESE THINGS ???

A FEW FACTS: THE CHINESE HAVE COMPLETED THE WORLD'S BIGGEST DAM ( THREE GORGES ),
THE WORLD'S LONGEST OVER-WATER BRIDGE ( 65 TIMES AS MUCH STEEL AS IN THE EIFFEL TOWER ).
CONSTRUCTED A 15,000 ' HIGH RAILROAD INTO TIBET (ALL CONSIDERED MAJOR ENGINEERING FEATS).

THEY ARE THE ONLY NATION OTHER THAN RUSSIA THAT CAN LAUNCH MEN INTO OUTER SPACE ( OUR CAPABILITY ENDS WITH THE LAST SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH THIS MONTH ).

 

THEY HAVE ALSO SHOT DOWN A SURVEILLANCE SATELLITE ( ONE OF THEIR OWN )
FROM THE GROUND. PLUS THEY " OWN OUR ASS " IN THE INTERNATIONAL DEBT GAME.

CHINA'S NEW A/C CARRIER COULD BE TWICE AS FAST AS ANYTHING WE HAVE, PLUS THE STABILITY OF A CATAMARAN TYPE HULL WILL GREATLY REDUCE THE PITCHING, YAWING AND SWAYING COMMON TO OUR PRESENT DESIGNS.

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From:- Mark Lyell

 

To:- Peter Morton

Subject:-  Re QURA AGM

 

Dear Sir,

 

Unfortunately I will be unable to attend the AGM on 9 Sep as I will be in Wollongong at the time. I have finally completed the necessary requirements and been admitted as a Barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia - working as a prosecutor with the Queensland Police Service. I am hoping to transfer from 2 CER to Legal Corps in the future, but at this stage I am posted to the Ops Cell at 11 CES. I will be in Wollongong undertaking and intensive for the LLM (Criminal Prosecutions) conducted at the University of Wollongong.

 

Thank you for taking the time to email me.  Please pass on my apologies, and I hope it is an excellent evening.

 

Thanks,

 

Mark Lyell

Captain

11 CES OPS CELL

2 CER

 

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From:- Bruce Davis

 

To:- Peter Morton

Subject:-  Adult Truths

 

 

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet? 

6. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died. 

7. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired. 

8. Bad decisions make good stories. 

9. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day. 

10. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again. 

11. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to. 

12. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call. 

13. I think the freezer deserves a light as well. 

14. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger. 

15. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said? 

16. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters! 

17. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever. 

18. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is. 

19. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time. 

20. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

 

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From:- Neil Munro

To:-  Peter Morton

Subject:-  QURA Christmas Drinks

 

Hello Peter,

 

Thank you for the invite to the Christmas drinks but once again I'm out of the country and won't be returning until after Christmas.

It was good to catch up at the drinks last year though.

 

Cheers

Neil.

 

 

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From:- Bruce Foy

To:-  Peter Morton

Subject:-  Re QURA Christmas Drinks

 

 

 

Thanks Peter,

I am again a ' regret' as I will be be in Paris freezing my balls off.

Best wishes and have a great Christmas party.

 

Bruce

 

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From:- Trevor Luttrell

 

To:- Peter Morton

Subject:-  PLACES I HAVE BEEN

 

I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.

 I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

 I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.

 I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.

 I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.

 I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

 Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.

 One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!

 And, sometimes I think I am in Vincible but life shows me I am not!

 

 

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From:- Jenny Cotton

To:-  Peter Morton

Subject:-  Thank you for sponsoring me

 

Dear Peter, 

Thank you very much for sponsoring me in World's Greatest Shave 2012.

Your donation will help the Leukaemia Foundation provide free, practical support to people with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders.

Plus it will boost research into better treatments and hopefully cures for blood cancers.

Thanks again for your support, I really appreciate it!

Jenny

   

 

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From:- Leslie Pyecroft

To:-  Peter Morton

Subject:-  Re: Xmas get together

 

Hi Peter,

 

Sorry to say, I won't be attending the xmas function as I will be recovering from hip surgery.

Alas I have finally worn the joint out and will be having a total hip replacement on the 28th of this month in Bundaberg.  They assure me I will be fully operational after the repair which I am really looking forward too as I am tired of walking like a penguin.

All those years of marching and walking (many klms with pack on back have been a contributing factor I am sure).

Anyway say hi to everyone for me and maybe nexrt year. Merry xmas to everyone.

 

Cheers for now

Lesley Pyecroft

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From:- Tim O`Brien

To:-  Peter Morton

Subject:-  Re: QURA Christmas Drinks

 

Peter,

Unfortunately I will not be attending the 2011 QURA Christmas Drinks.

On the evening of the drinks I will be at the Regiment doing a Board of Studies for around 40 cadets, to confirm their readiness to attend up coming Training Blocks. Its that busy time of year, and together with my handover to Mark Armstrong, I have a month of work to get through in the next 10 days.

Please extend my apologies and my seasons greetings to the members of the members of the Association.

Best regards

Tim

 

 

 

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From:- Trevor Luttrell

To:-  Mark Armstrong

Subject:-  Welcome Mark

 

Dear Mark,

On behalf of QURA may I extend to you a warm welcome to QUR as CO. You can expect a more formal welcome in the mail in the near future.

Tim would have informed you that QURA endeavours to provide as much support as possible to you in your command (political, historical and financial matters.) Recently within Tim's reign we financed the costs of the sculptured sandstone badges in the Great Court of the Uni. On a regular basis we finance the prizes given to the graduates from RMC.

On a general basis we collect and preserve as many historical documents and photos for future viewing. I am the curator of the collection, personally converting all the documents to electronic medium. My garage is full of what I have collected.... high above the flood levels.

Once your life has settled down I would appreciate some time where we can discuss what the Association can do to assist you.

You will no doubt know of our website.

In early February we publish our first newsletter on the web. In each newsletter we look forward to the CO providing a small report as to how the Regiment is travelling. I realise that your term has only just begun but we would welcome some words from you. The old newsletters are published on the web so you might view them to see what has been previously published. We would appreciate any contribution you might make by 9 February.

We would also appreciate a copy of your CV along with a snapshot so members of the Association might informally get to know you through your photo and personal history.

We maintain a database of all those ex QUR members who wish to be part of QURA. As you no doubt will appreciate our members hold significant positions in civil life so our Association has the potential to exert some high degree of pressure to support you in your command.

Each year we hold several functions

- "Back to the Regiment" - normally an informal barbque held in the Standfast Club in March. Last year we conducted it at the St Lucia (Toowong) Bowling Club due to the flood damage. QURA members embers are invited back to the Regiment for a barbque on a Friday night. Normally commences around 5.30pm and finishes around 10pm. In past the Regt has organised the barbque though outside caterers and our members pay for the meal and drinks on the night. We work with you for a suitable time and are happy to undertake whatever duties we need to ensure that we do our share of the work. In worst case planning we organise the whole function, needing only access to the bar and facilities. This is of course up to you as to what the Regt will need from us.

- We attend the Anzac Day ceremonies

- We provide assistance to you with the invitations to ex members for your Regimental Dinner.

- In September we conduct the Annual general Meeting and Dinner at the United Service Club on a Friday night. It is a very informal dinner and we invite an ex member or guest to present an interesting after dinner speech. In past we have had presentations from ex members who have fought in recent Australian active service, service in the French Foreign Legion, civil employment as the Chief Judge of Queensland, service as the Chaplain General for ADF, civilian employment as the AustralianH high Commissioner (Malta), and an ex member who climbed Mt Everest. We extend to you an invitation to join us for the occasion however we extend you an invitation to present as short heads up to the  Association members on the status of the Regiment for the year.

- Towards Xmas we conduct an Xmas Drinks function in the city at a hotel to enjoy a Xmas drink.

 

Our aim is to provide whatever support to you for whatever is appropriate within our charter. Please feel free to contact me at home or mobile at any time. Obviously I hold my time with QUR as a highlight of my career in Defence and work hard to improve the Regiment. As a retiree I am not constrained by civilian work restrictions.

As a team I work very closely with Peter Morton, an ex officer of QUR who is a tireless worker with the membership register, website, and strong supporter of the Association.

 

I look forward to assisting you with your command.

 

I would appreciate the opportunity to:

- Receive your CV by electronic format to publish into the newsletters

- Receive an electronic status update for the February newsletter

- Receive a snapshot for the newsletter (electronic photo format

- DIscuss with you the most convenient details for the conduct of the Back to the Regiment function in MArch.

 

We are here to assist you in any way possible. Please feel very comfortable to contact me at any time to discuss any matter which you believe I may be able to help you.

 

Regards

Trevor Luttrell

President QURA.

 

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From:- Donna-Lee Greaves

To:-  Peter Morton

Subject:-  Request for AGM date change

 

Dear Peter,

As an active member who is permanently located 250 km from "home" (QUR, of course) for the forseeable future, I would like to make a small request.

Due to commitments with the Technology Challenge Maryborough for the last few years, I have been unable to attend AGM dinners recently. This year my level of commitment has deepened; having to undertake a sport/exercise management project for Uni has meant that I have now set myself up for appointment as event co-ordinator of the Smilie Pushcart competition, for the term of my natural life (or as long as I continue to reside in the district, at least). That's what will happen when you do too good a job, I guess. :-)  

Encouraging the future generation to embrace technology, while engaging in intense physical activity as a side effect could not be more important, surely. Combining a love of physics and wellness - could it possibly be more me?  This premier Queensland event is huge and is described briefly on the official website: www.technologychallenge.com.au It is very much a spectator event, if you're interested in technology.

 Relevance to the AGM: this event is held on the last weekend prior to the commencement of the spring school holidays - running from the Friday morning to the Sunday afternoon - which is historically the same weekend(Friday) of the AGM. Hence, my dilemma.

 My request: would you please consider holding the AGM on the previous Friday night (which for 2012 would be Friday 7th Sep)? FYI spring school holidays in 2012 will be 22 Sep - 14 Oct.

 I do realise that I am just one member in a large group, but I have enjoyed attending many AGMs and having to miss out on the last two or three has been very disappointing . As you can see, it has taken more than a few hours drive to prevent me from attending such an important event, on our annual calendar.

 Thank you for your due consideration on this important matter.

 

Fond regards,

 Donna-Lee Greaves

 

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From:- Trevor Luttrell

To:-  Donna-lee Greaves

Subject:-  Re: Request for AGM date change

 

Donna,

Thanks for the note that Peter forwarded to me. As you know the historical date for the AGM is within the month of September. Years ago it was attached to the last day of the school term, probably because the executive were teachers. When I took over we moved it back one week to permit those members leaving for family holidays immediately following the school vacation. I am not sure whether the private schools have an extra holiday week at that time.

All that being said I have no information which would prevent us from considering moving the date back one week, if it will help you.

I realise the commitment you have made to QURA over the years and that you demonstrate your interest by travelling so far to be part of the group.

To make sure there is nothing that will prevent me from moving the date I will email past Presidents and those who might know the history of QURA prior to my time. I will inform you if I find any details affecting moving the date.

So, I think your request is reasonable and will check back before moving it back for you.

(PS- The Association works on a financial year and I believe the AGM may have been made in September to allow the books to be audited after 30 June.) I will keep in contact with you.

Wishing you the best for the festive season.

Regards

Trevor L

 

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From:- Bruce Davis

To:-  Trevor Luttrell

Subject:-  Some New Historic Pictures from WWII

 

PICTURES TAKEN 69 YRS AGO & LEFT IN A BROWNIE ARE REAL INTERESTING. ==================================================== (December 7, 1941)                                                                                           Isn't it amazing how a film could last so long in a camera without disintegrating?     Fantastic photos taken 69 years ago. Some of you will have to go to a museum to see what a Brownie box camera looked like? Here is a simple picture of what we are talking about. . .       PHOTOS STORED IN AN OLD BROWNIE CAMERA Thought you might find these photos very interesting;  what quality from 1941.  These Pearl Harbor photos were found in an old Brownie stored in a foot locker and just recently taken to be developed.  They are from a Sailor who was on the USS Quapaw ATF-110. PEARL  HARBOR December  7th, 1941

 

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Back to the Regiment - To Be Advised

 

The Back to the Regiment function for QURA is usually held in March.  Due to the uncertainty of when QUR will be returning to the Walcott St depot , the QURA Executive has decided to postpone the Back To the Regiment function to a date to be advised.   Details of the function will be emailed when available.

 

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