Explorers find wreckage of British submarine HMS Olympus
A team of explorers has discovered the wreck of a British submarine that sunk off the Maltese coast during the Second World War.  HMS Olympus struck a mine in the early hours of 8 May, 1942 shortly after she left Malta Harbour under the cover of darkness.
Nearly 90 men perished in what was one of the worst naval disasters of the war. Only nine of the vessel's 98 crew members survived after swimming seven miles back to shore in cold water.

A sonar image of the wreck of HMS Olympus, which lies seven miles off the coast of Malta. The submarine's exact location had been a mystery for 70 years  The exact spot where the 283ft-long submarine sank in the Mediterranean Sea remained a mystery for 70 years.  But now a marine archaeology survey team has confirmed that they last year discovered the Olympus' resting place using side-scan sonar to survey the seabed.

Olympus is in the best condition of any wreck found by the Aurora Trust with almost no underwater growth on it.  The footage confirmed that Olympus' propeller remains intact and her hatch open. The hole caused by the mine is located on bottom of the submarine.  Also visible are canons, radio antennas and machine guns.
Come on Niggs, dinner time!!!

Sunday, 8^th January 2012

What is going on in WA, three members (that I know about) hospitalised at the moment?  Shane Pike has joined Peter Clark and and Peter Russell on my list.  Of course there are many more throughout Oz that I don't know about and I want you to know our thoughts are with you all.  If you know of anyone that may need a call, do it today, it helps to know that someone is there for you.

Niggs and I are enjoying the peace and quiet of being alone again, all visitors have left and I have finished the housework, all beds and towels refreshed ready for the next set of visitors.  I must have travelled far enough down the road to recovery for my self confidence to kick in.  I am feeling really good most of the time, but still feeling a lot of pain in the back, although it has not stopped me and Niggs from resuming our morning walks after a 18 month break. Although I eat healthy I am trying harder to eat less.  With luck I should have m boyish figure back by time I go to SUBCON.

One item of the post visit cleanup became a bigger challenge than I anticipated.  I got a new door seal and selector switch for my wall oven which caught fire when I shut the oven door while grilling Nigg's chicken.  Before installing the new seal I decided it was time for the oven to have a really good huck out and made the mistake of referring to the manual.  A word of warning, don't do it!  I ended up fully stripping every item; door, fan, and about 10 'wire things'.  Taking it apart was easier than putting it back together.  However, after three hours I had the cleanest oven in Bauple.  I wish I had read the directions on the can of oven cleaner too, especially the warning about rubber gloves. The caustic contents have stripped the skin off my hands and the fingers are very sore.

Older houses require a lot of tender loving care and my project this week was to replace the five steps off the kitchen verandah.  Not a total success, I should have learnt from my mistakes when I repaired the back steps a couple of weeks back:  measure twice and cut once makes sense.  I am sure that my tape measure is out, I DID measure twice and took accurate measurements to the timber yard.  They cut the steps to my measurement so I was sure that all would be well.  Unfortunately the wood must have shrank on the way home as they were about 1/2 inch short.  I think John Head could of heard me sobbing in Maryborough.

Once I regained my composure and retrieved the tools from all over the yard (I think I may have thrown them in my despair) I headed off to buy another set of steps with revised measurements, but this time I went to another lumber yard to avoid embarrassment.  Another $165 and I went home to fit the steps, a perfect fit.  Now to find a use for 5 hardwood steps, unfortunately they are not wide enough for the front steps......... maybe a raised garden bed.

Weather has been good but today is a bit humid so I am sitting here in the air-conditioning with Niggs.  He hates the heat and humidity and he spends a lot of time in front of the cool air.

Bauple is a rural area and is attracting quite a few new residents experiencing country life for the first time. We recently had a new resident call the local council wildlife office to request the removal of the 'WOMBAT CROSSING' sign on the road into town. The reason: 'Too many wombats are being hit by cars out here! I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.'

The Funeral Service for the late Tony 'Afro' Phelan will be held in Our Lady’s Assumption Catholic Church, Creery Street, MANDURAH on Thursday 12 January commencing at 10.00 am and will be followed by a private family cremation. Contact for Jenny Phelan by e-mail.

It was reported in the WA news that Tony was killed while working on the Perth City Link project. He had had been cleaning a section of the rail line with a high-pressure hose when a maintenance vehicle being taken off the tracks rolled after its brakes failed. It then struck Mr. Phelan, who died at the scene. The incident is being investigated by ComCare, the Federal workplace safety Authority.  Police said the maintenance vehicle was one that could be modified for use on both the road or rail line.”

Bob 'Bluedog' Walker wrote in memory of Afro "I have just read the Log and I to am saddened to learn that "Afro" has had his final pierhead jump.  Sandy's recollections of Pearl Harbour "75" on Otway bought back memories of my own, I was donkshop horse at the time.  Some of our members would also remember the incident in the big EM's club, involving Afro and Porky Porzucek (not good with names) and a Bloody Mary. This also incurred the wrath of the Yank SP's but fortunately no one was locked up, only had to front the Skipper, Peter Horobin, if I remember correctly, who meted out fitting punishment for their offences.  Don't care to elaborate any further online but those who were there can relate the details if required."

While Bob Raines said "I got a terrible shock when I saw your email yesterday about Afro. I served with him during the 70's on board Onslow for a while and when we "paid off" we eventually worked at Codock together as well. Afro only lived a short distance from me in Liverpool so once I realised he worked at the Island as well, I went and picked him up each morning and dropped him home each afternoon. It was terrific. I got to know Jenny during that time as well. I sent her an email yesterday, expressing my heartfelt condolences to her and the family."

WA Member Shane Pike was another to report in sick last week "Just wanted to let the Association know that I'm going in for surgery this Friday to have a malignant lymph node and thyroid removed. I will be recovering for 4 - 5 weeks before starting radiation and possibly chemo depending on the results from surgery. Will probably be off work for 3 - 4 months." 

Ruth Russell has sent an update on Peter who has been malingering in hospital.  She wrote "He is a bit better still very chesty was hoping to come home tomorrow but no such luck he is still in at least till Monday at this stage. Thanks to everyone for the calls and to Pod for visiting. If anyone wants to contact me by email I will pass it on to Peter, he is busting at the bit to get home but not just yet."

As reported last week, another spending time holidaying in hospital is Peter 'Arab' Clarke. Wife Julie said "Can you pass this onto all concerned with Pete's health. He will be in hospital till next week. They could not find the bleed and do not want to do the scope just yet. He has a fever and they are treating that with antibiotics as they don't know where the infection is. It is not in his lungs as they are clear. A big thanks to all who have sent wishes and visited him." 

It seems that I owe Brett Ollington an apology after calling him a Tiffie last month.  He wrote "Wow they are fighting words, last time a STOKER was accused of being a tiffie, he was severely thrashed, I reckon an apology needs to happen. You also note that STOKER is in upper case and tiffie is in much smaller script." I am sure that I saw him wielding a spanner one day, maybe that it is why I made such a terrible mistake, a very rare event for a Warrant Officer STOKER.

Don Currell wrote "Interesting to note that from Orion's original commissioning Greenie Department along with John Hodgen CSAW, Brian Birch Polto and Afro Phelan Kellick of the Boat makes 3 that have died. Were John and Brian ever members of the SAA for Eternal Patrol remembrance on web site." I have added both to the Eternal Patrol page, they were not listed as I rely on people letting me know of any errors and additions.  If you know of anyone that is not listed please let me know.

Ian Bray sent a photo of Vicki and him in front of their "humble" home in Newport, RI. He said "We live on the top floor (dark grey bit)."  I think that we need to increase OS allowances so they can rent the whole house......... click image to enlarge.

Peter Hulme (Taupo NZ) had a Canadian O Boats query ... 'It would be great assistance if your members could confirm that all the bulkhead water tight doors on the Canadian 'O' class boats were completely circular, with none shaped liked those on the old RN 'A' and 'T' boats - that is elongated circles. This discussion has searched the memories of members, but they vary and it would be useful if we could know what WT door were fitted to your 'O' boats.'   I responded "I believe that the first boat may have elongated bulkhead doors as it was the original hull of HMS Onyx (shown here on her final voyage). I was lucky enough to join Onyx on commissioning and was surprised that she was the same configuration as OZ boats. Because the RCN hull was delayed by a fire during build you got the Onyx hull. Something tells me it was Ojibwa." Peter responded "Many thanks for your response, put with all the others it tells the full story."

Visitor from the UK, Nobby Hall wrote "I am a UK Submarine Association member who served for 20+ years in boats. While in the RN I was P.O.'s mess President in Faslane when HMAS Orion was commissioned in Greenock and had the good fortune to be invited to the commissioning ceremony. I still have two copies of the commissioning book. If you would like them just let me know where I can forward them to you. I am returning to Sydney tomorrow but will be back in Brisbane mid January. Also during my Submarine training in 1966 I met a lot of Aussie guy's training in HMS Dolphin 2."  Anyone interested in catching up for a beer please contact Nobby.

It is always good to get positive feedback on the Log and the following from old shipmate Mike Shepherd is what it is all about. "What would we do without you. I have made contact with the family and advised that Tony (Shipp) and I were shipmates possibly in Trespasser and definitely Telemachus. So many pals crossing the bar. I guess we need to be positive in 2012."

Some of you may remember Jeremy Parrett (UC) from his time in OZ on HMS Odin.  He is a new listing on Buddies in Boats and is hoping some of his mates will get in touch. He wrote "Took Odin out to Australia in 1972. My time at Platypus with Odin was the best. I retired from boats in 1976 and emigrated to Canada. Now sailing the Bahamas on our Corbin 39 and travelling the USA in our 2000 Beaver Marquis Amethyst motorcoach. I live with my wife Jane on South Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce, Florida."

It seems that an ex pusser Greenie is operating a repair shop in Ipswich, Qld. A local had to have the garage door repaired. The repairman told him that one of the problems was that they did not have a 'large' enough motor on the opener. The resident was confused and told the repairman that he was told that he had the largest one made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. The repairman shook his head and said, 'It needs a 1/4 horsepower.' When the resident responded that 1/2 was larger than 1/4 the repairman said, 'NOOO, it's not. Four is larger than two.'  I wonder if he was an ex ABETS?

Miles Greenway sent a bit of an update on the RN female in boats saga. He said "This will be happening, for Officers, in 2014 and Ratings in 2016 however the S/m's involved will be altered to provide separate bunk spaces and toilets/showers. Also a pregnancy test is required to be undertaken before any sailing and at a set time after sailing. To protect any foetus, that may be at sea on the S/m's, from the chance of damage from the atmosphere on board a special O2 supply will be fitted to the boats. This will cost about 3 millions pounds for each fit and the pregnant crewmember is to go on to this enriched O2 supply until transferred off the boat.  I must admit this seems a bit over the top. Have you tried this web site ? It is interesting."

Video of the Week

Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval staff has discussed the year the Navy and Marines have had, the operational changes, consequences of the SDSR and how redundancies have affected staff. He also expresses how the future of Navy will be positive, watch the video. I know things are tight in the UK, but surely he could afford a proper uniform, not a pullover with tatty rank insignia?

DEFENCE MATTERs

Cadets 'delighted' if chief reinstated
Australian Defence Force Academy cadets who have been wearing ''Bring Back Bruce'' T-shirts would be delighted if Commodore Bruce Kafer was reinstated as their commandant before the next intake of students at the end of the month.

Cadets, angered by the decision to stand down Commodore Kafer from his post in the wake of the Skype scandal in April, had responded by wearing ''BBB'' T-shirts in protest, Australia Defence Association executive director Neil James said.  He has joined a former high- ranking military officer in calling for the immediate publication of the findings of the inquiry by Andrew Kirkham QC into ADFA's handling of the Skype incident.

Both men say if, as is widely expected, Commodore Kafer is exonerated, he should be reinstated immediately. This is also the view of chief of Defence Force General David Hurley.   ''There is no evidence Kafer committed a hanging offence,'' sources have said.

The Kirkham Inquiry Response, which took almost eight months and cost more than $350,000 to complete, has been with the Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith, since December 12.  Sources have said the Kirkham findings are ''personally embarrassing'' to Mr Smith, who intervened directly to have Commodore Kafer stood down.

Defence said details of the Kirkham findings could not be made public because ''legal and policy issues'' were being considered. ''Further exhaustive consideration may take some time,'' a spokeswoman said.  This has been greeted with derision in some circles.

''The language of Yes Minister is alive and well,'' the former senior army officer said.   ''That would have done credit to Sir Humphrey.''  He said it was ''remarkable'' the recommendations of a completed report could not be made public.

The former officer said it would make eminent sense to issue the report immediately and, if it did exonerate Commodore Kafer, as is widely believed, he should be reinstated before the next intake.

Mr James said it would be ''immoral and unjust'' for Mr Smith to issue the Kirkham report in conjunction with the findings of the five ''culture'' reviews spawned by the Skype incident. It would be an act of political expediency designed to bury the Kirkham findings with an ''irrelevant'' linkage.  n''The Kirkham inquiry addresses natural justice for both victims of the Skype incident - the young woman and Commodore Kafer,'' he said.

Alliance undergoes restoration work
Workers are nearing the final stages of building a platform beneath the historic submarine as part of a £6.5m restoration project.  A watertight enclosure is being created beneath the boat at Gosport’s Royal Navy Submarine Museum.  They are now filling up the space with rubble to build the platform.

It means restoration experts will have complete access to HMS Alliance when they start returning her to her former glory later this year. ‘People will not only be able to go inside the submarine but around her and underneath which is a completely different perspective.

‘People coming here next August will see a very different thing. They will see an absolutely great HMS Alliance once she is fully restored, which is great because she is looking very sad at the moment, and they will be able to see these new views.’

The £6.5m restoration project started in October with piles being drilled into the sea bed at Haslar Lake.  The restoration is expected to be finished in time for the summer of 2013.

ETERNAL PATROL
It is with much regret and sorrow that I have to report the loss of two well known and much loved members of the submarine community last weekend.

Ex LSETPSM Anthony 'Afro' Phelan
Anthony 'Afro' Phelan died in a work place accident in Perth on Saturday night, the 30^th December. The accident has been reported on the news and is subject to coronial investigation.

Tony and his wife Jenny moved over to the West from Victoria in October this year.

Tony served on HMAS Onslow, Ovens, Otway, Oxley and Orion (Commissioning Crew).

Jenny advises that the funeral will be held in WA and I will advise details when known.

Tributes to Tony can be made on Facebook

ex RSSM Anthony Shipp (RN)
Anthony Shipp died on 31 December 2011 at Carnya Hospice, Berry from the effects of cancer.

Anthony known to his peers as Tony volunteered for submarines in 1955 on completion of his parts one and two at HMS Dolphin joined later in 1955 HMS/m Artful until 1956. In 1957 Tony served in two ‘T’ class submarines HMS/m Thule and later HMS/m Trespasser.  In 1958 Tony served in the ‘A’ class boat HMS/m Anchorite before moving back to a ’T’ class HMS/m Telemachus in 1959.

The following year, 1960, Tony joined the commissioning crew of HMS/m Orpheus a new Oberon class submarine. In 1961 Tony did a stint in HMS/m Seraph until 1962 when he transferred to HMS/m Alliance, he stayed with the boat until 1965 when he left the submarine service.

On leaving the Royal Navy, Tony had the rating of Radio Supervisor. He joined the SAA in October 1985.

Peter Smith, Hon SAA Historian.

Come on Niggs, time for a G&T!!!

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Sunday, 1^st January 2012

I checked my computer this morning, first time for a few days and over 400 email to go through.  I hate this at the best of times, but the bad news contained in some of them were very upsetting.  Please, if you know anyone that may need a chat to cheer them up, give them a call.

The loss of two more of our little community was a shock, there is never a good time for death, but at this time of the year it is that much harder to take.

The freeloaders family left this afternoon and it is a relief to have the place to our selves again.  Not to say it wasn't great to have them here, but I love them more when they are in Sydney.  Niggs enjoyed the company of the two female dogs and the thirteen year old girls, but looking at the photo I just took I think he is ready for a rest too, he has been asleep since they left.

Cooking  for eight challenged my catering and cooking skills and I have a fridge full of leftovers to get rid of, but I am sure that Niggs will help with that.  I am not cooking another egg this year!

The Bauple curse struck a few times over the week, I have had more disasters than I deserve or can afford; 

• Last Monday the wheel fell off the ride on mower causing damage to axle.

• Tuesday the selector switch on my stove started slipping and selecting between off, grill and oven became a guessing game.  None available locally and it is due in next week.  Made cooking a challenge, I put two chooks in to roast and it grilled the tops, but soon sorted that out.

• Wednesday the three men (???) went out on a fishing charter, their Christmas present from me.  Not one fish was bought home!!!

• Thursday while I was out shopping the two nephews decided to trim a few trees with the chain saw.  I warned them to disconnect the stays that hold the extendable TV aerial up before lopping.  They didn't and the TV man had to come out and replace it.

• Friday the septic tank started to overflow and I had to get it pumped out.  Turns out the transfer pump had seized and was not pumping to the pits.

• Saturday the potable water pump's bearings failed, fortunately Bunnings had a new pump in stock.

• Sunday the tenants of one of my properties rings to say some dickhead had thrown stones at the house and broken two windows.........

I figure that after this week I am due for a change in luck, time to buy a lotto.

There was not going to be a Log this Sunday, but with the sad news to break I thought I would produce one.  I have only scratched the surface of my In Tray and only a selection promulgated this week.  If you sent me an email and I have not answered, sorry.  Maybe next week.

If my body was a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish and my paint job is getting a little dull.  But that's not the worst of it.
My headlights are out of focus and it's especially hard to see things up close.
My traction is not as graceful as it once was.. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.
My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins.
It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.
But here's the worst of it: Almost every time I sneeze, cough or sputter, either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires!

 

So, till next time....................

 

 

Around the Traps

Sandy Freeleagus wrote "Boy Bungy, you sure know how to start off my New Year. No offence mate.  I served on Otway from 1972-1977 and for a good deal of that time, Afro was my offsider and we worked well together. I remember him with great fondness and affection and I must admit, together we managed to upset our WEEO many times.

My most vivid memory of Tony was during the 1975 deployment Up Top when we were stranded in Hawaii with a blown up diesel. The Yanks gave us an old shunting diesel locomotive to charge the boat, as they had no facilities (being nuckie poohs) with enough grunt to handle the load required. When the loco was flashed up and running (bouncing around on the dockside on large blocks of wood) I detailed Afro to "ride the loco and liaise with "Casey Jones" "driving" the loco. He expressed grave concern and voiced then eloquently, but I reassured him that all would be well, and if the worst occurred, I would ensure he would receive a full naval funeral - firing party and all associated pomp and ceremony. He reluctantly entered the loco cabin, still expressing grave doubts. I went to report to the Captain ("Horrible") and the WEEO "Spud" that the boat was (barely) on charge when the loco blew up with a great white flash. Afro flew out of the loco cabin and told me in no uncertain terms what I could do with the loco, the battery, the boat, the branch and the navy. I sent him down to POLTO (Brian Birch) to have a couple of tots on my slops chit.

When he and a Royal Navy sailor (just as big as him) filled in a Yank shore patrol in a bar in Olongapo, the Yanks were out after them with a vengeance. They tracked him down to OTWAY and collared him. I swore on a stack of bibles, that on the night in question, Afro was working all night with me on a ventilation fan. He was a bit of a wild man ashore I must admit. Brian Birch and I decided that Penang would be the one port (the first one so far) that Afro would not get into strife. We were sharing the same room, so we pulled the two single beds together and made him sleep in between us after taking him on a bar tour. He got away and Penang was another port in which I lied through my teeth to get him off the hook.

We worked together side by side through hazardous conditions and procedures that would never be allowed today. We battled through, generally with a lot of naughty words - but together, we got the jobs done.

As a shipmate, electrician and as a person, I respected him and loved him dearly.

I used Tony as an example when I did my Warrant Officer's Course in CERBERUS. The psychologists asked all class members what they did when confronted with unruly and uncooperative sailors. Each gave answers concerning counselling and guidance. When it came to me, I said that I just told my Branch Kellick, Afro, that so-and-so was giving me the what=names. Afro would take the offending person behind the switchboard and WHACK. He would then casually reappear to tell me that the problem was resolved. They were all horrified. Any wonder I loved him.

I shall miss Afro. I feel as if a part of me has been taken, but I have these great memories of him and of being with him. I am glad he has Shorty and Rupert to go on runs ashore with up (or down) there."

---

Peter Clark is in Fremantle Hospital suffering a serious liver problem and is bleeding internally which requires an endoscopy examination to determine the cause. A number of members have visited him over the last few days and POD reports today he brightened up fairly quickly when he discussed Submarines with him or took the pisser out of him about being a Tiffy. His wife Julie asks that he be visited by his friends for short periods of time as his attention span is about 20 minutes and he is only allowed 2 visitors at time. If you can’t visit him and want to send him a message, please E-Mail Julie, she will take the E-mails in to him and read them to him and leave them for him to read when he is able.

Fred Fisher is also having a rough time and spent Christmas in hospital.  There are a lot of our mates out there that are travelling rough and a call from an old mate would be a great tonic.

Three members of the Aussie Defence Force were asked what would happen if they found a scorpion in their tent. The responses were as follows:

• Army - I would grab my bayonet and stab it to death.

• Navy - I would lean over and grab one of my sandals and squash it.

• Air Force - I would get on the phone and complain that someone has put up a fecking tent in my hotel room.

You can't get away from them...... Tony Vine, seen here cutting someone's grass as usual, reports "I'm a volunteer at the local Military Museum and today we were doing a promotional visit to one of the local caravan parks with two of our restored WW2 vehicles. We had a collection of hats for the kiddies to wear and one of the ladies put a sailors hat on her child and said to her "Your granddad wore a hat like this when he was in submarines".

Tony continued "It turns out Granddad is ex LSROSM Kim Allen who I commissioned Otama with in 78. Sadly the lady (Sara told) me that Kim (Her Father in Law) is currently battling Prostrate Cancer. I met Kim's son whose name I can't remember, Kim now lives in Queensland.  I remember Kim well for the fantastic cartoons and caricatures he used to draw, some of which raised the ire of Frank Wolfe, which was good as it diverted his attention from me, his less than favourite Tiffie.

Tony is currently in Warrell Creek waiting for his Daughter in Law to produce Tony and Cathie's first Grandchild (was due 27 Dec). He said "As soon as bub is born we will be off to Canberra to count fingers and toes."

---

Queenslanders be Thorwarned! Two new cyclones have been named for this season, Thor Lund and Terry Rowell.  Thor wrote "Firstly, TJ (Terry Rowell) and I would love to drop in and see you and any Qld members on our road trip north to Townsville to see Dan and Sheena Obrien and Rip Mahoney in Mackay. Both Dan and Rip are not at all well. We leave Sydney on or around the 10th of Feb and should be on the road for about 10 days arriving back in Sydney around the 25th. Anyone who would like to catch up with us for a beer or 3 can drop me an email and I'll liaise with them on our itinerary."

Thor also wrote "Following an article I wrote for the Afloat Magazine recently I had a call out of the blue from a guy who was in cubs with me (would you believe it). Turns out he was heavily involved with RANTE and Naval Armaments supply. He has put together a web site on the topic and there are some interesting bits and pieces that some of the members might find interesting to browse. Also Im sure he would appreciate any tidbits of info or photographs that anyone may have of those heady days when ammunitioning at the buoy was the done thing etc. His name is Robert Curran and you can contact him through his website".

Brett Hinton writes "Well we are at Peterborough on the Great Ocean Road slowly winding our way to Melbourne, Cooma, Canberra and then home. It has been a good trip with lots of things to see. Some places are dumps, others sparkle; just like humans. The bush towns in outback NSW and Qld are on Life Support; mainly dole and pension cheques. Places like Wilcannia, Bourke have an absolute look of decay about them with most shops “boarded” up with corrugated iron. People living 6 to 8 (including kids) to a caravan with no power also happens. The dogs have behaved although Bruno the youngest one nicked off into a forest for an hour. He likes chasing kangaroos, the ones over 5 foot high provide the most fun. We have met all sorts of interesting people of all ages, colours and sexes (just when Richelle thought there was only 2) . Met an SAS Timor vet who tried to shoot his new Lieutenant and was subsequently discharged. He still regrets not pulling the trigger. Met another old bloke who claimed to be a WWII vet but turns out it was all in his head."

OK, it is time to ask some those of you that send on EVERY email you receive to think about it.  I appreciate getting interesting and meaningful email that someone has sent you, but WHY must you send EVERY email?  Before sending to every Tom, Dick and Harry ask yourself the question before sending on:  "Did I find this interesting, funny or informative and would others be interested in it?"  Think first, send second!

SUBMARINES ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA

 

Tasmanian Branch

The SUBCON 2012 web site is now live and ready to take your reservations.

 

SUBCON is the annual reunion and Annual General Meeting of the Submarines Association Australia and traditionally rotates around the country. It is held over the eastern states' Queen's Birthday Long Weekend in June and in 2012 it will be hosted in Tasmania.

The programme of events covers four days from Friday, the 8th to Monday the 11th of June and includes the traditional Reunion Dinner on the Saturday night following the AGM in the afternoon.

This year the theme is 'Back to Basics' and is intended to (re)place the emphasis on the camaraderie and esprit de corps that unites submariners all over the world. This year our motto is the Latin 'Multum in Parvo' which translates to 'Much In Little' and is meant to reflect both the Back To Basics theme as well as the relative size of the small Tasmanian branch who are the hosts for 2012.

We do hope you can make it down south to Hobart for SUBCON 2012 and we look forward to seeing you.

 

Queensland Branch
Over the past 6 months the SAA Qld President don Currell has been working discreetly on a project which will have an impact on the Brisbane community. Don has been liaising with Mike and Wanda Davis, life members of the Australian American Association and together they have been talking with the Brisbane City Council (BCC) to have a small area of the Brisbane River bank named “SUBMARINERS WALK”.  Don has been the prime “mover and shaker”

During WW2 submarines were based at New Farm on the Brisbane River and in fact one of our members, Ken Briggs was in one of the midget submarines based there. Ken was intimately involved with the raid on Saigon Harbour when “HE” cut the main telephone cables on the bottom of the harbour. Also some 64 USN Submarines used New Farm to do battle in the Pacific. Five of the New Farm based were lost with all hands which constituted 22% of the submariners based in Brisbane.

A 300 metre section of the bank of the Brisbane River in front of the “Old Wool Shed” at New Farm and in the vicinity of the old HMAS MORETON is going to be named “Submariners Walk” and will honour these WW2 submarines plus will also honour AE1 and AE2 both of whom were lost during WW1.  The BCC will also be assisting and have agreed to maintain the project in perpetuity.

On Saturday at our associations annual Christmas gathering, President Don (Duck Run) was able to announce that he had got approval from the BCC for the project to go ahead. At the SAA Qld Committee Meeting held prior to the gathering your Committee voted unanimously to put $5000 towards the project. That idea was floated to those members present at the “Picnic” and they were totally supportive. We will also be seeking monies from DVA and Government for the project. The Committee will propose at the next General Meeting, that you endorse firstly the project and secondly the proposal to put $5000 aside for our input into the project.

We have already asked the SAA to support us $$ for $$ and “civvy” firms in the Brisbane area have already pledged their support.

This is a project going through its “period of gestation”; it is an unfolding concept in its design phase. I reiterate that the idea has been approved by the BCC and the prime land on the Brisbane riverfront in New Farm already “earmarked”. We ask for your support to bring the project to fruition.

Graeme Caesar
Secretary, SAA Queensland Inc.
Email: secretary@saaqld.org
Phone: 0418 449 528

Come on Niggs, time for a G&T!!!

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