Sunday, 27^th June 2010

The weather this week has been great, almost like spring, a great opportunity to get out into the garden and prepare the killing fields for next year's crop.  My history with things green has not been great in the past and this has made me try harder this year.  Lots of tilling and toiling of the soil and the cow shit that I collected from the field across the road has been well and truly dug in to the veggie patch, along with the mulch that I have lovingly made over the last 12 months.  The chook has been watching with great interest, she will no doubt be looking forward to the fresh vegetables in spring.

The retaining wall around the pool area was next on the agenda.  The last rites had already been given to the $100s of plants that I put in last year so I dug the up and started a fresh compost heap with them.  After the ground was prepared I headed off to the Nursery (not sure if that is a good name, I think Hospice is more appropriate) to plead for for plants hardy enough to survive a nuclear attack.  After about an hour my car was full (and wallet empty) so I headed home.  Niggs was not impressed with getting kicked of the rear seat and halfway home he decided to go bush..... a quick jump and he was in the back with the plants..... their first encounter with the Williams household!

We got home and repaired those plants that were damaged and spent the next hour or so 'arranging' them in positions that would become their final resting places.  Next came the planting and Niggs decided that he I needed help with this little task and started digging holes too... Enough! I finally locked him in the pool enclosure, he was no impressed!

Next day I got the plants settled into their new beds - I will now spend a further fortune on seaweed extract, trace elements, fertilisers and other stuff designed to prolong life.  Now to work out how to keep the dog, chook, possums and birds away!!!

I have started to receive photos from SUBCON and will create an album and have online later in the week, I don't have time today as I still have a lot to catch up on.  A woman's work is never done.

Warning!!!
This week I received an email that is doing the rounds and unfortunately it is allegedly from a friend.  Now you may say that no one would be silly enough to fall for this, but you are wrong!  If you receive any similar request contact the person and advise them that they have or someone in their address book has been infiltrated. The message was;

Sorry to disturb with this mail. I had to make an impromptu trip to London and right now I'm in a difficult situation here in England and urgently need your help. Can you lend me $1800, I'll refund you as soon as I get back this weekend and explain better to you. I know this may not be a good time to ask for such a favor but I just thought I could turn to you for help. I will appreciate anything you can afford to lend me right now. I would be glad if you could keep this between us.

AROUND THE TRAPS

Congratulations
On the award of your Dolphins

ABMTSM T. Hoyle - HMAS Dechaineux
SMNAWASM W. Hardie  - HMAS Waller
SMNAWASM A. Bullock - HMAS Waller
ABMTSM J. Clarke - HMAS Dechaineux
SMNCTS B. Milton - HMAS Dechaineux

Defence has finally caught up with Peter 'Ivan' Donzow "For those who are not already aware or I have not already contacted, I have received my "Notice of Termination of Employment", with effect from 09 July 2010.  This will complete 22 years in the Public Service (after serving 20 years in the RAN).  There will be a small farewell function at the NSW BOWLERS Club, York St Sydney on that day.  So, if you are passing by or fell like a drink, please feel free to drop by.  I would like to thank all those that I have know over the last 42 years in Defence and wish you all well."  Good luck on your retirement mate.

This photo was taken at the Friday Meet & Greet at SUBCON, Coffs Harbour 2010.  Shown are; Roger (Salty) Saltmarsh, Billy Callahan, Garry (Roscoe) Ross and Roger (JJF).  Guess who is the odd man out in this photo?  Sorry about the glare, must be a reflection from the lights?

Last week Mike Bell sent a photo from his second go on a speedway outfit and I asked if he was the one 'riding' or 'hanging on'. He replied "I'm the bloke swinging - the rider is ex submariner stoker, Michael Hoogland.  Final tryout (second go) for speedway position is this Sunday at Gillman - shitting myself already. If selected we will be racing at Mildura on the Saturday of the long weekend - should be a hoot."  Mike continued "I have now re-enlisted in Active Reserves for another 5 years, should have seen the looks on the mums and dads when I wheeled in with the young uns for the ceremony!"  Now I thought that he had a few screws loose when I saw the photo, his signing on again proved it!!!

Can you help........
RN visitor to the Log, Jock Stuart, writes "Would any of u gentleman know a Bob Drew. We sailed together on ARTFUL in the 60,s.  Bob was the boats LRO, I was the LREM. He was an RAN rating. Last I heard he bought an mfv when he left the mob and was running out of the northern ports supplying all the small islands with stuff they needed.  He was a nice guy would be nice to find if he is still alive and well."

In January, a pongo Joel Donkin, sought assistance in trying to track down Shane Simpson.  He is in touch again and would appreciate help in contacting Shane. "Shane was a submariner (UC, “O” boats, early to mid 80’s). He was extremely proud of his time in the senior service, and especially the silent part of it. I am pretty sure Shane would be a part of your organization if he was able. I lost track of Shane about 10-12 years ago. At that time he was living in Moonta in South Australia." If you can help contact Joel.

John Newton asks "I am trying to contact a family friend and wonder if you could advise me of the best method to do this please?  He is Ralph Naylor and in 1972, as a Leading Writer in the British Navy, he transferred to the RAN Submarine Service.’ Please let me know if you know Ralph's contact details.

Vic 'Capt Ramuis' Borge asks "Norm puzzle for members, Nov 1970 Fremantle two boats RN outboard, inboard RAN - must be Oxley? Anyone have ideas and RAN Warship astern of Forth.  My interest is that Forth was moored in Malta in Msida Creek where I was born - see attached photos."  Can anyone help?

Ian and Vicki Bray are on the move, another perk posting! "Just a quick note to say greetings from Newport RI. Vicki and I are settling into a three year posting in the US. I have relieved Gary Lawton at the Naval Undersea Warfare Centre, working on the combat system and heavyweight torpedo. Vicki is working hard on being a lady of leisure."  Good life for some!

Paddy tells Mick he's thinking of buying a Labrador.  "Piss off" says Mick, "Have you seen how many of their owners go blind?

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Wartime submarine commander and adventurer turns 100
June 25, 2010 The oldest living submarine commander from World War II turned 100 years on Wednesday and enjoyed festivities that are expected to continue for days.  Up to 100 people attended Commander Bill King’s birthday party on Wednesday night held in his family home, Oranmore Castle, where he lives with his daughter Leonie and son-in-law, Alec Finn. The Commander lasted a good few hours at his party according to Leonie who said “it appeared to have perked him up”.

Bill King first settled in Galway in 1946 when he and his wife, Anita Leslie bought Oranmore Castle for £200. The couple immediately set about renovating the Norman keep to make it into a family home by the sea. Today, it is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday between 2pm and 6pm until the end of August.

In 1967, Commander King set out to sail the world in a purpose-built boat he constructed himself. The two-masted Galway Blazer II failed to circumnavigate the world twice, but at 58, Bill King became the oldest participant in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race in 1968. He eventually achieved his goal of sailing singlehandedly around the world three years later.

He has been the only surviving World War II submarine commander for many years and recently had interaction with the son of a Japanese Chief Engineer of a submarine which was sunk by Commander King. There were birthday messages sent from the Japanese family and, indeed, one of them was due to travel to the celebrations but had to pull out at the last minute.

VETERANS' AFFAIRS

New Medal - The Australian General Service Medal Korea
On 6 April 2009, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, announced that Her Majesty The Queen had given her in-principle approval to the award of the Australian General Service Medal for Korea.  The establishment of the Australian General Service Medal for Korea was recommended by the Post-Armistice Korean Service Review which reported in December 2005. The Australian General Service Medal for Korea recognises the service of those former Defence Force personnel who completed 30 days in South Korea during the post-Armistice period from 28 July 1953 to 19 April 1956.

The medal is awarded for participation in Australian naval, military or air force operations in South Korea, including any location within 161 kilometres seaward from the coast of South Korea, in the period starting on 28 July 1953 and ending at the end of 19 April 1956.

Applications should be made to the following address:
Directorate of Honours and Awards
T-1-49 Department of Defence
CANBERRA ACT 2600

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New and Improved Repatriation Health Cards
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel,today announced the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) clients would begin receiving their new and improved Repatriation Health Cards. Around 40,000 new gold, white and orange Repatriation Health Cards will begin arriving in the letterboxes of clients this week. The new cards had been designed to include a number of new and improved features.

“New cards will now have a magnetic strip which will contain data including the veteran’s full name, file number, card type and expiry date. Micro-printing and the addition of a DVA registered hologram will ensure enhanced security and reduce the likelihood of reproduction,” Mr Griffin said.

The mail-out is expected to be completed by the end of August 2010. “New cards will work the same way as Medicare or private health fund cards - just one swipe will enable health providers to immediately access the client’s information and streamline the claims process.”

Mr Griffin said for the first time, all clients living overseas will be issued with a Repatriation Health Card.  “Distributing cards to clients residing overseas will remove the need for them to contact the Department to obtain a ‘letter of authority’ when seeking medical treatment within Australia,” he said.

For more information on DVA Repatriation Health Cards visit the DVA treatment cards website.

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This link is to the Liberal party Website and some supporting comments re the fair indexation of DFRDB pensions, if you have not signed any of the petitions going around I suggest that you pay it a visit.  Alan James said "It may be an opportunity for members to become supporters of this proposal for fairer indexation. With 100 supporters the Liberal Shadow Minister will post a response and then at least we will know where they stand. It pays to be informed!"

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The team working on the development of a joint Department of Veterans Affairs / Department of Defence program to assist transitioning services members contacted us this week. This program includes the development of a website and they asked if they could include a link from their site to our site. This is good news, develops closer links with the ex service organisations.

DEFENCE NEWS

Former US Bath IronWorks President joins ASC Board
Rear Admiral USN (retired) John Dugan Shipway's appointment to the Board of Australian submarine and shipbuilding company ASC has been welcomed by Chairman Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie AO RANR. The Federal Minister for Finance and Deregulation and sole shareholder of ASC, Lindsay Tanner, announced earlier today that Rear Admiral Shipway had been appointed to ASC's Board for a three year term.

A retired United States Navy Rear Admiral with 35 years of service, Rear Admiral Shipway was most recently President of General Dynamics' Bath Iron Works, a position he retired from in 2009 following six years of service.  Rear Admiral Shipway has a most distinguished career having served in a succession of high-level posts in the United States Navy and General Dynamics' Electric Boat before his appointment as President of Bath Iron Works, Vice Admiral Ritchie said. During his tenure at Bath Iron Works, Rear Admiral Shipway spearheaded management reforms which revolutionised the cost of building the Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyers and can be credited for reinventing Bath Iron Works into a lean, efficient shipyard.

Rear Admiral Shipway has an exceptional track record and, given ASC's objective to undertake work more efficiently and cost-effectively, the company will benefit from his unparalleled technical and program management expertise. Rear Admiral Shipway's term commenced on 18 June 2010.

During his tenure, Rear Admiral Shipway led the company to eliminate more than 1.5 million labour hours from the cost of building an Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyer. As a submarine officer, Rear Admiral Shipway served onboard diesel, nuclear attack, ballistic missile and research submarines. During his military career, he was responsible for several submarine and weapons programs including the Los Angeles Class and Seawolf Class attack submarine programs.

Submarine Philadelphia Decommissioned in Groton
Navy decommissioning ceremonies in Groton this week brought the 33-career of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine Philadelphia to an end. The decommissioning came on the 33rd anniversary of the sub's commissioning. The sub's seventh commanding officer, Rear Admiral Douglas McAneny, now commander of the submarine force in the Pacific, said he was glad to have one last look at his old boat and to eat one more meal in its wardroom.

He said the ceremony was to pay tribute to the Philadelphia, but also to the crews and their families. In his words, "The soul of USS Philadelphia lives on forever in her crews. "  The Philadelphia was built at the Electric Boat shipyard and commissioned June 25, 1977.

Telephone Rip-Off! -Telstra Phone Book
For anyone contemplating using the Sensis directory service number, 1234, DON'T! Sensis, as you may or may not know, is a subsidiary of Telstra.
The 1234 number is replacing the Telstra 12456 directory assistance number, but this time with outrageous costs attached: 40c to call the number, then 4c A SECOND!  By law, Telstra must provide a FREE directory assistance number. They choose however not to pass this number on to the public. The free number is 1223, thumbs down to Telstra for finding a way to 'charge', for a service that is supposed to be provided for free.

A seven year old boy was at the centre of a courtroom drama this week when he challenged a court ruling over who should have custody of him. The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judge initially awarded custody to his Aunt, in keeping with the child custody law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to the degree possible.The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. When the judge suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy cried out that they also beat him.

After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who should have custody of him.  After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the NSW State of Origin team, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.

Come on Niggs, time for dinner......

Sunday, 20^th June 2010

Congratulations NSW and the team, SUBCON 2010 was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

CPOCISM (RS to the oldies) Darren Thompson is our new President -  I believe that having a serving submariner in the chair will be of great benefit and hope that it generates a new interest in the association and hopefully more Members.

It was great to see so many new faces as well as the regulars turn up for SUBCON, it seems to get bigger every year.  The men are all getting older, but the wives are looking better every year, maturing like fine wines.

It was nice to see Carol Wilson and Gaye Haggerty attend, as well as our Member from Noumea, Roberto Lunardo and his wife.

I have started to receive photos from SUBCON and will create an album and have online later in the week, I don't have time today as I still have a lot to catch up on.  A woman's work is never done.

I did not stand for the Executive this year, it was a hard decision, but I have a few issues that take a higher priority and had to lighten my load a little.  It has been an honour to act as the Secretary and I thank everyone for their support over the last 18 months.  I will continue to be the web master for Up Periscope but will be handing the Associations site to Kev Hayton when time permits us to get together so that I can train him how to use the software (train a UW, impossible I hear you say).

Once upon a time, there was a non-conforming sparrow who decided not to fly south for the winter. However, soon the weather turned so cold that he reluctantly started to fly south. In a short time, ice began to form on his wings and he fell to earth in a barnyard, almost frozen.  A cow passed by and crapped on the little sparrow. The sparrow thought it was the end. But, the manure warmed him and defrosted his wings. Warm and happy, able to breathe, he started to sing. Just then a large cat came by and, hearing the chirping, investigated the sounds. The cat cleared away the manure, found the chirping bird and promptly ate him.

The moral of the story:
1. Everyone who craps on you is not necessarily your enemy.
2. Everyone who gets you out of the crap is not necessarily your friend.
3. And, if you're warm and happy in a pile of crap, keep your mouth shut.

Time has got away from me and I will have to finish this week's Log, although I have many emails that have not even been read yet, I will try and do better next week.  Till then, keep smiling!

SUBMARINE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA

The National Annual General Meeting of the Association was held at the Coffs Harbour Ex Services Club on Sunday, 13th June 2010. 

The following are your National Executive Officers for 2010 - 2011.

	National President National Vice President National Secretary National Treasurer	Darren Thompson Kevin Hayton David Sandquest John Rana

Only two nominations were received - nominations for President and Secretary were called from the floor.

As there was no nomination for President it was proposed that Darren Thompson, who had been nominated for Vice President, be called upon to take on the role of President.  He accepted and was voted in as SAA President 2010 - 2011.

David Sandquest was then nominated for Vice President and was voted in as SAA Vice President 2010 - 2011.

John Rana was the only nomination for Treasurer and was voted in as SAA Treasurer 2010 - 2011.

There were no nominations for Secretary, Norm Williams retiring for health reasons.  Nominations were called from the floor but no volunteers came forward.  Norm agreed to remain in the position for three months to give the Executive time to find a replacement.

After the AGM the National Committee agreed on changes to the Executive, they being;

Kevin Hayton agreed to take on the position of Vice President and was voted in as SAA Vice President 2010 - 2011 by the National Committee.

David Sandquest agreed to take on the role of Secretary and was voted in as SAA Secretary 2010 - 2011 by the National Committee.

David Sandquest

National Secretary
Submarines Association Australia

BIOGRAPHY – Chief Petty Officer Darren Thompson

Born in New Norfolk, Tasmania, in 1965, Darren grew up in Burnie, Tasmania. Prior to joining the Navy, Darren served with the Naval Reserve Cadets and with 44 Transport Squadron Army Reserve. 

In 1983, Darren joined the Royal Australian Navy and was posted to HMAS CERBERUS in Victoria to undergo Initial Entry Training (IET). On completion of IET he remained at HMAS CERBERUS and commenced training as a Radio Operator. He also volunteered for Submarine Service. After completion of his Radio Operator training in Victoria, Darren was posted to HMAS PLATYPUS,  Sydney, in 1984 for Submarine training. He was posted to his first Submarine, HMAS OXLEY, an Oberon diesel-electric class Submarine, later the same year for the completion of Submarine training. On the 15^th December 1984, Darren was awarded his Submarine Qualification Badge, the coveted ‘Dolphins’. Early 1985 Darren was sent to HMS DOLPHIN, Gosport, England, for Pressurised Submarine Escape Traning (PSET). On his return to Australia in Feb 1985, Darren was posted to HMAS ORION, another Oberon class Submarine, as a fully qualified Radio Operator Submarines.

During the period, 1985-1989, Darren served in the Oberon Submarines, HMAS ORION, OVENS, and ONSLOW. 1987 saw Darren awarded the Australian Service Medal (ASM) with clasp Special Ops. During the middle of 1989, Darren was loaned to HMAS TOBRUK, a Amphibious Heavy Lift Ship (LSH), for Exercise KANGAROO 89 off the Northern Territory. In December 1989, Darren was promoted to Leading Seaman. 

During the period 1990 to 1996, Darren served in HMAS PLATYPUS, Sydney Submarine Depot, the Oberon class Submarines HMAS OTWAY, ORION and ONSLOW. In August 1994 Darren was promoted to Petty Officer and qualified as a Petty Officer of the Watch Submarines (POOWSM).  In Jan 1996, Darren was posted as the Senior Instructor Submarine Communications, to the newly built Submarine Training and Systems Centre (STSC) at HMAS STIRLING, Garden Island, Western Australia. During this time he completed the shore phase of conversion training from Oberons to the new COLLINS diesel-electric Submarines.

In early 1998, Darren was posted to HMAS COLLINS, the namesake of the new Class of Submarines, to complete his conversion training. During this period he also did a short period posted to HMAS FARNCOMB, another COLLINS Class Submarine, in the role of Leading Radio Operator to gain more at sea experience. On completion of this training he returned to HMAS COLLINS in the role of Radio Supervisor.

Darren was awarded the Defence Force Service Medal (DFSM) for 15 years service in July and promoted to Chief Petty Officer in December 1998. In early 1999, after completing his Chief of the Boat (COB) training, Darren was loaned to HMAS FARNCOMB as COB. This was a very busy an exciting time which culminated in the introduction of the first females on Submarines and the sinking of the decommissioned Destroyer Escort, HMAS TORRENS. Shortly after he returned to HMAS COLLINS in the role of COB.

In mid 2000 Darren and his partner relocated to Canberra to take up a posting in the Directorate of Sailors Career Management (DSCM) as the Non-Technical Submarine Category Poster. During this time Darren completed his conversion training from Radio Operator to the new Communications Category of Communications Information Systems (CIS). On completion of his busy and exciting role in DSCM,  Darren was lucky to be chosen to participate in an exchange program with the Royal Navy, Long Look 2003. Prior to his departure for the United Kingdom Darren was awarded the first clasp for 20 years service to the Defence Force Service Medal (DFSM). As part of his of the exchange Darren was posted to Flag Officer Submarine Training (FOST) at HMAS NEPTUNE, Faslane, Scotland. Darren spent four months working with the Royal Navy and exploring Scotland and the British Isles.

Returning   to Australia, he was posted back the DSCM as the Acting Officer in Charge (A/OIC) of DSCM Cell 1, responsible for overseeing the career management of Submariners, Fleet Air Arm and Supply Category personnel throughout the RAN. In 2004 Darren was posted as the Deputy Communications Security (COMSEC) Manager-Navy in the Defence Comsec Controlling Authority (DCCA) in Canberra. This was the commencement of a very busy twelve months travelling all round Australia to audit various Australian Defence Force (ADF) Comsec accounts.

In 2005 Darren was posted as the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Submarine Communications Centre, at Fleet Headquarters at Garden Island, Sydney. During his tenure he represented the Fleet Commander at several Communications forums with our Allies in New Zealand and the United States. In late 2006 Darren had a short but busy posting with Defence Force Recruiting in Parramatta, Sydney, as a Defence Interviewer. He was also awarded the new Australian Defence Medal (ADM) during this time in recognition of his initial four years service.

2008 saw Darren back in Western Australia posted to the Submarine Force Element Group (SM FEG) otherwise know as Submarine Headquarters, at HMAS STIRLING. Darren’s new role saw him responsible for the management of all Submarine Communications Information Systems sailors, Submarine Communications issues relating to personnel, Assistant Submarine Human Resource Manager, Submarine Presentation Team co-ordinator and various other ancillary tasks. July 2008 saw the completion of 25 years service in the RAN and the award of his second clasp to the Defence Force Service Medal (DFSM).

2009 had  Darren heavily involved in the implementation of several personnel issues to improve conditions for all Submariners now and into the future. Particularly as we plan for the replacement for the COLLINS class Submarines around 2020. 2009 also saw him become the Vice President SAA(WA) Inc and a member of the Submarine Steering Group at the WA Maritime Museum. In December 2009 Darren celebrated 25 years since he was awarded his Submarine Qualification badge (Dolphins).

2010 has started with Darren becoming the SUBMARINE FORCE Human Resource Manager.

Darren lives in Port Kennedy with his spouse, Cath, cat Victoria and dogs, Jessie and Jack. He is an avid reader of Military History, enjoys working on computers and walking.

Eternal Patrol - ex CPOCOXNSM Norm 'Darkie' Henwood

It is with much regret that we received the sad news that Norm 'Darkie' Henwood died on the 10th June in Sydney. No details are known at this time, but it is understood that he had been ill for some time.

His funeral was held on Friday.

The sad news of Darkie Henwood's death this week prompted a former CO, Peter Horobin to write "In my view Darky was one of the finest coxswains with whom I had the good fortune to serve. He relieved a coxswain of different nature in Onslow in Singapore in 1972. Admiral MacDougall was the captain and I was the Jimmy. I regret to say that I maneuvered myself into a loggerheads situation with Darky’s predecessor in Onslow, the low point being when he (the previous Coxswain) explained to me that we could not give the forward and after messes fresh bread – “because they would eat it.”

So a rather surprised Darky found his new Jimmy waiting to pick him up from Paya Leba (it was not Changi then) airport when he arrived in Singapore to join his new boat. The hand over between the two coxswains went well – it must have done – it only took 5 minutes and the departing coxswain headed south. This was a Friday.

On the Saturday I was duty officer and very expensive chauffer driven car arrived at the head of the gangway. Its owner was a very rich “lady” from Bugis Street who wished to “purchase” one of the more junior stokers whom “she” had taken a liking to. Fortunately Darky was onboard, and explained to the “lady” that the stoker’s leave had been stopped for a very long time, and he would have to serve his punishment before the purchase could be made. That seemed to be an honourable solution, and a very frightened after endy was never more pleased to have his leave stopped.

The ship’s company had experienced some of the same frustration that I had and as the new coxswain seemed to be a human being, they started to test the limits. That was interesting until Darky explained that he personally had experienced all of the punishments available under the Naval Discipline Act (other than hanging), and he was quite happy to administer them. That seemed to straighten things out.

I really enjoyed working with Darky. He was one of the most professional and effective coxswains that I ever worked with."

Scarpa Broomfield wrote "Darky Henwood was a plank owner of Oxley and was my TI after I gave up the job (thankfully) as Tanky (I was the first squadron Tanky - what a claim to fame!!!!), we certainly had fun on runs ashore. I paid off in 1971 and never saw Darky again - and it appears that he was a Sydney native too. It is always sad too hear of the passing of former comrades."

Congratulations
To CDRE Bronko Stanley Ogrizek RAN on being awarded an AM for exceptional service in the field of naval engineering and safety. (Shown here while serving on HMAS Ovens in '86- Bronko is on the right of the picture.)

To Warrant Officer Martin Grant Holzberger on being awarded a CSC for outstanding achievement as the Ship’s Warrant Officer, HMAS Warramunga.

To CMDR Stephen Mark O’Hearn RAN on being awarded a CSC for outstanding achievement as the Project Manager for the Collins Class Submarines Replacement Combat System.

To LCDR Tim Everard RAN (Rtd) for being awarded Life Membership of the Submarines Association Australia, a just reward for the long and devoted service which you have given to the administration and management of the SAA’s Welfare Fund.

AB Read - The Associations newest Life Member
At the AGM the Queensland President presented Queensland Branch Life Member AB Read to the Meeting and proposed that he be made a Life Member of the Association.  AB Read is a small statue of a sailor, this is his story;  Lower deck was cleared in Blockhouse in 1947, and the noted artist Gilbert Ledward RA walked the ranks until he chose LTO Reg Read as the model for his sculpture of the typical Submariner. This submariner was to be one of three statues representing WW2 Special Forces, the other two being a Commando and an Airborne.

This memorial was erected the cloisters of Westminster Abbey and unveiled by Winston Churchill on May 21st 1948.  Soon after that time figurines were made of the Submariner and these figurines became collectors’ items. The figurines were christened AB Read.

In 2008 the Patron of SAA Qld Inc Captain G.E. HUNT DSO*, DSC* (shown here with AB Read) decided to present one such item to SAA Qld Inc but he found much to his despair that they could no longer be purchased. Capt Hunt discussed the matter with the SAA Qld Inc Vice President (Rob Woolrych) and the latter set on the trail to find one.

Rob contacted a friend in the UK, RADM Sir James Perowne RN Ret’d an ex FOSM who said immediately that he had 2 such figurines, one he was presented with on his departure from the RN and one he was bequeathed by his father. Sir James father was also a well known and respected submarine Commanding Officer and he was presented with a figurine on his departure from Submarines.

Sir James gave Capt Hunt the latter and Capt HUNT presented this very special item to the SAA Qld Inc President Don Currell. AB Read is now in the possession of and has been made a life member of SAA Qld Inc.

There was some dissention regarding the spelling of his name but it has been confirmed AB Read is correct.

Welcome aboard mate............

AROUND THE TRAPS

Lola Armstrong writes "Just letting you know that Eric is in Flinders Private Hospital again after many visits over the past 20 months. He is feeling quite depressed as all of his problems have gone on for such a long time. At this stage it is his leg and foot causing lots of problems and the vascular surgeon will be pondering about amputating his leg this time because the ulcers are through to the bone which is very serious. Just thought I would let you know and perhaps you might be interested to let the boys know. Hopefully you are all keeping OK - it is a real "bugga" getting old and very difficult to do it gracefully."  Nola can be contacted on 08 8298 7759 or if you want his address to send a card contact me.

My WA mate Bill Lee has been in hospital after having had a mini stroke and although on a frame he is sure that all will be OK in a week or two. Some of the old ones are tough old bastards!!  Thinking of you Billy!!!

Dale Ainsworth reports that Possum Adams ended up in Coffs' Harbour hospital this week after attending SUBCON. "He woke up Monday morning at 5 A.M. coughing up blood, so taken to the Emergency Unit. A CT scan and X-ray showed pneumonia in the right lung (again), plus an enlarged right ventricle of his heart. On ednesday he was moved down to the normal ward, He is up and about and feeling fine, no coughing up blood. May be in till Saturday-Monday, just have to wait and see...... I'm fine, just visiting Possum in hospital every day." 

Scarpa Broomfield wrote "I am now a Tasmanian native and already have the makings of 2 heads and 6 fingers. We moved in last Saturday (12/6) and absolutely love it and soon I will push the good wife out the door to employment - I of course now have a double garage to play in!!! If anyone is contemplating a seachange this way they will need at least $400k to get a decent place although there are reasonably cheaper (around $250k) if one wants to go inland.  We are just 15 minutes from Launceston but out in the country, one of the criteria in finding a place was the need to be not far from decent medical services (as you have made it quite clear) as one is not getting any younger!  Anyhow we are ecstatic about the change although one would say that this is not the best time of the year to move south!!!! yes it's bloody cold!"

Mike Bell sent a photo from his second go on a speedway outfit in late May. Bike is for classic category - kawasaki 1000. He said "We raced this bike last weekend at Mildura and and got third overall and having a sash and medallion awarded - stoked! Will have a bit of video from the weekend so I'll send on what I can when I can."  Mike, is that you driving or the one hanging over the side?

Stu Milburn is jet setting again, this time he is in Hong Kong. "While walking around Hong Kong today at lunchtime I saw this old man relaxing on his stool with a fan blowing behind him. Nice way to keep cool on a hot humid day. I count Hong Kong is as one of my favorite destinations."

Peter 'Arab' Clark has been at it again! "Last Thursday I attended my Thursday sabbatical of a couple of pints of Kilkenny at the local with some mates, followed by a scotch shouted by the pub owner, after which I walked home to dinner by my lovely wife. After a suitable repast I decided to finish the Modifications to my extended walking stick. On the BBQ table at 2200 I installed my bench grinder, not bolted down and proceeded to complete the mods. Operation and vibration got the better of me and said grinder vibrated to the edge of the table and utilised Newton's invention of gravity. Being an ex wicket keeper I endeavored to catch said item, when I missed the motor my port hand tried to stop the grinding wheel, still powered and travelling at approx 2800 RPM.  A s I released my grip with comments like golly gosh that hurt, the grinder continued on it's path in the direction of my bare left foot on concrete."  My eyes started to water here...

Arab continued "After managing to redecorate the kitchen floor with a self made crimson fluid my dear Wife wrapped about six towels around the source of the flood and took me on a guided tour to St John of God where they did their best to rectify the urdef, the delectable young (female) doctor addressed the situation and diagnosed me as a f$%&ing idiot. My response was silence as I could not think of an intelligent reply.  I've since tried to source sympathy from many sources but the response is 'Nil Stock Global"  I have to agree with the doctor, Arab you are a f$%&ing idiot!  And everyone says that I am useless!!!

Can you help.........
Sergeant Fiona Ramos of Gallipoli Barracks needs help. "I am chasing the Tally Band for HMAS Oxley as I am doing a framed presentation for my friend, Nicholas Holl as a surprise. I have his ratings and branch, dolphins and a Tally band for Orion, also the decommissioning crew nominal roll for both boats. Plus I have his medal (which I will court mount for him) and a replica which I will put in the presentation. I also have his enlistment and discharge dates." 

And Joe Casserly asks "I am trying to find a rate badge and am having a great deal of trouble, I am hoping you have heard of a place. “Petty Officer Underwater Weapons” Gold for dress blues RAN... If you have any ideas please let me know..." If anyone out there that can help Fiona or Joe please contact me.

Andrew Mitchell writes "My Grandfather, Albert Mainstone, was a caretaker of one of the WWI submarines berthed in the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne after WWI, he had served in France in the War and subsequently emigrated to Australia. Is it possible to find out more about the Submarine(s). I have a few artifacts from the one he looked after. They were removed prior to the Sub being scuttled outside Port Phillip Heads. I have attached a couple of family photos taken on the deck, in the mid - late 1920's, possibly early 1930's. Albert emigrated around 1923 and his daughters, one elder, larger one, is my mother and was born in late 1925. Any information you are able to provide or contact points would be greatly appreciated." I have passed this onto the SAA Historian, Peter Smith, to see if he can help Andrew.

It seems after years of farmers using the tried and true methods of shooting and/or trapping these predators, the tree-huggers had, in their opinion, a better solution for controlling the dingo population.  What they proposed was for the animals to be captured alive; the males would then be castrated and let loose again. By doing this, the dingo population would be controlled in a more humane fashion.

This idea was actually proposed to the NSW Farmers and Graziers Association by a representative of the NSW Government and the NSW Greens Party. All of the farmers present at the meeting thought about this novel idea for a couple of minutes.

Finally, one of the old boys in the back of the conference room stood up, tipped his hat back and growled, "Son, I don't think you understand our problem. Those dingos ain't screwing our sheep; they're eating ‘em."

Cdr. Bill Leslie King DSO & Bar DSC RN (Rtd) - 100^th Birthday 21 June 2010

Bill King joined Submarines in 1932. His first Boat was the Orpheus, on the China Station.  At the outbreak of World War II, Bill was in command of the S/M/ Snapper. He, in one year, completed 10 war patrols, in the North Sea and the Arctic Circle, off Norway. Turn-arounds between some of the patrols were less than a week’s duration. Bill became sick and was hospitalized before his 11th patrol – Snapper sailed with a new Skipper and was lost with all hands in February 1941.

He was then given command of one of the new “T” Boats, S/M Trusty. He saw service for one year in the Mediterranean, then Trusty was directed to Ceylon’s naval base, Trincomalee. Bill was then ordered, by the C-in-C, Indian Ocean, to sail for Singapore, which was in big trouble at the time. Bill managed to get out of Singapore before the Japanese arrived (he took aboard the few spare crew that were stationed there). After one patrol in the China Sea, he eventually made it to the Dutch Submarine Base at Surabaya, Java. The Japanese attacked the base constantly over a 3-week period. Trusty was slightly damaged in one of these attacks, so, with a leaking fuel tank, she managed to make it back to Ceylon without getting spotted by the Japanese, in spite of leaking oil all the way. After the Trusty had been repaired, re-armed and stored and ready to sail from alongside the Depot Ship, HMS Lucia, the Japanese fleet of aircraft carriers, a battleship and others, then attacked the Naval harbour. Most of the Trusty and Truant crews were having lunch in the Depot Ship. A Japanese carrier plane then dropped an armour-piercing 1000 pound bomb, designed to sink a battleship. The bomb went through the ship without exploding, until it reached the water. The crews of Trusty and Truant jumped through the hole and swam to their boats. (Trusty was commanded, at the time, by Lt. Hugh Haggard, nephew of Lt. Cdr. Geoffrey Haggard, the 1st Lt. of AE2 - he was 6’ 9”!).

Shortly after completing one more patrol, Bill was again hospitalized and was sent to Beirut for five months to recover. Captain Ruck-Keen was then the Captain S/M Med.

Bill returned to England and was then given command of the new T Boat Telemachus and sailed for and operated out of Fremantle. His 1st Lieutenant, John Pope, had to return to the UK to do his perishers (Co’s) course. He was relieved by Lt. Bill Dundas. Lt. Dundas was a former Midshipman aboard the battleship HMS Hood, which was sunk by the Bismark. Dundas, along with Signalman Briggs and Able Seaman Tilburn, were the only survivors of the Hood (aboard Hood were 4 Australian naval trainees, who were also lost).  The Telemachus, under Bill King, sank the U-Boat, I-166 in 1944. It was the last enemy Submarine sunk by the Royal Navy during World War II.

On one of my recent visits to Bill King, I was given a fascinating account of how 3 families of enemy submariners, British, Dutch and Japanese, have been united in peacetime.

On Christmas day, 1941, the I-166 sank the Dutch Boat KXVI. There is a memorial to the KXVI at the Dutch Naval Base in Rotterdam, Holland. About 3 years ago, a Japanese-born man, Mr. Akira, a computer expert, who lives with his family in the USA, visited the memorial in Rotterdam and left a message in the visitor’s book, saying how sorry he was for the loss of the KXVI, which his father, being the Skipper, was responsible for. By coincidence, one of the memorial’s volunteer staff, a Mrs. Katja Boonstra, was the daughter of one of the crew of the KXVI. She saw Akira’s message in the visitor’s book and made contact with him. She also informed him that the person responsible for his father’s death, with the sinking of the I-166, was alive and well (Cdr. Bill King). Bill wanted nothing to do with Akira’s phone calls or letters, at first, as he thought that Akira could be seeking revenge. However, Akira, with his wife and children, flew to Ireland and were lucky to have met Bill King’s daughter, Leonie Finn. He then met up with Bill King, who made him very welcome. A tree planting ceremony was held at Bill’s home in Oranmore castle, Galway, with Bill’s family and Akira’s family being present, to mark the occasion. Later, a special service was held at the Rotterdam Naval Base. A third ceremony was also held in Japan. (Unknown to Bill, at the time, there were 7 survivors from the I-166). All three occasions were filmed and made into DVDs. I have copies of the DVDs of the Irish and Dutch ceremonies. The DVD of the Japanese ceremony is yet to be translated and hasn’t been returned to me.

At the age of 60, Bill became the third person to sail around the world, on his third attempt. His yacht was named Galway Blazer II. He nearly didn’t make it, due to his yacht being rammed by a large killer whale! Bill took part in a number of the Solo Across Atlantic races and is the holder of the Paul Hammons Cup, Sir Alex Rose and Sir Francis Chichester trophies. His late wife, Anita Leslie, was an author and was a cousin of Sir Winston Churchill.

On 21st June 2010, Bill King will be 100 years of age.

I propose a motion that the Australian Submarine Association send an official letter of congratulations and best wishes to Cdr. Bill King, on the occasion of his 100th birthday, on 21st June 2010.  This motion is seconded by Captain George Hunt DSO & Bar DCS & Bar RN Rtd., who was is old friend of Cdr. Bill King,

Thanks to Pat Heffernan for this item, the Association has sent a card and letter to Bill.

I was surprised to hear that a Secretary that was good at rattling up funds from various sources told his members that they no longer received a kickback from the sale of wine.  I asked him why and he responded "The wine order was stopped after I abused the contact lady by mistake. I answered the phone late one afternoon when a bit tired and grumpy and had this bird trying to flog me a special on wine. As I have subscribed to the DO NOT CALL campaign to prevent such calls, I soundly abused her and told her to bugger off! About 20 minutes later I released it was the wine merchant we had been dealing with. So I rang back and left a message apologising and also sent e-mails apologising but looks like I have been excommunicated." Now that sounds like something I would do!  You can still earn the SAA 5% if you buy wines through our contact.