Firstly, welcome to this Newsletter, which has two letters enclosed or attached depending on receipt of this communiqu€. These letters are the result of an Extra Ordinary meeting held at the end of May. The first letter is to members from the Secretary stating the decision of the meeting not to participate in this years Reserve Forces Day Parade and the other is the letter sent by myself, as President, informing the
Chairman of the Reserve Forces Day Council Sir Laurance Street AC KCMG QC of our decision. Background information that led to the decision not to participate in the 2009 Reserve Forces Day Activity.
In August/September 2008 the Reserve Forces Day Council (RFDC) at its pre information night for the 2009 activity, advised the Associations present that due to a complaint from the Catholic Church about the noise created by the RFD’s March disrupting their morning services, that no march would take place in 2009. However, the RFDC activity for 2009 would be a parade in the Domain, with Standards, but No Banners. When this matter was brought to the attention of our members who attended the Association’s AGM in November 2008, it was resolved that the President of the Association write to Cardinal Pell for clarification if in fact the Catholic Church did complain about the noise created by the RFDC March on the first Sunday in July.
As indicated on our web page in the response from the Catholic Church, no such complaint was made by the Cardinal or the senior level of Administrators of the Church. One of our members, Imre (Jim) Kalandy also wrote to Cardinal Pell and received the same response. When I attended the AGM of the RFDC the above was put to the Deputy Chairman, Arthur (John) Moore (who was already in possession of my correspondence to and from the Cardinal) who claimed and was supported by the RFDC’s Secretary that it was a verbal complaint from a manager who dealt with the Church Choir who raised the noise issue which subsequently led to the cancellation of the annual march. Notwithstanding that I questioned at length as to why no written conformation was made to the Senior Management of the Catholic Church and the decision not to hold a march should be reversed, I was informed that the RFDC had made its decision that a Parade in the Domain would be the activity for 2009.
In early April there was a final briefing on the RFDC’s activity for 2009 whereby the Associations present were informed that Association Banners would now be permitted on the Parade, but relegated to the perimeter and “hold ground”. Also, Association would march onto the parade behind their Standards, not their Banners, and would be in Seniority of Service (Navy, Army & Air Force) with the Army in formation groups (2 Div, 5 & 8 Brigades), not Corps formations.
Because of the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of the annual march and the Association not being permitted to march behind its Banner or in Corps formation with 12 Tpt Coy as in previous years, it was decided to hold an Extra Ordinary Meeting (EOM) of the Association on 22nd May 2009 to decide if in fact our Association would participate in the RFDC’s 2009 activity.
Prior to the EOM I was informed by a reliable source that the story about the complaint from the Catholic Church, and using this person’s words, was a “red herring” and the real reason for the cancellation of the March was that both Federal and State Governments stop funding the RFDC activities. (RFDC couldn’t afford Port-a-loos, barricades and other costs associated with running this event)
All the above information was tabled at the EOM, whereby, each member in attendance was given the opportunity to speak. Following lengthily discussion, it was resolved unanimously that the Association NOT PARTICIPATE in the RFDC’s activity for 2009, the Chairman of the RFDC is informed formally and the reunion still takes place as normal.
I have been informed that there are a number of Associations not participating in this year’s RFDC activity, both Army and Air Force. Reasons given along similar lines to that above.
Secondly, following our successful “Plaque Dedication Ceremony” in Canberra last March, it was suggested by the Australian War Memorial that we may wish to hold a re-blessing ceremony at the plaque in 12 months to the day. An application was forwarded to the Australian War Memorial and last week we received approval. Thus, I now ask members to set aside Friday 5
th March 2010, for this ceremony, and then followed by wreath laying service at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier along with a get together after the formal proceedings.
Finally, also at the end of May we also lost one of our long standing members and supporters of the Association COL. William Charles John Hill MBE OAM ED, the Association passes on our sincere condolences to all of John’s family and friends. John’s funeral was attended by our Patron COL. Michael Miller, who also arranged for a Piper from the Corps Band to be in attendance.
Kevin Connelly
.
From the Desk of the Secretary/Treasurer.
Fees
are now due for the membership year July 2009 to June 2010
Membership fees are still $10.00, which covers all administrative costs, i.e., printing, paper, stamps and the purchase of wreaths. All members please note that dues are payable before the end of our financial year on June 30th. Remember the membership year runs from the 1st July to 30th June. Our thanks to those who have settled and to those yet to do so for 2008 – 2009 periods please hurry. If you are not sure whether you are financial or not or in advance please contact me by e-mail or phone.
Subscriptions and donations since April 2009 are acknowledged from the following:-
A Ball, M Black, T Brown, W Burrows, P Clarke, V Donaldson, E Dumbrell, J Greentree, B Howard, I Kalandy, R Leedow, A Lyons, T Majorek, G Marshall, B Martin, G Martin, J May, R McCardell, J Oliver, J Pether, P Pether, W Roche, C Smith, D Smith, J Walsh.
Association Name Badges are now available at cost of $12.00 including postage. For RAEME members your Corps Badge will be subsituted for the RAASC and RACT Corps Badges. To order your “Name Badge” please complete the details on the “SUBSCRIPTION/MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION” Form.
Please indicate if RAEME Badge required otherwise RAASC/RACT Badge will be provided as per the
above sample.
Gary Smith
.
Colonel William Charles John Hill MBE OAM ED
John Hill was born on 4 March 1913 at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Sydney to James William and Mary Hill who were both then 30 years of age. He was their only child John died on 18 May 2009 aged 96.
In his youth John lived in the then poor suburb of Glebe and was very fortunate to be a foundation member of 3
rd Glebe Scout Troop formed on 27 February 1926 just as he was about to turn 13. His interest in Scouting remained with him for the rest of his life.
One of the most significant things that happened to him as a young man from a low income family was that in 1929 at the age of 16 thanks to assistance from the Federal Government and fundraising activities by his local Scout Troop he was able to attend the World Scout Jamboree in England. This trip had a marked effect on John’s life from then on. When he returned from The Jamboree in England he commenced working for the Scouts Association of New South Wales and worked for them till 1934. John’s contribution to Scouting was recognised in 1954 when the Queen personally appointed John a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) at Government House in Sydney.
From 1934 till 1941 John worked as an Accountant for the Electric Light and Power Corporation. In 1941 at the age of 28 he married Marie McLean at St Martha’s Catholic Church Strathfield. The marriage was a very happy one until unfortunately Marie died of cancer in 1989. Whilst they did not have any children themselves they were always interested in hearing from their many friends about their children.
In 2002 remembering how he had been helped by others back in 1929 to attend the Jamboree in England John Hill established the John & Marie Hill World Scout Jamboree Fund. The fund will be managed by the Public Trustee of New South Wales and will become active now that John has died.
Every 4 years a World Scout Jamboree is held in different countries and the Scout Association New South Wales will now appoint a committee to select up to 10 Scouts/Venturers (15/17 age group) resident in New South Wales to be part of the Australian contingent attending the Jamboree. The Trust fund will used to fund virtually all costs for the selected young people to attend the Jamboree. Strict rules as to who is eligible to receive assistance are set out in the Trust deed and applicants will normally come from low income groups with particular consideration being given to applicants from rural areas and for applicants with a disability. It is envisaged that as funds will only be drawn from the Trust every 4 years the Trust could last for at least 40 years.
During the 1930’s and early 1940’s (before he went away to the war) John was a Rover Scout and spent nearly every weekend at the Baden Powell Scout Training Centre at Pennant Hills in Sydney. He was actively involved with the running of this establishment and over the years developed many fond memories of this establishment.
In early 2002 John was advised that the Scouts Australia New South Wales Branch desperately needed to build a new Training Centre at the camp site at Pennant Hills. John immediately agreed to pay for the construction of the building and it was built during 2003 and 2004 (on time and within budget).
The John Hill Training Centre was opened by John on 17 July 2004 and is now in constant use by scouts who appreciate the wonderful gesture by John in paying for the total cost of the building.
During his working life after the war John was involved with Co-Operative Building Societies and spent many years in this industry. He was President of the Co-Operative Housing Societies Association of NSW in 1981.
John’s military service commenced when he joined the Citizens Military Force in 1939. He received his commission as an Officer in 1940. In September 1941 he was seconded to the AIF and saw active service in Middle East and in the Pacific Theatre. He left the Army in July 1947 with the rank of Major. In 1952 he rejoined the Citizens Military Forces and served for 18 years retiring with the rank of Colonel in 1970. He served in many posts in his CMF career and his last posting was as Commanding Officer of 8 Supply and Transport Column at Randwick. In 1965 he was awarded the Efficiency Decoration (ED) for his service as a citizen soldier.
In 1948 John joined an ex service organisation called the Royal Australian Army Service Corps Officers Association and was the Vice President of this Association from 1968 till 1993. He was elected President of this Association in 1993 and only just retired from this position in 2008. He was made a Life member of this Association in 2000.
When he retired from the Citizens Military Forces in 1970 John purchased a rural property at Tallong which is near Goulburn. John had never had any association with rural properties and certainly became a real Pitt Street farmer. He enjoyed his rural property on which he ran cattle and spent many happy days at Tallong.
Some years ago he heard that the Trinity Catholic College Army Cadet unit at Goulburn needed somewhere to hold training camps and bivouacs. John immediately made his property available on a permanent basis to the Cadet unit who continue to use the property many times through the year.
When John was 85 years young he saw a beautiful woman across the dining table on the QE11. This was Joy Batten and John and Joy have enjoyed a rich and loving relationship for the past 11 years’
John has supported more than 40 charities during his life and was recognised for his philanthropy on Australia Day 2007 by being awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) by the Governor of New South Wales Marie Bashir.
Submitted by: Mike Cunneen & Diana Coombe
COMING EVENTS
Reserve Forces Day March, Sunday 5
th July 2009.
A Reunion will be held at The NSW Leagues Club Phillip Street Sydney. It is requested that members meetat the Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park at 1030 - 1045hrs, before proceeding to the reunion.As in previous years the committee requests that you wear the Association Dress, less Beret. Again as inprevious years, Public Transport in the Sydney Metropolitan area is free providing you are wearing yourmedals.
Annual General Meeting, Friday 6th November 2009.
The Annual General Meeting will be held at Ashfield RSL Club starting at 1930Hrs.
Ashfield RSL Sub Branch Remembrance Day Sunday 8th November 2009.
This service will be held at the Ashfield RSL Club and will commence at 1045hrs. Refreshments will be
served after the service. All members are encouraged to attend and support the Sub Branch.
First of all I would like to thank the following members of the Association for their efforts over the past year. They are;
Vice President John Walsh: For his support in his capacity as President of Ashfield RSL sub Branch and Club Ltd together with his assistance especially at the FUP’s for Anzac Day and Reserve Forces Day.
Hon Sec/Tres Gary Smith:For his dedication and devotion to this very important position and his assistance on both Anzac Day and Reserve Forces Day.
Bob Duggan:For his financial donation to develop and maintain the Association’s new web page/site
MurrayTaylor:For his efforts in project managing the design/purchase/application for funds to the DVA and requirements for the dedication of the Association’s Plaque at the Australian War Memorial.
Richard Mason, For their support in representing the Association (Banner Party)
Eric and Reg Denning: at the Launch of RFD 2008 atVictoria Barracks in November 2007.
Don Willey:For his support in carrying the Association’s New Standard at rehearsals and
on Reserve Forces Day 2008
Peter Pether:For his support in being custodian of the Association’s Banner and ensuring it is maintained and delivered to the FUP for Anzac Day and Reserve Forces Day.
All Members:For your attendance to the Association’s activities during the past year.
Past Year’s Events
Ashfieldsub Branch Remembrance Day Service
This service was again well attended by members of the Association in support of Ashfield RSL sub Branch
Launchof Reserve Forces Day 2008 atVictoria Barracks in December 2007
The Association participated in this launch with its Banner proudly being displayed by the Banner Party consisting of Eric and Reg Denning, Richard Mason and yours truly.
Ashfield RSL sub Branch Anzac Day Sunday
As in previous years it was good to see this activity was well attended by members of the Association who proudly marched behind our banner from AshfieldPark to the Club. No doubt the members did enjoy the LIGHT Refreshment!!!!!!!!! afterwards, thanks to the hospitality of the RSL sub Branch.
Anzac Day 2008
This year was the first year that the Association marched with the Corps rather than with the Reserve Contingent.From all reports members were happy with marching with the Corps which allowed members to bond/associate with other unit members within the corps, prior to and after the march. As always it was good to see that our Patron, Col Mike Miller lead our contingent, with the dress and bearing of the members outstanding.
Reserve Forces Day 2008.
Again this year the Association marched with 12 Coy as a Corps contingent rather than with other Reserve units marching in Brigade (Arm/Services). Our Association was lead by Don Willey proudly carrying the Association’s new Standard, presented to the Association by the Pratt Foundation. Don also took part in the march past at Parliament House. Don’s picture can be seen on the Association web page. It was also pleasing to see a number of our country members attend, from both the North and SouthCoast.
After the march, members adjourned to the NSW Leagues Club for light refreshments.
Coming events
The Secretary will list those events in his segment. However, I need to bring to your notice the changes for next year’s Reserve Forces activity. There will be NO MARCH per say, but a parade in the Domain. The reason given for a parade rather than the usual march, follows complaints from the Catholic Church about the noise that disrupts their morning services from the FUP and march past in College Street.
To this end the RFDC (Arthur John Moore) has decided to have a parade with units forming up in Division/Brigade Formation and that only Unit Standards are to be displayed, No Banners.
From my discussions with other association they are unhappy with the RFD’s push to maintain the Arm/Services in the Division/Brigade Formations, especially when considering the Defence (Division/Brigades) do not support this activity by allowing current serving Reserve personnel to attend. Because of the NO Banner policy and the change in format, together with units now wishing to participate as a Corps, a number have indicated that they will not be participating in RFD’s activities in 2009.
In the past the Association has been involved in the RFD’s Launch activities. This year the rehearsals are at the Scott’s College in North Sydney and commence 7.45am on 22 &29 November 2008.
The involvement in RFD’s activities for 2008/9 will be placed on the agenda for discussion as to
1Participation in 2009 Parade in the Domain in Brigade Formation with Standard only.
2Participation in Launch on 22 &29 November 2008.
In conclusion, I would like to pass on to All Members and Friends of the Association the very best wishes for the coming festive season.
Kevin Connelly.
From the Desk of the Secretary/Treasurer.
Coming Events
Firstly, we still have two events left on our 2008 calendar these being:
·AnnualGeneralMeetingonFriday 7th November 2008 at 1900Hrs. (Agenda Attached)
Ashfield RSL Sub Branch Remembrance Day Sunday 9th November 2008 commencing at 1045Hrs.
Commemoration Plaque
As mentioned in previous Newsletters the Association had made representation to the Veterans Affairs Department for a grant under “Saluting Their Service” program for the placement of a Plaque at the Australian War Memorial to honour all who have served with 3 Coy AASC/RAASC/RACT. We were successful in obtaining this grant, thus a dedication service will now be held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Friday 6th March 2009. Preliminary arrangements are as follows:
·1000 – 1100Hrs arrival at the Australian War Memorial
·1200Hrs Lunch in the GarrisonRoom for all members and invited guests
·1400Hrs Dedication Service
It is hoped that All Members, partners and ex-members and friends of the Unit and Association will attend this function. This will be one of the major discussions for the AGM so that final notification can be despatched to all early January 2009.
Subscriptions and donations since October 2007 are acknowledged from the following:-
M Black, S Brown, W Burrows, K Bushell, I Cleland, K Connelly, J Dewar, C Dirks, V J Donaldson, B Flint, J Greentree, D Hazell, B Howard, W C Hill, R Hodgins, I Kalandy, R Leedow, T Maling, G Marshall, R Mason, B Martin, J May, R McCardell, M Miller, K O’Brien, J Pether, P Pether, W Roche, P Rider, R Ross, D Smith, G Smith, J Walsh, D Willey.
Name Badge
Association Name Badges are now available at cost of$12.00 including postage. For RAEME members your Corps Badge will be subsituted for the RAASC and RACT Corps Badges. To order your “Name Badge” please complete the details on the “SUBSCRIPTION/MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION” Form. Please indicate if RAEME Badge required otherwise RAASC/RACT Badge will be provided as per the above sample.
Finally, congratulations to both Peter Cassar and Alan Lyons on their recent promotions to Warrant Officer Class 1 and Squadron Leader respectively.
