Advance AustraliaDecember 2018

PATRON:

PRESIDENT:

VICE PRESIDENT:

SECRETARY/

TREASURER:

EDITOR:

Brig P.A. Acutt (Retd)

Peter Branagan, OAM

Vacant

Peter Axton

Peter Branagan, OAM

0428 335 406

0428 576 004

Print Post Approved PP 381827 / 00018

Price: $1.00

ARMOURED MATES REMEMBERED

AGAIN AT THE ARMY TANK MUSEUM

(Peter Branagan)

RAAC Historian, Major John Baines, RFD (Retd) hosted the memorial service in the Tank Museum’s WW 2 Armoured Memorial on Saturday November17. Pictured with him are some of the descendants of our

WW2 armoured soldiers. On his right is Robyn Austin, daughter of the late Kevin ‘Bunny’ Austin, a stalwart of the 2/6th Australian Armoured Regiment.

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Royal Australian Armoured Corps Association Inc.

(Victorian Branch)

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The other half of the crowd around the Div Cav Memorial including Captain Will Anderson (Retd) centre.

John Baines and Robyn Austin laid the wreath for the 2/6th Australian Armoured Regiment.

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Lyn Lehman laid the wreath at the 9 Div Cav Memorial.

John Mansfield provided his normal outstanding support to the service and dinner.

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CAMBRAI DINNER 2018 The formal highlight of our social calendar – the annual commemoration of the Battle of Cambrai was celebrated again at the School of Armour Officers/Sergeants Mess on Saturday 17 November. Keldie Hall was the venue as usual and witnessed 58 members and guests in attendance. The 1st Armoured Regiment Reunion and Cambrai Parade in Adelaide robbed us of a number of our regulars. Conversely we broke new ground this year with theinvitation extended to the partners of our members. I believe this positive move will have a significant effect on attendances moving forward.

The 101st anniversary of the battle was celebrated with a repeat performance from the CO/CI of the School ofArmour - Lieutenant Colonel Josh Gillman. He very graciously accepted a late request to stand in for our PatronBrigadier Ted Acutt, who recently enjoyed knee replacement surgery.

Flanked by Gordon Hastie and Bob Dacey, Lt Col Gillman delivered a very incisive address.

Lt Col Gillman received a presentation to the Officers Mess from President Peter Branagan as a token of appreciation from the Association in recognition of 22 years of continuous support for the Cambrai Dinner

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The following members and guests enjoyed the 2018 Cambrai Dinner……

Will Anderson Ian Smith Bill Anderson Alan Spenceley Ray Babarikas Peter Swinfield John Baines Alan Sedgewick John Blackwell Ray Tuskin Peter Branagan Rita Tuskin Elizabeth Branagan Gavin Vigar Bob Burke Charlie Walsh John Burke Alleyne Walsh Craig Burn

Casey McGovern Colin Carrington Rod Westgarth Lindsay Christensen David White Gordon Hunt Graham Woodham Andy Clark Lyn Leham Peter Farrugia Frank Lehman Niall Waring Matthew Lehman Fred Coucher Faith Rees Peter Coutts Andrew Rees Terry Cuthbert Aaron Cuthbert

Bob Dacey Robert Dacey Jnr Jin De Francesco Ian Docking David Finlayson Josh Gillman Gordon Hastie Dick Hermon Susan Helmore John Hopkins Rod Jones Karl Liffman John Mansfield Tyrrell McGeever Maggie McGeever Craig Montgomery Bob Neate Bryce Phillips Stan Rydell

The Cambrai Dinner raffle raised over $700.00 again this year which will be used to provide Christmas Hampers to a number of our veteran members. Many thanks to Lindsay Christensen who continues to donate his handcraftedgems; which ensures that the raffle continues to be an unqualified success.

Captain Will Anderson (Retd) was pleasantly surprised with a presentation by David Finlayson (right) of a large mounted 2nd Cavalry Regiment hat badge donated by Lindsay Christensen (left). Will Anderson was severely injured in

an ASLAV accident more than 20 years ago and was blinded as a result. Charles ‘Pee Wee’ Walsh (far left) was a very welcome return guest with his wife Alleyne and grandson Casey McGovern.

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2018 KID’S CHRISTMAS PARTY Sunday 16 December 2018

Once again this highlight on our social calendar will be conducted at the Diamond Valley Miniature Railway, Lower Eltham Park, Main Rd from 1000 hrs. Santa will arrive as usual on his special train at 1300 hrs and our two exclusive specials will arrive at the picnic area at Meadmore Junction at 1100 and 1400 hrs. They tour the extensive layout for half an hour with a changeover of on the quarter hour.

You need to supply a suitably named present for each of your children to be placed in Santa’s sack prior to his arrival at Meadmore Junction on the Santa Special.

Rod and Sharon Westgarth will be conducting their very popular sausage sizzle as usual so lunch isn’t a problem. The raffle will be run with more wonderful prizes again this year thanks to the skills of Lindsay Christensen.

Remember it is a requirement of the Diamond Valley Miniature Railway that enclosed footwearmust be worn by all those who intend to ride the rails.

Great fun for kids of all ages at Lower Eltham Train Park!

Welcome to the Crew Noel McLaughlin Shane Crosbie Lisa Crosbie

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The Arch Finlayson Memorial ScholarshipApplication Form

Applicants for the Arch Finlayson Memorial Scholarship must complete this form and mail to the address detailed below. The Scholarship is available to 1st year apprentices and is valued at $500.00

Name………………………………………………………………………………………………

(Christian name/names) (Surname)

Address……………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………Post Code……………….

Telephone…………………..

What is your apprenticeship? ……………………………………………………………………..

Employer………………………………………………………………………………………….

Employer’s Address ………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………….Post Code……………….

Contact Phone Number ……………………

Registered Training Institute or TAFE……………………………………………………………..

Name of Financial RAACA Victorian Member ……………………………………………………

Address …………………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………….Post Code……………..

Contact Phone Number………………………..

You will need to enclose copies of the following:

1. A brief supportive resume.

2. A copy of signed training agreement.

3. A copy of your enrolment at a registered training institute or TAFE.

4. A supporting letter from your employer.

After your application has been received, the three trustees of the fund may require you to attend

a interview at a time, date and location to be advised.

Return this form together with all supporting documents to:

The Trustees

Arch Finlayson Memorial Scholarship Fund

RAACA – Victorian Branch

PO Box 547

COBURG VIC 3058

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VALE

Lieutenant Colonel Jim Allard, ED 20 February 1920 – 19 October 2018

The last known surviving World War Two Australian Armoured Corps Officer.

James (“Jim”) Moore Allard was born 20 Feb 1920. He was residing in Kooyong, Melbourne, when

he enlisted in the 2nd AIF in 1941 and was allotted to the 2/4th Australian Armoured Regiment.

Lieutenant Jim Allard rose to the rank of Captain and at times was acting commander of B

Squadron. Equipped with Matilda tanks, they deployed to Bougainville against the Japanese in

1945. A tank troop fought at the battle of Slater’s Knoll to save an infantry battalion and later other

tank troops fought in turn supporting the infantry advance down that island. Jim was wounded by

Japanese artillery fire at the battle of Hongorai.

After the war, Jim continued his service to his fellow soldiers by becoming president of the 2/4th

Australian Armoured Regiment Association. Jim enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) in

1948 and joined 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse (PWLH) Regiment where he became the

Regimental Second-in-Command; before later becoming the Commanding Officer of the 8th/13th

Victorian Mounted Rifles (VMR) Regiment (1959-62). Jim was the last surviving CO of the VMR.

In his later years, Jim continued to show a keen interest in the modern Regiment and both its PWLH

and VMR predecessors. This was recognised when awarded an honorary life membership of the

4/19PWLH Regimental Association.

In late 2016, at the age of 96, Jim attended the special parade of the Regiment at Puckapunyal,

when the Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove presented the new guidon. That guidon proudly

depicts many battle honours, including some earned by Jim’s unit in WW2 on Bougainville (at

Slater’s Knoll, Egans Ridge Hongorai Ford, Hongorai River, Hari River and Mivo River).

Jim was a true gentleman of our Corps, a great exemplar of his generation and a terrific bloke. For

many of us he was a role model for positive, energetic living, he never seemed to change and

always fitted into his mess kit. Jim’s enthusiasm for the Corps and our traditions was undiminished

with the passing years, even this year at the age of 98; he participated in a special Regimental

Trustees tradition when he attended the Welcome Dinner for the new incoming CO, LTCOL John

Pearse. Even at the age of 98, Jim could recall past events and those involved with such clarity that

he was quite the envy to the rest of us. He will always be remembered as a person who understood

service, courage and loyalty with a pinch of good hearted humour that made him a truly great

Australian.

We Gratefully Acknowledge the Following DonorsPeter Axton, Steve Bird, Clem Mooney, Alan Spenceley, Doug Caulfield, OAM, Peter Swinfield,

Craig Burn, Michael Fogarty, John Hopkins, Shane O’Brien, Tim Costa, Peter Jarratt,

Karl Liffman, Brian Cook, William Gillis, Paul Manning, Colin Carrington, Donald MacEwan,

John Blackwell, John Snelling, Gordon Hastie, David Finlayson, Dr David Holloway, OAM,

Richard James.

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Victorian Branch BirthdaySunday 10 February 2019

1400 hrs The 73rd birthday of the Victorian Branch will be celebrated at the Shrine of Remembrance on

Sunday 10 February 2019 with a gathering on the forecourt of the Shrine followed by a short commemorative service in the Shrine Sanctuary and afterwards the usual sumptuous afternoon tea

will be enjoyed in the western annex where the Shrine shop is located.

Our association flag, first flown in February 2014 will be flying from the flagpole in the Shrine forecourt. It is flown there on appropriate days during the year including 7 February (association

birthday 1946) and 9 July (official Australian Armoured Corps birthday 1941).

All members and spouses are strongly urged to support this significant activity. The setting, adjacent to Melbourne’s most famous landmark is outstanding and the opportunity to renew your

acquaintance with this significant Melbourne precinct is strongly encouraged.

To assist the organisers with afternoon tea catering, please contact the Secretary Peter Axton by email raxton3@bigpond.com or 0428 335 406 to warn in for rations. RSVP 1 February 2019.

2019 Autumn PicnicSunday 31 March 2019

This popular event will be held again at the Australian Army Tank Museum Puckapunyal on Sunday 31 March 2019. Bring the kids (from eight to eighty) along for a great day. Bar-b-que

facilities are available and Rod Westgarth will be applying his well honed cooking skills to bangers and trackpads. Soft drinks for kids will also be provided.

Remember your photo ID for admission to Puckapunyal Army Base

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Monday 25th February 2019

1930 hrs

Darebin RSL Sub Branch

402 Bell Street

PRESTON VIC 3072

Agenda Election of Office-Bearers

Apologies President

Minutes of previous AGM Vice President

Business Arising Secretary

Correspondence Treasurer

Reports Membership Officer

Election of Office-Bearers Editor - Track

Supper General Committee

Honorary Auditor

All nominations to the

Secretary RAACA Vic Branch

PO Box 547

COBURG VIC 3058

Light supper provided

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Royal Australian Armoured Corps Association Inc. (Victorian Branch) PO Box 547 Coburg Vic 3058

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