it’s official battalion reunion 2005 – canberra

ISSUE No: 4 August 2003

It’s Official

BATTALION REUNION2005 – CANBERRA

Please complete the separate white insert and return it ASAP.N.B. the insert contains proposed official functions for the celebration

period as well as some options for you to complete.

Book Reprint

“YEAR OF THE TIGERS”“The Year of the Tigers” has gone for reprint.What a wonderful opportunity to secure a copy

of “5 RAR Second Tour”.

On the President’s and other bookshelves, both“Vietnam Task” and “The Year of the Tigers”

take pride of place. The completeHistory of the 5th Battalion in Vietnam.

Whether you’re 1st or 2nd Tour, grab bothbooks, it will be the greatest legacy you can leave

to your children and grandchildren

ORDER NOWCheck the order form on page 19

Tiger Tales August 2003

5 Platoon March Out Apr 03(Back row to front row L/R)

Terry Duffy, Bob Treaner, Nev Smeardon

Sgt Wooldrage, Wally Anderson , Terry Wass, WO Bodsworth

Cpl Yule, Cpl Wilkinson, Bob Thorogood

Lt Kosh, Neil McKenzie, Cfn C.C. Jackson

Cfn C.C. Jackson was the 5RAR Trophy winneras most improved recruit.

Brig Kahn’s address to 5 Platoon, Binh Ba Platoon

Each 5 Platoon intake travels to the Australian War Memorial and learns the history ofthe “Battle at Binh Ba” from the “Tiger” himself.

5 RAR Association takes pride in sponsoring the “Most Improved Recruit” with a specialplaque for an outstanding effort as referred to above.

August 2003 Tiger Tales

Establishment Worchester U.K.,Randolph Air Force base USA, DefenceTechnical Information centre VirginiaUSA, Old Dominion University NorfolkVirginia USA, Northern territoryUniversity, Iowa State University,California State Polytechnic University,Australian National University, WarsawComputer University Network, GeorgeMason University Fairfax Virginia,National Sound and Film ArchiveCanberra, University of Melbourne,University of Newcastle, United StatesCoastguard, Curtin University Perth,University of Arizona and Memphis StateUniversity.

The site currently registers approximately40 hits per day. Tedis looking for morecontributions frommembers in verse oranecdotal stories ofyour tour of duty andp ho to grap hs o finterest are mostwelcome. The aim isto make the websiteone of the mostc o m p r e h e n s i v ehistorical and factualaccounts of an

Aust ra l ian infant ry ba t ta l ions 'involvement in the Vietnam War.

If the Guestbook entries can be used as agauge, then the site is well on the way toachieving its aim. If you feel you canassist you can contact Ted at:

[email protected]

Ph: (03) 97624283Fax: (03) 97625420

Why A Website ???

As most members would know theassociation has two sites, the mainAssociation site and the 'Operations andHistory site hosted by Ted Harrison.

Ted has a statistics programme that tellshim where visitors come from, whatpages they view and the length of timevisiting, as well as other statistics.

Here are some details of interest.

The Operations and History Site has beenelectronically archived by the AustralianLibrary “PANDORA” (Preserving andAccessing Networked DocumentaryR e s o u r c e s o fAustralia) as anonline publicationo f n a t i o n a lsignificance.

The website hasalso been indexedby “Sparticus”which is one of thebiggest onlineencyclopaedias inEurope.

During the month of March the websitereceived visitors from; United States,Belgium, Canada, Germany, France,Alaska, Switzerland, Japan, NewZealand, Czechoslovakia, UnitedKingdom, Singapore, Netherlands, Israel,Russia, Malaysia and Poland.

Other visitors of interest where;University of Western Australia,Pennsylvania State University, CharlesSturt University Bathurst, University ofDallas Texas, Royal Signals & Radar

Led by their Piper and resplendent in theirnew ties, they marched proudly behindtheir banner to take part in the “CivicCommemoration of Remembrance Day”at QE11 Square in Albury.

There they were welcomed by the Mayor,Pat Gould and a wreath in the form of theBattalion Colour Patch was laid by thePresidents of the Victorian and NSWAssociations.

After the formalities, they adjourned toANZAC House where the Albury RSLprovided a Sausage Sizzle.

Thanks to the Commercial Club, theevenings formal dinner was an occasionto be remembered.

The function was attended by dignitariessuch as Senator Robert Hill, Danna ValeMP, Susan Ley MP, Ian Glachan MP,Senator Chris Evans, Shadow Ministerfor Defense and Premier of Victoria.

The end of the evening came all too andquickly. With the swirl of the pipes wesang “Auld Lang Syne” with tearswelling up in our eyes.

This “Hurrah” was their last formalfunction. But they will not lose touch,because none can break the bond that tiesthese Diggers together till the end.

“Lest We Forget”

The Last Hurrah Reunionof the

2/5th Australian Infantry Battalion

Remembrance Day, 11th Nov 2002, wasa really special occasion for this famousInfantry Battalion of WW2.

From the time of it’s inception, 3rdNovember 1939, almost 3000 men servedwith this Battalion and with fewexceptions, the initial Diggers were fromMelbourne. As it replaced it’s largenumber of battle casualties, men weredrawn from all parts of Australia.

In the six years of it’s existence, theBattalion spent only eighteen months athome and; is one of two units to fightagainst Italians, Germans, Japanese andVichy French, earning it the distinction ofhaving fought against “All the King’sEnemies”.

Despite the age and disabilities of somethirty five “Old Soldiers”, they traveledfrom all over Australia, supported byfamily, widows and friends to be togetherin Albury for their “Last Hurrah”.

Hearty greetings, hugs, kisses, tears andjubilation was the order of the day as oldtime friends with an average age of 80.8years young renewed acquaintances.


Fifth BattalionThe Royal Australian Regiment

Association Websitehttp://www.netspace.net.au/~harrisonWebmaster: Edmund “Ted” Harrison


Glenbawn Dam Classic

This year, the event was held at the end ofMarch and the boys got together ingreater numbers than last year to fish theDam again.

The winner from 2002, Larry Kennedywas eager to retain his title, as were theothers to get it from him.

This year the anglers were, Kevin & EllenWilliams, Michael & Robyn Robets, Ken& Margaret Bell, Geoff & MaureenCollins, Tim & Susan Donnelly, JohnMorris & Larry Kennedy.

Even with 3 boats it was a difficult task toland a catch. Over the 5 days only 7 fishwere caught, the winner being KevinWilliams with a carp at 1.6 kg and 52 cm.

There was much discussion, as Robynhad caught the biggest “eating”fish, a yellowbelly, at 1.5 kg.So new ground rules are beinglaid for 2004 .

The weather was great, as werethe yarns over the fire in theevening. Keep in touch, and getthe dates right next year boys.

Role Call of “C Coy” included Dave &Beryl Annells, Bob Antonio, Graham &Barbara Ball, John Bilston, RobertBirtles, Doug Bishop, Peter Blanch,Russell Briggs, Stretch Bryan, KevinCavanagh, Duncan Gordon, Cheryl &Doug Heley, John Hellyer, Henk Maalste,Robert “Dogs” Kearney, Rob & JennyLestrange, Gordon Meredith, VilnisMitrovics, Daryl and Moyne McCombe,Warren Pearson, Neil Ordner, RussellQuinn, Dave Riik, John Reynolds, NeilSelleck, Ron Shambrook, Dave andBarbara Sharp, Sid & Aileen Shore, TedTuchen, Terry Tueno, and RogerWainwright.

It was good to see Ron Shambrook whowas OC from late Feb 67 to RTA, takingover after Operation Beaumaris, thecordon and search of the village of Xa AnNhut in Feb 67 that decimated CHQ.(See next article). John Miller who wasOC for most of the tour could not bepresent at the reunion but sent his bestwishes to all in attendance, as did RowdyHindmarsh and several others.

The reunion was a great warm up to theBattalions 40th Birthday celebrations to beheld in Canberra in March 05. Many whocould not make Adelaide have indicatedtheir intention to be at the next reunion,so we are looking forward to a greatCharlie Coy roll up. See you there.

Roger WainwrightOC 8 Platoon 1966-67

“C” COMPANY 1966-67ANZAC DAY REUNION

ADELAIDE 2003

Thirty-one members were present withthe admirable support of many wives/partners. A good turn out since it was nota formal reunion. It started with a smallgroup from the east arranging to meet halfway across the country with some matesfrom the west. In the end, MushroomClub members came from all parts of thecountry including Darwin, Perth,Brisbane, Sydney, Broken Hill and manyplaces in between.

Some of the boys hadn’t seen each othersince 1967 and it was great to see thempick up so quickly with kind offeringssuch as “you haven’t changed you oldbastard, you’re still ugly”, and ”if Iremember correctly, it’s your bloodyshout.” It was also marvellous to see thefriendship that has developed amongst theladies and several commented that thereunion was tremendous therapy for theboys. Many of the team have kept incontact aside from reunions and it is verysatisfying to see how friendships andcamaraderie have endured over the years.Such is the mateship within an infantrycompany.

We marched with the 5RAR contingent,totaling about 90 men from both toursunder the guidance of RSM Mick“Mavro” Mavromatis who made a greateffort to keep us in step. The boys reallyput in the footwork with several crashinghalts along the way, much to the cheersof the crowd. Post march festivities wereat the Old Lion Hotel where a piper gavean outstanding rendition of“Amazing Grace”.



5RAR Members in Western Australia — Celebrating Anzac Day

Unfortunately, no storyarrived with thesephotos; but when you’relooking at the “cream”of Australia’s RetiredJungle Fighters, whoneeds a story…...


HEART HEALTHAn exercise program specifically

design for Vietnam Veterans.

A team of health professionalsprescribe and monitor all exercise

programs, and enjoy a closeworking relationship with Vets.

For more informationContact your nearest

VVCS

During training exercises, thelieutenant who was drivingdown a muddy back roadencountered another landroverstuck in the mud with a redfaced colonel at the wheel.

"Your vehicle stuck, sir?" askedthe lieutenant as he pulledalongside."Nope," replied the colonel,coming over and handing himthe keys, "Yours is."

Three soldiers were walkingthrough the scrub when theycame upon a set of tracks.

The first soldier said, "Those areWombat tracks."The second soldier said, "No,those are Kangaroo tracks."The third soldier said, "You'reboth wrong, those are Wallabytracks."They were still arguing whenthe train hit them.

First holiday in years and ouriceberg gets hit by a bloodyboat ………..

TitanicThe Other Story

escort our Coy 2IC back to the cordonposition from the local force compound inthe nearby village of Tam Phuoc. Shortlyafterwards, the OC held an orders group.At about 0900 hrs, just after the O Groupdispersed, there was a loud explosion thattook the lives of our OC Maj DonBourne, our popular Coy 2IC Capt BobMilligan, and the NZ forward observerCapt Peter Williams RNZA. Severalothers were wounded. It was DonBourne’s birthday, his first operation asOC, and it was St Valentine’s Day. Allthree were graduates of OCS Portsea.The source of the explosion was at thebase of a wire fence in the midst of CHQ,but its actual configuration has neverbeen fully determined.

In recent years, I have caught up withDon’s widow, Gabrielle, who resides inCanberra, as does one of his daughters,Tracey. At their request, I was able to

OPERATION BEAUMARIS13-14 FEB 67

Operation Beaumaris was a two daycordon and search of the village of Xa AnNhut, approximately 12 kilometres SE ofNui Dat. On 13 Feb, a deception planwas used to make the enemy believe wewould be conducting operations in theLong Hai Hills. To provide additionalsecurity for the approach march to thecordon position, Coy 2IC’s were placedas liaison officers with local ARVN units,so that they would not compromise ourapproach, which had to be across openpaddy fields. The cordon around An Nhutwas in place at about 0400 hrs accordingto Lt Col Warr’s plan, with C Coysecuring the southern perimeter.

After first light on 14 Feb 67, Cpl “Doc”Urquart’s section from 8 Pl was sent to


REUNION

11 Platoon D Coy66 / 67 tour

Contact:

Don (Stretch) Mc LeanPh: 02 6059 1943

Also searching for:

Ron Lennon Arthur HurfordDaryl Richards John StewartJ.A. Sandford Barry Turner

Please direct your enquires toStretch

REUNION

12 Platoon D Coy69 / 70 tour

Evans Head NSW12 to 14 March 2004

Contact:

Rod LeesPh: 02 6672 3457

Mob: 0438 872 772

Accommodation must be bookedby 31 Dec 03

give them some detail of thecircumstances of 14 Feb and show themsome photos they had not seen before.

In Jun 2001, I accompanied them to theunveiling and rededication ceremony ofthe OCS Portsea Memorial to thosegraduates who died on active service.The memorial was relocated to RMCDuntroon when Portsea closed as aDefence establishment. I laid a wreath onbehalf of “C Coy” and the 5RARAssociation. Apart from the threeofficers with C Coy, the OCS memorialalso records Lt Jack Carruthers (4 Pl BCoy) who was KIA following an incidenton 21 Feb 67 which also killed his OCand five other members of B Coy. Feb 67was not kind to the Tigers. The memorialalso commemorates 2Lt B.G. Walker,KIA during the second tour on 9 Mar 69.

Peter Cole (OC A Coy and Ops Offr) andlater Commandant Portsea, and MaxCarroll (Ops Offr and OC A Coy) werealso present at the ceremony. Membersmight like to visit the memorial when inCanberra for the 2005 reunion.

Roger Wainwright

Photo:Taken minutes prior to the “O Group”that preceded the explosion. Don Bourneis standing with hand on neck, BobMilligan has his foot on the fence andstanding in the background is PeterWilliams. Others in the photo are BrianBudden (in jacket), John Bilston, Bob’sbatman (bottom right).


Some people cruelly and cowardlytargeted the war weary soldiers on theirreturn, leaving mental scars that wereoften more severe and damaging than thephysical wounds of war.

Terry like all national servicemen wasdischarged on his return to Australia asquickly as he was called up; with noassistance to adjust back into the workforce and no councelling to start thehealing process on broken bodies andminds. As a result he never settled downand wandered the country engaging innumerous jobs. It was eventuallydiscovered that he had PTSD.

Terry was finally made a TPI in the mid90's but soon after suffered a major strokethat left him incapacitated, he now livesat Eastwood Hostel at the KingstonCentre in Cheltenham, Melbourne.

He’s still as cheeky as ever, but like all ofus, needs to know that his mates are stillaround and can say g'day to him everynow and then.Terry's email: [email protected]

Greg Tommasi106 Field Battery4 Field Regiment

South Vietnam 1970-71

A Brothers Tribute

Terry Tommasi was born in 1945 andgrew up in Melbourne, his father Victorserved in PNG and Bougainville duringthe Second World War as a bren gunnerwith the 57/60 Battalion, so the familyhad a history of duty and service to theircountry.

After finishing at St Kevin's College inToorak, Terry started a promising careerwith the Victorian Tourism Bureau. Atthe time, he was also a talented artist andphotographer.

He was called up for national service in1966 and after doing recruit training atKapooka, he was then posted to 2 RARfor corp training.Later he was transferred to 5 RAR andcompleting Canungra, was off to SouthVietnam on HMAS Sydney with thebattalion.

Terry was in 9 Platoon “C Coy” and withhis mates was deployed at Vung Tau, tostart a base camp in that area. This arealater developed into the logistic base forthe Australian Task Force in SouthVietnam.

5RAR soon moved in country to Nui Dat,and undertook a series of campaigns andbattles that are now part of Australia'smilitary history. Terry was a riflemanduring this period and also receivedVietnamese language training during histour of duty.

Like so many others, Terry returned hometo a tired,confused and in some wayshostile Australia, that was deeply dividedover our commitment to the war in SouthVietnam.



Red Ants

A large green bush, there is no fuss,It’s standing right in front of us,Here’s something new, everyone said’And stupid me, don’t use my head;

On every branch red ants run wild,I stare in wonder like a child,Their nests are baskets made of leaves,On second thoughts, the whole treeseethes;

I still don’t know why I did that,Curiosity it was, that killed the cat,But bright red ants are a sight to see,So I touched a branch and there on me;

From the tip of my boots to the top ofmy hair,The bloody things are everywhere,My pack comes off and my clothes goflying,There crawling all over me, I think I’mdying;

I jump and scratch with all my might,Yet all they do is bite and bite,My mates all around, just laugh likemad,The bastards know that I’ve been had;

But I’ve learnt my lesson and learnt itwell,Red Ants in trees can go to HELL:

Terry Tommasi1966

National Memorial Walk

The Royal Australian NMW (Qld) wasopened in Nov 98.

The “Walk” is dedicated to all membersof the RAR who died in Peace or Warwhilst serving overseas.

The responsibility for the maintenanceand upkeep of the NMW rests with theRAR Assoc (Qld Div).It is looked after by a small dedicatedband who attend this special place everyMonday morning.

As other RAR Associations have teamsthere, an invitation is now being extendedto 5RAR to join the team

When: 9 – 11.30 am, 1st Saturday ofeach month.

Where: RAR National Memorial Walk,Lavarack Parade, Gallipoli Barracks,Enoggera.

What to wear: work clothes, coveredfootwear, head cover. Sunscreen and alltools supplied.

Directions: Enter barracks via main gate(Lloyd St) and tell sentry you are therefor the NMW work party. Turn left atroundabout into Lavarack Parade and theNMW is 300 meters on right. Plenty ofparking available for cars, bikes, trucks,motor homes etc.

Refreshments: Plenty of town water withother fluids and nibbles at a small cost oncompletion of work.

Kiwi GibbonsRAR Association


Lost Pen Pal

My name is Rob and I am amember of the DiggersSite.

The guys theresuggested you maybe able to help mefind a fellow Icorresponded with(as a pen pal, nevermet him) in Vietnamin 1966.

We wrote each otherregularly and for noapparent reason hisletters just stopped. Icontacted his unit at thetime but never received ananswer.

All I can remember is that his nameis Peter and that he was with 5

RAR (he sent a Christmascard with the Tiger on the

front) and that he camefrom Denmark/Denham?in WA.

I have this photo of himtaken in Hong Kong in1966.

Any information wouldbe appreciated. It would

be good to know after allthese years that he is Ok

and what he has beendoing.

Rob [email protected]

Sky Pilot Down

Father John Williams (1st tour) has had a recurrence of hisold cancer and is in Ward B3C in Westmead Hospital,Sydney. Ten days ago he had much of his right mandibleremoved and a bone graft taken from the forehead. He isdue for a second operation on Wed 9th. July 03.

He has a tracheostomy and is gaining sustenance through anasogastric tube. He therefore speaks with difficulty andcannot be contacted by phone. Despite all, he is insurprisingly good spirits and handling his ordeal with greatcourage. Spread the word - Send him a card or letter orsomething.

Tony White

Fr John’s Golden Jubilee (50 years since he was ordainedto the priesthood) occurred on the 18th July 03. Wouldn’tit be wonderful if it was acknowledged by personal visits toboost his spirits. (better late than never)

Marie London

Trackers reunion

I have sent a picture from the “Trackers and War dogs Association Reunion” whichincludes the new “Memorial for War Dogs” of past conflicts. The six trackers are fromour 1969-70 tour of Vietnam.

Left to right: Ron (Teach) Hodgson, Mick Brawn, Geoff (Bluey) Nicholls, Phil GreenJohn (Humps) Humphries and Peter (Chappy) Chapman [email protected]

We, the Trackers who were at the reunion, are now trying to get together with all otherTrackers 69-70 for the 5 RAR Reunion in 2005; so contact me now.

CheersJohn Humphries (ex tracker) wia 69

Ph: 02 4471 [email protected]


Are often disproportionate,To the service that he gives.While the ordinary Soldier,

Who offered up his all,Is paid off with a medal

And perhaps a pension, small.It's so easy to forget them,

For it is so many timesThat our Bobs and Jims and John’s,

Went to battle, but we know,It is not the politicians

With their compromise and ploys,Who won for us the freedomThat our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,With your enemies at hand,

Would you really want some cop-out,With his ever waffling stand?Or would you want a Soldier--His home, his country, his kin,

Just a common Soldier,Who would fight until the end.He was just a common Soldier,And his ranks are growing thin,

But his presence should remind usWe may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,We find the Soldier's part

Is to clean up all the troublesThat the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honorWhile he's here to hear the praise,

Then at least let's give him homageAt the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simply headlineIn the paper that might say:

"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

Brian W Foster OAM

Used with permissionBrian W Foster OAM


A Soldier Died Today

He was getting old and paunchyAnd his hair was falling fast,

And he sat around the Legion,Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought inAnd the deeds that he had done,In his exploits with his buddies;

They were heroes, every one.And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors

His tales became a joke,All his buddies listened quietly

For they knew where of he spoke.But we'll hear his tales no longer,

For ol' Bob has passed away,And the world's a little poorer

For a Soldier died today.He won't be mourned by many,Just his children and his wife.

For he lived an ordinary,Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,Going quietly on his way;

And the world won't note his passing,'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,Their bodies lie in state,

While thousands note their passing,And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life storiesFrom the time that they were young

But the passing of a SoldierGoes unnoticed, and unsung.Is the greatest contributionTo the welfare of our land,

Some jerk who breaks his promiseAnd cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellowWho in times of war and strife,

Goes off to serve his countryAnd offers up his life?

The politician's stipendAnd the style in which he lives,


SunraysiaVietnam, Korea & South East Asian

Association

“Ramon Deed Retreat”

The centre is situated just off the Silver City Highway 15 clicks from Mildura and 10clicks from Wentworth at Dareton NSW. Formerly a respite centre, it is situated on 100acres and is managed by the above Association.

All ex-service personnel with their families and friends are welcome to use the retreatwhen passing through or staying in the Sunraysia area. We have onsite caravans andcamping amenities available from $8 per night or $50 per week including power.

The Murray River is a short walk with boat ramps, fishing and all types of water sportreadily available. A golf course also fronts the river.The Dareton township boasts a supermarket, post office, butcher, doctor, chemist andthe Coomealla Memorial Club as well as other strategically place water holes and shops.

RESIDENT CARETAKERSCol & Robyn DunkleyPh/Fax: 03 5027 4983

“PETS WELCOME”

Vacancies also exist for othercaretaker couples

Barry EcclesAssociation President

Working Committee l – r:Robby Arnold, 5RAR 66-67Mick Robinson, Med Corp PsychCharlie Heyward, Korean VetJohn “Jacko” Flynn, 7RARBarry Eccles, 5RAR 66-67Dal Duscher, 8RAR

PresidentBrig. Colin Khan DSOPh: 02 6257 7249

SecretaryMr. Geoff PearsonPh: 02 9524 [email protected]

TreasurerMr. R. (Bob) FenwickPh: 02 9999 [email protected]

Nat Membership Officer & NSW RepLt Col. Ron HamlynMob: 0407 669 [email protected]

ACT RepresentativeLt Col. Barry MorganPh: 02 6255 [email protected]

VIC RepresentativeMr. Kerry O’ConnorPh: 03 5428 [email protected]

TAS RepresentativeGerry Coret J.P.Ph: 03 6330 [email protected]

S.A & N.T. RepresentativeMr. Chris KuchenmeisterPh & Fax: 08 8552 [email protected]

W.A. RepresentativeMr. Peter de MassonPh: 08 9448 [email protected]

QLD RepresentativeMr. Warren BurnsPh: 07 3300 [email protected]

Tiger Tales EditorLou WagnerPO Box 211

Aitkenvale Qld 4814

Ph & Fax: 07 4775 7554Email: [email protected]

Your Committee and Representatives

Banner

Cap

Vietnam Task

Tie

Chambray Shirt

Polo Shirt

Honour Roll

PlaqueCar Sticker

TAC Plates


Memorabilia Tick Shirt Sizes Below Price Qty AmountMembership to Feb 2005 $ 25

Vietnam Task $ 28

Honour Roll $ 30Car Stickers $ 3

Caps $ 13Ties $ 15

TAC Plates $ 20Mini Banner $150

5 RAR Plaque $ 45

Polo Shirt Navy Med Large X Large $ 28Polo Shirt White Med Large X Large $ 28Chambray Shirt Med Large X Large $ 38

Grand Total $

Stationery Set NEW NEW NEW $ 20

The Year of the Tigers NEW NEW NEW $ 45

New!!!

Fifth Battalion AssociationStationery Set

Badge & Title printed in GOLD

“Year of the Tigers”Reprint

Please remit this form and payment to:The Secretary5 RAR AssociationPO Box 432BOWRAL NSW 2576

Surname: First Name/s:

Address: State: P/ Code:

Home Ph: Mob: Email:

Brief history of assoc / link with 5 RAR: (complete this part for membership applications only)

Joining / Renewing Membership

Change of address

Purchase of Memorabilia

Please indicate use of this form

Fifth Battalion AssociationThe Royal Australian Regiment


The editors desk

A word about “Do’s and Don'ts concerning photographs

Ever wondered why some photos look great and others average? Without wanting tomake you professional photographers, there are a few simple rules that will improve yoursnaps. I will use the photos on page 7 to illustrate my points, working from the topdown. (This is NOT a shot at the photographer/s but some tips that I hope will help you)

Photos 1 & 2: Sunglasses, cap and hat brims hide faces in direct sunlight. So, unless youdon’t wish to be seen, discard them for the snap.

Photo 3: Everyone is standing in the same light (shade actually) and so the camera’scomputer has no problem in metering the correct exposure. Even the cap is not aproblem because there is no direct sunlight to cast a shadow under it.

Photo 4: Camera metering systems can not handle extreme exposure latitudes, (brightsunlight to deep shadow) the result being sunlit subjects are washed out.

Photos 5 & 6: Both photos were taken in an even light source and after cropping,(cutting away unnecessary background) shows good results.

Some Basic Rules: Always try to shoot in even light, preferably light shade as it creates a more even

image.

Get as close to your subject as possible so as to reduce the amount of background.The subject is the main focus, not the background.

Always try to use the flash on the camera. The “built in flash” on any camera isonly effective up to about 2.5 meters (10 feet), so unless you understand thephysics of “inverse light, squared” or “GN ratings” trust me.

Well, that’s enough for now. If you want to learn more, let me know.“Happy Snapping”

Mother-In-LawA guy goes on vacation to the Holy Land with his wife and mother-in-law.The mother-in-law dies.They go to an undertaker who explains that they can ship the body home but that it'llcost over $5000, whereas they can bury her in the Holy Land for only $150.The guy says, "We'll ship her home." The undertaker asks, "Are you sure? That's anawfully big expense and we can do a very nice burial here."The guy says, "Look, 2000 years ago they buried a guy here and three days later herose from the dead. I just can't take that chance."

it’s official battalion reunion 2005 – canberra

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