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MORWELL RSL SUB-BRANCHNEWSLETTER

( QUARTERLY )

JUNE - AUGUST, 2012 LEST WE FORGET

Morwell RSL Sub-Branch Inc. Corner Elgin & Tarwin Streets MorwellP.O. Box 105, Morwell 3840 – Phone (03) 5134 2455

E-mail: enquiries@morwellrsl.com.au - Website: www.morwell.rslvic.com.au_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your Committee

President:-Bruce Jeffrey

Senior Vice President:-Les Maher

Vice President:-Wayne Gwynne

Secretary:-Dennis Cleary

Treasurer:-William (Bill) Hall

Committee Members:-Ted Dunstan, Joe Geddes,Don George, David Nutt,and Paul Rayment

General Manager:-Dennis Cleary

Manager:-Christine Hennessy

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Sub Committees

Appeals:-Wayne Gwynne (Appeals Officer)and Don George

Pensions and Welfare:-Joe Geddes, Ted Dunstan,Don George and David Nutt

Newsletter & Web Site Editor:-Graham (Beatle) Burgess

ANZAC Day Wreaths Vandalised

A most disrespectful act of vandalism was carried out to some ofthe wreaths at the Morwell War Memorial just hours after theANZAC Day Service. It has shocked and saddened bothmembers of the Morwell RSL and the general public. At leasteight floral wreaths were torn off their mounting frame on thesouth side of the cenotaph and strewn about the roundabout onwhich the Cenotaph is located.

Although not conclusive due to darkness, the Morwell RSLCCTV captures what appears to be two young men actingsuspiciously at the Cenotaph on the evening of ANZAC Day andpossibly causing two acts of disgusting and senseless vandalismto the wreaths. They were first seen at about 9-30pm and thenagain at 10-45pm on Wednesday evening, just nine hours afterthe wreaths were laid in honour of dead servicemen.

Early Thursday morning, Morwell RSL member MurrayRoylance found some of the wreaths that had been removed fromthe Cenotaph and torn to pieces. He found flowers from thewreaths had been thrown on the ground for several hundredmetres south of the Cenotaph in Kennedy and Tarwin Streets.

Apart from a wreath laid in memory of Vietnam Veterans, wehaven’t identified the other wreaths that were desecrated. A largenumber of wreaths were laid on ANZAC day by the RSL,Government, Community and Service groups together withprivate and personal ones. Many were also laid by schoolchildren and other youth groups such as cadets and scouts.

Disappointingly, one of the vandalised wreaths removed from theCenotaph was that laid in honour of those who died in theVietnam War. It was placed on the Cenotaph by VietnamVeteran, Ken Answer. Ken also went to the Cenotaph early onThursday morning to quietly reflect on his own, when hediscovered the vandalism and the wreath he laid was missing. Hewas shocked, disgusted, disappointed and very disturbed thatsomebody could do such a thing to the ANZAC Day wreaths.The wreath in honour of Vietnam Veterans was symbolicallyplaced on the south side of the memorial to be just below theplaque commemorating Adrian Rich, a Morwell boy who waskilled in Vietnam 45 years ago.

This incident shows a complete lack of understanding and selfrespect by the idiots that performed the vandalism.

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Women’s Auxiliary

President:-Mary Gwynne

Senior Vice President:-Pat Sheahey

Vice President:-Lyn Priems

Secretary:-Debra Lougheed

Treasurer:-Julie Bassett__________________________________________

Courtesy BusThe Courtesy Bus is only availableto Morwell RSL Sub-BranchService, Affiliate and SocialMembers.

The bus will pick you up fromyour Home, or any other Club andPub in Morwell or Churchill andbring you to the Morwell RSLSub-Branch. Return Journeys willonly be made from the Sub-Branchto your Home.

If you wish to come to the RSL inthe courtesy bus during the timesshown below, please telephone theSub-Branch on (03) 5134 2455.

OPERATING TIMES.

Tuesday:-5-00pm to 10-00pm.

Wednesday:-5-00pm to 10-00pm. With runs toChurchill at 6-00pm and 8-00pm

Friday:-5-00pm till late. With runs toChurchill at 5-50pm and 9-00pm

Saturday:-7-00pm till late.

Another – “Who Will Do It”? Story

This is a story about four people who we all know or have at leastheard about. Their names are EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY,ANYBODY, and NOBODY.

There was a very important job that needed to be done.EVERYBODY was asked to do this job. Now ANYBODY couldhave done this job but NOBODY was willing to do it. ThenSOMEBODY got angry about this because it wasEVERYBODY'S job to do. Well, EVERYBODY thought thatANYBODY could have done it!

It was not surprising that NOBODY realized EVERYBODYblamed SOMEBODY for not doing the job. Still NOBODY didit. The arguing got worse and finally NOBODY wouldn’t talk toANYBODY and EVERYBODY blamed SOMEBODY. What ashame that ANYBODY could have done the job in the first placeand EVERYBODY could have helped SOMEBODY but as oftenhappens, NOBODY did it!

PLEASE! If there is something you know must be done, don'twait for ANYBODY else to do it or hope that SOMEBODY elsewill do it, because NOBODY else will do it unless you showEVERYBODY else how to do it. I guess you could also talk toSOMEBODY and they may arrange for something to be done.

After reading all that, does ANYBODY need a drink ???? Ifyou do, then get it YOURSELF.

Remember My Smile

Now that I’ve come to the end of my journeyAnd I’ve travelled my last weary mile.

Please forget if you can, that I ever did frownAnd remember only my smile

VALEIt is with deep regret that we have been notified of the death ofthe following Members since our last newsletter was printed.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to their family and friends.

ANN-MAREE BLACKFORD - 1st APRIL 2012(Affiliate Member)

JEFFREY E. LAKE - 20th APRIL 2012(Affiliate Member)

LEST WE FORGET.

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ANZAC Appeal – Report

The Morwell RSL Sub-Branch once again congratulates and thanks the Citizens of Morwell, Churchill,Yinnar, Boolarra and districts for their generosity in donating to the ANZAC Day Token Appeal. Wealso thank the business owners and their staff in the CBD Area, Mid Valley, and in our Industrial Areas,including International Power Hazelwood and Loy Yang for their co-operation in allowing our volunteersto enter their business premises and collect from them and their staff whilst they were busy working.Thanks also to the workers in these areas for their generous support of our ANZAC Day Token Appeal.Tokens were sold between Thursday 12th April and Tuesday 24th April.

Although we had over 68 volunteer sellers, some of our selling points were still not manned. The effortsby those who assist in selling badges are definitely appreciated by our Sub-Branch and the League.

Thanks to our members who walked around the local CBD and Industrial areas and sold badges. Onceagain Geoff Marland also made a special effort and sold badges at his workplace. These are difficult jobsthat were very well done by those members. Don George, thanks for the many hours spent coordinatingthe Churchill and Yinnar selling points and making sure everything was up and running smoothly.

Others who deserve a special mention are those who volunteered their time almost every day. Theseinclude Eddie Grinpukel, “Metro” Mitrevics, John Brooker, Bruce Jeffrey, Ron Randall and Pat & RicSheahey. Every selling day, Bruce assisted me before selling at the post office. Thanks Bruce for allyour support, good work and the many hours you put in before, during and after the Appeal.

Thanks to the following groups who also supported our ANZAC DayAppeal by allowing us to sell tokens from their premises and/or storingour equipment overnight during the Appeal period:- The MorwellIndustrial Business, the Business Houses of the CBD, HazelwoodPower Station & Mine Employees and Contractors, Loy Yang Powerand their associated contractors, Australian Paper – Maryvale,Maryvale Private Hospital, Bunnings, Mid Valley Shopping Complex,Morwell Post Office, Coles, Stockdale & Leggo, Morwell BowingClub, Williams the Shoeman, Manny’s Market, and Woolworths. Alsothanks to Ritchies IGA Supermarket and Anne’s Café & Bar inChurchill and the Yinnar General Store.

Thanks also to the 424 Squadron Air Cadets and all the Morwell, Churchill, Hazelwood, Yinnar andBoolarra schools who sold tokens.

Don’t forget! If anyone wishes to sell Remembrance Day Poppies or ANZAC Day Badges duringforthcoming appeals, a book is now located at the Reception desk for people to put their names anddetails in. This will help me to make contact with you and arrange a selling program that will assist us.

Appeals Officer, Wayne Gwynne_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ANZAC Day Still Popular

There is no doubt ANZAC Day Services are still popular with members of the public as shown by theestimated attendances at Anzac Day Dawn Services at the Memorials listed below:-

In Australia

Melbourne. – 40,000Perth. – 40,000Canberra. – 25,000Sydney. – 20,000Brisbane. – 10,000Adelaide. – 12,000Hobart. – 8,000Darwin. – 2,000

Overseas

Gallipoli, Turkey. – 6,000Villers-Bretonneaux, France. – 3,500Bomana, PNG. – 3,000Hellfire Pass, Thailand. – 1,100Sandakan, Malaysia. – 500Isurava, PNG. – 250

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Vietnam Veterans’ Commemoration Day – 18th August

Saturday 18th August is Vietnam Veterans’ Commemoration Day. The day is to commemoratethose who served and died in the Vietnam War. It is on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Eachyear on this date, services are held at War Memorials throughout Australia. This year is the 50th

anniversary of the start of the War in Vietnam which resulted in some 60,000 Australians serving there.

The arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in South Vietnam during July andAugust 1962 was the beginning of Australia's involvement in the War. Australia's participation in the warwas formally declared at an end when the Governor-General issued a proclamation on 11th January 1973.The only combat troops remaining in Vietnam then, were a platoon guarding the Australian embassy inSaigon, which was withdrawn in June 1973.

In Morwell on Saturday, 18th August, 2012 commencing at 8-00am, therewill be a Service of Reflection at the War Memorial, opposite the RSL Sub-Branch. Following the service will be a “Gunfire Breakfast” in the Sub-Branch. RSL members and the general public are welcome to attend andshould be at the Memorial before 8-00am. A donation of $5-00 will be theonly charge for the breakfast, which will go to the RSL’s Welfare Fund.

Vietnam Veterans’ Welfare - Tokens for the annual “Vietnam Veterans’Welfare Appeal” will be on sale in the Morwell, Moe, Yallourn / Newboroughand Traralgon RSL Sub-Branches and in the Mid Valley Shopping Complex.There are a variety of badges on sale, please purchase one. Your support willbe gratefully appreciated.

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Battle for Australia Day – 5th September

The Battle for Australia Day is on the first Wednesday in September each year. This year it’s onWednesday 5th September. Battle for Australia Day commemorates the service and sacrifice of all thosewho served in defence of Australia in 1942 and 1943 when we faced the gravest threats to our nation.This national day of observance will provide tangible recognition and greater community awareness ofthe contribution to Australia’s freedom and democracy of those who fought in the Battle for Australia.

There were direct attacks on the Australian mainland, particularly in Darwin, and battles in the Coral Seaand Papua and New Guinea, including Milne Bay and the Kokoda Track. Prime Minister John Curtinannounced the Battle for Australia when Singapore fell on 15th February 1942. The first Wednesday inSeptember was chosen by the veteran community as it represents the first defeat of Japanese forces onland in the Battle of Milne Bay. The Day is also an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of those onthe home front, who lived in a time when the entire economy was directed towards the war effort._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do You Recognise this Photo?

This photo was recently handed into our RSL afterbeing found in the foyer of the Morwell court house.

From the inscription on the back, I think it’s a groupof WWII, Director of Ordnance Services (DOS) staffwith a Quarter Master’s group, Royal AustralianElectrical and Mechanical Engineers ( RAEME ). Itappears to have been taken on VP Day.

If you have lost this photo or know anyone on it,please contact the Morwell RSL.

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ANZAC Day – Wednesday 25th April 2012

This year’s ANZAC Day Services in Morwell were very well attended and I think were probably equal tothe best we have ever conducted. A huge crowd, larger than I have seen at a Dawn Service at Morwell,ignored the threatening rain forecast and attended the Dawn Service, which was conducted by Sub-Branch President, Bruce Jeffrey. After the Service the Sub Branch’s Bistro Managers, Mary & Theo andtheir staff served more than 320 breakfasts. This “Gunfire Breakfast” was sponsored by the Sub-Branchand all donations collected went into our ANZAC Day Token appeal. As usual there was plenty of foodfor everyone and the rum flavoured coffee organised by our manager, Dennis was pretty good as well.

Once again a very large crowd, including many young people, attended the mid-day service. One of theseyoung people was Reg Selwyn’s 20 year old great granddaughter Samantha who travelled from Perth toattend her 20th ANZAC Day Service. The weather was overcast but thankfully it did not rain. The parademarched off to the Cenotaph under the direction of Parade Marshall, ex WO David Nutt with theassistance of Roger Andruschthak. A large number of wreaths were laid, by the RSL, Government,Community and Service groups together with private and personal ones. Many were also laid by schoolchildren and other groups such as cadets, scouts and the Morwell RSL Youth Football Club.

Guest Speaker was Major Wendy Jeffrey, SO2 Workforce Plans, Land System Division, DefenceMaterial Organisation. Her speech was well received and we have received many reports from peoplewho enjoyed it. Mr. Ian Moore was the Choirmaster. Music was performed by Latrobe City andMorwell Caledonian Bands and Morwell RSL Sub-Branch Senior Vice President, Les Maher was theMaster of Ceremonies. For the first time the ceremony included the New Zealand National Anthem.

On completion of the service, over 300 Sub-Branch members and guests attended the annual ANZACDay Luncheon and the afternoon was capped off with a really large gathering for the "Two Up Game".This activity was again organised and controlled by Terry Blackford.

The ANZAC Day March and Service conducted at Yinnar were well attended by the local community.David Nutt arranged and conducted the commemoration. Major Wendy Jeffrey was also the guestspeaker there.

A service was also conducted at Boolarra prior to ANZAC Day on Sunday 22nd April. Snr. VicePresident Les Maher conducted that service which was organised by Roz Carstairs._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ANZAC Day 2012 – Address by Major Wendy Jeffrey

The following is an extract from the address presented by Major Wendy Jeffrey on ANZAC Day.

Firstly thankyou to the Morwell RSL for inviting me to be your guest speaker for ANZAC Day 2012; Iam very humbled and honoured to be here today as I have the utmost respect and admiration for the workthat the Morwell RSL does for the Veterans, their families and the Community. I thought that it was veryfitting to have a female Service member, especially from the Army, speak to you all on the 70th

Anniversary of the establishment, in 1942, of the Australian Women’s Land Army.

On this day, in the darkness before dawn, the ANZACs stormed ashore in a place now known as ANZACcove. It was our first major contribution to the world as a nation. 2000 ANZACs were dead by the end ofthat day, but through perseverance, courage and comradeship they held their ground. It was certainly abaptism of fire. The campaign lasted 8 months, until the 35,000 ANZACs remaining were evacuated.We should never forget the deeds, courage and fortitude of these original ANZACs. For example at LonePine where in just over two days, in August 1915, 7 Victoria Crosses were awarded for valour toAustralians. They established a tradition and national pride that we should be proud to follow.

Today is more than a commemoration of a battle. It is the celebration of two nations and an enduringrelationship between them. While it commemorates the feats of their soldiers, this day belongs to theAustralian and New Zealand people not merely our armies. A number of questions come to mind, Why isthe term ANZAC and ANZAC Day so well-known nation wide? And what does the term ANZAC mean?Historians would answer you with a complicated battle plan that ultimately ended in tragedy. To me thatis not the sole meaning of ANZAC Day and the legend that is the ANZAC. It resides in everyone in theirspirit and imagination and to quantify the terms would not be giving them justice.

Australians are bred tough and the term ANZAC immediately brings with it the term sacrifice and thevalues courage, compassion and love for your fellow man, all values that we all carry within us and learnfrom an early age. Among a people who pride themselves on being hard-bitten and sceptical this dayinspires a sense of the sacred. It is partly patriotic, partly religious in its observance of sacrifice.

Nothing better expresses the Military ethos than the thousands of lone monuments in nearly every townand suburb in Australia. Generally, the local memorial consists of a single soldier resting on armsreversed. He is a humble melancholy figure almost smaller than life. It is almost as if we, as Australiansdo not like to fuss too much over heroics. Our national icon is literally a little battler.

I think that speaks volumes of our character as Australians and makes me proud to stand here today, inthe distinctive slouch hat of the Australian soldier made famous by those young men who landed atANZAC cove. Many would go further to say that in the furnace that was Gallipoli, and on the WesternFront, Australia’s soldiers forged the Australian Nation.

Indeed, I see that ANZAC Day goes from strength to strength each year. The pilgrimages to the shores ofGallipoli of thousands of Aussies and Kiwis, bears testimony to how much this day means to all of usyoung and old. Today we are the inheritors of their legacy; while many years have passed and much haschanged, the essential nature of the Australian Soldier has not changed.

As again on ANZAC Day we say “Lest We Forget”, let us remember not only the courage, toughness,resourcefulness and loyalty to their mates of the Australian Soldiers who made history at Gallipoli, butthe same qualities that have been displayed by future generations of Australian Soldiers, who have carriedforward their legacy with pride and distinction in all manner of conflicts which followed.

And finally as our young men and women again link arms in harm’s way, let us offer our prayers and

hopes that they return to us safe, their duty done. - Lest We Forget__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When I dieA bloke in his armchair shouts to his wife, “Darling, when I die, I'm going to leave everything to youlove”. She shouts back “You already do you lazy mongrel !!”

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Beatle’s Bit

Damage to Cenotaph Roundabout:–

Occasionally a semi-trailer driver whodoesn’t know how to judge whether ornot his rig is able to negotiate aroundabout, drives his trailer onto theMorwell Cenotaph roundabout. In thelatest incident the driver got it so wrongthat he had to reverse off the roundaboutto avoid running over the traffic sign.

What these drivers probably don’t realiseis that our security cameras film andrecord these incidences. Our CCTVsystem recorded this latest incident justone week before ANZAC Day. It showsa green, Gippsland based transport firm’sSemi-trailer, driving onto the roundaboutat about 9.08am on Wednesday 18th April. Damage to the Cenotaph roundabout lawn – 18/04/2012

Latrobe City parks and garden services do a great job maintaining the city’s parks and gardens. Each yearprior to ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, they prepare the Morwell Cenotaph roundabout lawns andgarden beds to look their best. Fortunately they were able to tidy-up this damage before the ANZAC DayServices. Repairing damage such as this must cost our city a great deal of money and must bedisappointing to all our ratepayers because it could be avoided with a little more care from the drivers.

Our president, Bruce Jeffrey has made contact with the transport company and the spokesperson therewas apologetic. She also said they would talk to the drivers and ask them to take more care in future._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Entering a Freeway:– Mary from our Bistro was recently driving her car and merged onto the freewaynear Warragul. As she did so, another car changed lanes and tooted at her and without looking; Marygave the other car a rather rude hand gesture. She must have thought someone was abusing her.

To Mary’s surprise, she soon realised the other car was a group of her friends from the Women’sAuxiliary travelling home from Melbourne and they were just giving Mary a friendly toot. As a matter ofinterest, when you enter the freeway and cross those dashed lines, technically you are supposed to giveway. The women were only being courteous when they changed lanes to allow Mary’s car to enter._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lost Glasses:– Many of us who wear glasses have at one time or another lost or misplaced them. Ourmember Cora went without her glasses for two weeks before finally finding them under her pillow. Fortwo weeks she didn’t know if she was sleeping with Jack or someone else. If she changed her sheets andpillow cases more often maybe she would have found them earlier._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can’t Start My Car:– Ron, a member of our bar staff parked his car and couldn’t remove his keysfrom the ignition switch. He tried everything and was starting to panic because he didn’t want to leavehis car unattended with the keys still in it. In desperation he telephoned the RACV. He wasn’t a memberso they joined him up on the spot and after paying with his credit card, they immediately sent a mechanicout to help. It didn’t take long for the mechanic to work out that Ron wasn’t pushing the small “keyrelease” button or didn’t have the gear selector “in park”. I think we should start to “drug test” our staff._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lost Sock:– Manager Christine found a SOCK in the Sub-Branch foyer. She checked the CCTVsurveillance video and it showed Stan, a volunteer with the Day Club, walking through the foyer and theSOCK falling out of his trouser leg. The question remains, what was the sock doing there, was it to boosthis manhood or just keep it warm? Stan won’t tell us, so please ask him, you may get an answer.

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Boer War Veteran’s Grave in Carrajung Cemetery

Some time ago, Tom Lawless had been told by his friend Ned Missen (fromGormandale Cemetery Trust) about a dilapidated grave and headstone of aBoer War Veteran in the bush at Carrajung. Ned had been told about the graveby his relative, Margery Missen. The area in the bush is actually the CarrajungCemetery. Tom contacted Bruce Jeffrey who asked for advice from Mal Bugg.Mal suggested Bruce visit the area and take photos of the grave, which he didwith the help of Ned Missen. They identified the grave as that of ex. Trooper,1264 – Benjamin Henry Lucas. Mal and Bruce also contacted VictorianGovernment Departments to gain permission to refurbish the grave and erect anew plaque commemorating Benjamin’s Boer War service. This process hastaken 2½ years to date. Sadly both Tom Lawless and Mal Bugg have passedaway before the project could be completed. Trooper B. H. Lucas

Government Departments can only fund work on specific official grave sites, so the Morwell RSLcommittee gave approval for our Sub-Branch to finance the project. Morwell Monumental Mason, PeterKeenan, has refurbished the original headstone from the grave and mounted a bronze plaque which wasacquired by the Morwell RSL. Peter Keenan generously completed this work free of charge. TraralgonMixed Concrete also generously supplied aggregate for the project free of charge. The plaque features alogo of a Boer War mounted infantryman saving his mate; it’s based on a photograph of the statue on theBoer War Memorial in Ballarat. This logo is used on the header of the National Boer War MemorialAssociation’s newsletter and permission to use it was obtained from their representative, Geoff Dare.

Benjamin Lucas was born in Melbourne in 1875 (parents Walter and Jane Lucas) and was one of about7000 men who made their own way and paid their own fare, to enlist in “irregular” (British or African)units in South Africa during the Boer War. At the age of 25 years, on 24th January 1901, he departedMelbourne on the steamship “Aberdeen” bound for Cape Town. From Cape Town to Durban would havetaken approximately one month and on arrival Benjamin joined the Bethune's Mounted InfantryRegiment, an “irregular” unit formed in Durban in October 1899 by Major Edward Cecil Bethune.

Major Bethune was born in 1855, and in 1875 joined the 92nd Foot (the Gordon Highlanders). In 1887he exchanged to the 6th Dragoon Guards. He was subsequently a Major in the 16th Lancers, an officerwho was to do well throughout the whole war. The unit operated for the duration of the Boer War.

The grave will be re-dedicated at 1-00pm on Saturday 2nd June, 2012. Any interested persons arewelcome to attend and a mini-bus will be available, leaving the Morwell RSL at 11-30am.

Benjamin Henry Lucas – An extract from the Traralgon Record - (Newspaper) on 26th August, 1904.

Residents of Carrajung had the very unwelcome news brought to them by Mr. D. J. Wight from the Salehospital on Tuesday night, of the death of Mr. Benjamin H. Lucas, who died in that institution on Tuesdaylast about midday (16-08-1904), from a very severe attack of pneumonia, following an attack of influenza.

His loss will be keenly felt by Carrajung, in as much as he was always to the fore in matters appertainingto the furtherance of this district. He occupied (for only too short a time) the position of secretary to thelately formed Progress Association, also the local branch of the Farmers, Property Owners andProducers Association, and was also a member of the Sports and Mechanics' Institute committee. Healso (in keeping with his go-ahead spirit) travelled to South Africa and joined the Bethune’s MountedInfantry Regiment, and served almost twelve months at the front in the Boer War.

The late Mr. Lucas was a most ambitious young man, and had just about surmounted the great difficultyof making a home in this heavily timbered land, only to leave all by the stroke which awaits us from thecruel hand of fate. He came to Carrajung a mere lad and to use his own words, worked for wages, whichwas only pocket money, and in the 12 or 14 years of his residence here he had acquired a very creditableproperty, upwards of 300 acres, besides doing a vast amount of work thereon.

His remains were interred here on Thursday, 18th August 1904 in the local cemetery, when his relativesand friends paid their last respects to a deserving, brave, honest citizen.

Boer War Veteran’s Grave – Continued on page 9

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Boer War Veteran’s Grave – Continued from page 8

The Carrajung Cemetery and grave of Benjamin Lucas as Bruce found it

Brief History of the Carrajung Cemetery – In June 1885 a request was made for a reservationof 12 acres of land to be used as a cemetery in the township of Carrajung in Gippsland, within land heldby Mr H. G. Biggs who had given his approval for this land to be used as a cemetery.

The request was forwarded to the Government of the day, and approved by the Governor in Council onthe 1st April, 1886. There had already been at least one burial on the land prior to 1886. This was MabelLouise Grainge Biggs, aged 2 years, 4 months, who died on the 8th April, 1884 and was buried on the 10th

April, 1884. She was the daughter of Henry Grainge Biggs and his wife Sarah Rebecca (nee Shipper).

In October, 1919, David Wight, Secretary of the Trust wrote to the Secretary of the Public HealthDepartment stating that he was resigning as secretary and there was now only one Trustee left, Mr Ray.He also could not get any other people to “take it on” at the present time as it is only a harbour for rabbitsand it is one dense mass of scrub and there is neveranybody using it, as when anybody dies they are usuallytaken to Yarram or Gormandale.

The last burial in the Carrajung Cemetery would appearto have been in 1928 and exactly how many burials tookplace there during its history is still not accuratelyknown. In 1956 a request was made to use the cemeteryland for grazing cattle by a local farmer, but this requestwas rejected.

Parts of the cemetery can still be seen, but the bush isslowly taking over the old site. The grave and parts ofthe headstone for Benjamin Lucas and the Biggs familywere still there a short time ago. The refurbished grave and head stone

Research has identified some information on the cemetery, but to date only a small number of burialshave been identified. These include the following:-

1. Allison Wight, Aged 2 years. Died 12th June, 1898. Buried 14th June, 1898.

2. George May, Aged 7 ½ years. Died 30th January, 1900. Buried 2nd February, 1900.

3. Benjamin Henry Lucas, Aged 29 years. Died 16th August, 1904. Buried 18th August, 1904.

4. Henry Grainge Biggs, Aged 75 years. Died 18th October, 1907. Buried 20th October, 1907.

5. Nancy Elizabeth Willis, Aged 1 year. Died 10th March, 1928. Buried 12th March, 1928.

The Carrajung Cemetery is located on LOT 4 Willis Road, Carrajung, which runs between the GrandRidge Road – C484 and the Old Carrajung Road. The old Carrajung Road joins the Traralgon / YarramRoad (Hyland Highway – C482). The GPS, co-ordinates are:– S-38º 23′ 08″, E146º 43′ 57″.

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Australian GovernmentDepartment of Veterans’ Affairs

Articles regarding the Department ofVeterans’ Affairs are extracts of mediareleases from the Department’s Minister.Originals are available on his website athttp://minister.dva.gov.au/index.htm

Government Receives Prisoner of War Records from Japan:–

Historical records of former Australian Prisoners of War (POW) held by the Japanese during the SecondWorld War have been handed over to the Australian Government. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, BobCarr, and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, welcomed the transfer and thanked theJapanese Government for the valuable records. “We very much appreciate the cooperation of theJapanese Government in the transfer of these records to Australia. This exemplifies the strength of ourrelationship with Japan and the goodwill between us,” Mr Carr said. “The Australian Embassy in Tokyowill arrange for the records to be safely dispatched into the care of the National Archives of Australia.”

Once repatriated to Australia, more than 16 volumes, including name-identified records, will be handedover to the National Archives of Australia and carefully prepared for public access. With some of therecords in a fragile condition, the Archives will undertake a rigorous process of careful examination andpreparation so they can be digitised and made available to the public online. It is expected that most ofthe records will become publicly available towards the end of this year.

Mr Snowdon said the records will provide families with previously unseen vital information on theirloved ones and help to indentify where a prisoner was held, their date of capture and date of liberation forexample. “These records will help to increase our understanding of the experiences of some of the 20,000Australian prisoners of war held by the Japanese throughout Asia during the Second World War,” he said.

“They are an invaluable insight into a tragic period in our nation’s wartime history, which will bringclarity for historians and, most importantly, some form of closure for the families of those listed whohave, until this time, remained uncertain of their loved one’s fate,” Mr Snowdon said.

If you would like additional information regarding this or any other topics that DVA are responsible forplease do not hesitate to contact Michael or Phil at the DVA office, No.10 George Street Morwell,Wednesday to Friday or phone them anytime on (03) 5133 0177 or free call 1300 551 918._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Jingle Bells in July” – ( Christmas Dinner )The Morwell RSL Bistro has organised a “Christmas Dinner” in July. The dinner has been named“Jingle Bells in July”. It’s on Sunday 15th July, 2012 at 12-00noon in the ANZAC Room.

Tickets are now available from the Bistro and the Sub-Branch’s reception desk. This will be a great dayso please book early to avoid missing out.

Musical entertainment will be supplied by Ken & Alice Rae who also supply the music for the Sub-Branch’s monthly “Old Time Dance”. Santa will also make an appearance.

The dinner will be a 3 course meal as follows:-

Entrée - Soup, (Pumpkin or Vegetable)

Main - Roast turkey, Roast Pork and Ham with Vegetables.

Sweets - Plum Pudding or Pavlova or Cheesecake.

A great selection of prizes will be given out during the function.

Cost of this dinner is $16 per person. $1 from each dinner will be donated to Morwell RSL Welfare.

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Entertainment Calendar – ( Shez’s GIG Guide ) – Our Supervisor Sheryl has

organised the following entertainment for you all. Please support these evenings and have a great time.

JUNE

Saturday 2nd - YESTERYEAR

Saturday 9th - SHINDIG

Saturday 16th - The BRIDGE

* Sunday 17th - OLD TIME DANCE *( Ken & Alice Rae - 2pm until 4pm. – Free )

Saturday 23rd - TIMESPAN

Saturday 30th - ALEX JIVE BAND

JULY

Saturday 7th - I. C. ROCK

Saturday 14th - WHO Was That CAT?

* Sunday 15th - OLD TIME DANCE *( Ken & Alice Rae - 2pm until 4pm. – Free )

Saturday 21st - YESTERYEAR

Saturday 28th - MISTY

AUGUST

Saturday 4th - The IMPALAS

Saturday 11th - BLACKHILL RAMBLERS

Saturday 18th - I. C. ROCK( Tribute to ELVIS Show )

* Sunday 19th - OLD TIME DANCE *( Ken & Alice Rae - 2pm until 4pm. – Free )

Saturday 25th - UNKNOWN QUANTITY_____________________________________________________________

Entertainment functions marked thus * will beheld in the ANZAC Room ( The Big FunctionRoom ), with Entry Charges as noted. All otherswill be held in the Members Lounge and are FreeEntry. Starting times for these functions is around8-00pm.

Table Bookings:- Table bookings in advancewill NOT be accepted for functions in theMembers Lounge. However you may arrange atable for you and your guests on arrival if one isavailable.

Please check the latest “Gig Guide” at the Sub-Branch reception desk or contact the club by telephone on5134 2455 in case there are any late changes to the entertainment calendar. The “GIG” guide is alsoshown on the Morwell RSL Website at www.morwell.rslvic.com.au

The OLD TIME DANCE with Ken and Alice Rae is a great afternoon’s entertainment. There isalways plenty of space for people to come along and enjoy the Music, Games and Friendship, notforgetting the Dancing, of course. The OLD TIME DANCE is held on the Third Sunday of each month.There is no charge for this entertainment. IT’S FREE.

IMPORTANT:– Due to Health regulations, patrons are not allowed to bring food orbeverages onto our premises for any function._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Air Force – Commission Test

Here is a typical question from an Air Force Career Placement Test. It was given to applicants whowished to be considered for a responsible career with a military commission.

The question asked the applicant to perform the following task within a 30 second time limit:-

“Rearrange the following letters: P-N-E-S-I to spell out an important part of the human body that is moreuseful when in an erect position.”

Those who spelled the word "S-P-I-N-E" went on to train as doctors and special field medics. The restwere commissioned and sent on to flight school to be trained as pilots.

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Morwell RSL – Victoria Cross Bistro

Special Meals, each with a specific theme, will be available in the Morwell RSL’s VictoriaCross Bistro, on each of the first four Wednesday evenings of the month, as follows:-

1st Wednesday - All-You-Can-Eat SEAFOOD Smorgasbord - $18.00

2nd Wednesday - SCHNITZEL Night - $12.00

3rd Wednesday - PARMA Night - $12.00

4th Wednesday - STEAK Night - $15.00

All these evening meals include soup, Salad Bar and a selection of sweets._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

QuickiesMr. Smith climbs to the top of Mt. Sinai to talk to God. Looking up, he asks the Lord. “God, what does amillion years mean to you?” The Lord says, “A minute.” Mr. Smith asks, “What does a million dollarsmean to you?” The Lord says, “A cent.” Smith asks, “Can I have a cent?” The Lord says, “In a minute.”

A man goes to a shrink and says, “Doctor, my wife is unfaithful to me. Every evening, she goes to Larry'sbar and picks up men, in fact, she sleeps with anybody! I'm going crazy. What should do?” “Relax,”says the Doctor, “take a deep breath and calm down. Now, tell me, exactly where is Larry's bar?”_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LATROBE VALLEY TRAVEL

Latrobe Valley Travel is Located at4 Tarwin Street Morwell.

The Proprietor, May Sennett, is a Member of theMorwell RSL Sub-Branch and together with herexperienced staff is able to assist you with your entiretravel requirements, from booking a hotel in Melbourneto your dream holiday overseas.

When planning your next holiday, visit Latrobe ValleyTravel. They will organise all the details for you.

Telephone:- (03) 5134 1433Facsimile:- (03) 5133 9325

Email:- enquiries@latrobetravel.com.au

Licencee:- E.M. Sennett t/a Latrobe Valley TravelLicence No.:- 31427

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Morwell RSL Lawn Bowls Team – Win at Corowa

After many attempts, the Morwell RSL Lawn Bowling Team has won the “Corowa” leg of the Duke ofEdinburgh Shield, Lawn Bowling Championship.

This year our Lawn Bowlersselected a team of 20 bowlers tocontest the Duke of EdinburghShield at Corowa, on the 31st Apriland 1st May, 2012. Our team wasHarry Wright, Sandy Caines, GusMcNab, Ron Chapman, Jim Lillie,Dick Hopley, Scott Gillespie, KevinFoley, David Currie, Tony Stewart,Lew Knowles, Brian Gilbert,Morice Gardiner, Harry McCarley,Jim Downie, Snow Gurnie, MichaelYacoub, Ian Kirkup, RussellWilliams and Herb Kennedy.

Morwell RSL – Saturday Draw:- The 2012 Morwell RSL Lawn Bowling Team

Game 1 - Played Epping. – Win to Morwell by 10 shots. – 2 points.Game 2 - Played Portartlington/St Leonards. – Win to Morwell by 11 shots. – 2 points.Game 3 - Corowa. – Win to Morwell by 4 shots. – 2 points.

At the completion of day 1, Morwell and Cohuna/Leitchville were the only “three games” winners,however, although Cohuna/Leitchville, had the same points, they were 16 shots up. Cohuna/Leitchvillewere tipped as favourites to win the event and Morwell had to play them on the first game on Sunday.

Morwell RSL – Sunday Draw:-Game 4 - Cohuna/Leitchville. – Win to Morwell by 6 shots. – 2 points.Game 5 - Melton. – Drawn Game. – 1 point.

When Morwell defeated Cohuna/Leitchville it meant Morwell only had to draw the final game withMelton to win the event. Melton got away to a very good lead and halfway through they were 23 shots upand it didn't look good for Morwell. Morwell rallied and with three teams finished and one to finish,Morwell were one shot up overall. The last game was skipped by Michael Yacoub and when playing thelast end, was two shots down. Michael had the last bowl and drew the perfect forehand shot between theopponents two shot bowls to draw second shot ensuring a drawn game.

After approximately sixteen years of competing in various events, a win at last. Morwell have beenrunners-up five times in the past six years.

Ron Chapman - Lawn Bowls Manager_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Weekly Prize Draws

Prize draws are conducted in the Morwell RSL Sub- Branch’s Members’ Lounge everyWednesday and Friday evening. The evening prize draws commence at 7-00pm.

All prize draws on Wednesday evening and the “Pot Club” on Fridayare conducted by the Sub-Branch. The remaining draws on Fridayevening are conducted by our Sub-Branch's Women’s Auxiliary.

Prizes include meat packs and vouchers, Coles vouchers,chooks, pot club and members only, cash draws.

Visitors are welcome and may purchase tickets in our prize draws.

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Sub-Branch Trading Hours

Clubrooms

Monday to Thursday,10-00am to 1-00am

Friday & Saturday,10-00am to 3-00am

Sunday,11-00am to 12-00 Midnight

Victoria Cross Bistro

Every Day of the Week

Lunch - 12-00 noon to 2-00pm

Dinner - 6-00pm to 8-30pm

For reservations phone Mary on

(03) 5135 3689______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Morwell RSL BINGO – Enquiries, Phone 5134 8484, Bingo days only.

Monday Afternoon

2 sessions of 15 games - $3.00 per book.

Ticket sales from 10-30am

Eyes Down at 12-00 noon

Rolling Jackpot

Prizes are subject to ticket sales.

Tuesday Night – ( Courtesy Bus Available )

2 sessions of 15 games - $3.00 per book.

Ticket sales from 6-00pm

Eyes Down at 8-00pm

Rolling Jackpot

Prizes are subject to ticket sales

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A coloured version of this newsletter is on the Morwell RSL Website at www.morwell.rslvic.com.au

DISCLAIMER

Information printed in this newsletter is either reprinted from other publications or is derived from other verbal or writtennotes. While efforts are made to verify the information, the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or theSub Branch Committee and Management. Readers should not act or rely upon any matters or information contained orimplied by this newsletter without checking its accuracy. No responsibility or guarantee is given or implied for any actiontaken by individuals or groups as a result of information contained within this newsletter and no liability will be accepted forany loss resulting from such use.

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DON’T FORGET – Mark These Events on Your Calendar

“Jingle Bells in July” - 12-00noon Sunday 15th July in the ANZAC Room3 Course Traditional Christmas Dinner $16.00 - See page 10 for details.

Vietnam Veterans’ Commemoration Day, ServiceAt the Morwell Cenotaph - 8-00am Saturday 18th August

( The Service is followed by a Gunfire Breakfast in the Sub-Branch. - See page 4 for details).

Annual Veterans’ Dinner - 5-00pm Sunday 28th October - $10.00Get ready early and organise a table of eight with your friends for this great annual event.

More details later in the Sub-Branch and in the September Newsletter - Tickets Available in August.______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday 17th August is the closing date for articles to be included in the next newsletter, September Edition