HONOURING THEIR

SACRIFICESPECIAL 12-PAGE LIFT-OUT

We remember Long Tan, 50 years after

the battle that claimed the lives of 18 Australians

Soldiers of D Coy, 6RAR, commemorate the Battle of Long Tan at the Long Tan cross in Vietnam on August 18, 1969, three years after the battle. Photo courtesy AWM

WHILE her older broth-er narrowly missed out on being called up for national service in

Vietnam, for 17-year-old singing sensation Little Pattie, aka Patricia Amphlett, all 147cm of her, things were a little different.

“My mother got a phone call in early 1966 from someone at the Department of Defence or the Minister’s office, I can’t remember which it was,” she said.

“They said to her, ‘We’d like your daughter to go to Vietnam to sing to the troops’.

“My mother said she would have to ask my father but, when we discussed it with Dad, he hit the roof.

“He wasn’t happy because he didn’t believe it was a war in which Australia should be involved.”

According to Little Pattie, when it was getting close to the time to make a decision, her father agreed to let her go.

“He realised there were young men like my brother over there, who maybe didn’t want to be there, and I’d be doing the honourable thing to go,” she said.

“I’m glad I went because I learnt so much about life and how much bet-ter off we are in Australia than many places in the world.”

On August 18 at Nui Dat, as the battle was hotting up nearby, Little Pattie, accompanied by singer Col Joye and his band the Joy Boys, was performing her third concert for the day.

“We were a pretty loud band in those days, but we could hear the sounds of the battle from where we

August 25, 2016Long Tan www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews12

‘I’ll never forget it’In an interview with Sgt Dave Morley, Little Pattie recalls how she performed a concert at Nui Dat as the Battle of Long Tan raged nearby.

Australian troops watch Little Pattie, Col Joye and his band the Joy Boys perform at Nui Dat. Photos courtesy AWM

were 5km away,” she said. “But we just played on. There were a few thou-sand soldiers in the audience so we kept going for them.”

Little Pattie said they had a curfew to finish their concerts by 4pm.

“About 3.50pm I noticed a lot of officers moving about but didn’t know why,” she said.

“Then we were hustled to waiting vehicles by our escort officer, Maj Don Chappell. It was pouring with rain, as it did every day at 4pm, and I remem-ber being carried out to the helicopter, which took us back to Vung Tau.

“When we were in the air I could see thousands and thousands of tiny orange lights, which of course was the gunfire. I’ll never forget it, never.”

Back at Vung Tau, Col Joye and his band were staying in a building leased by the Australian government.

Being female, Little Pattie couldn’t stay there with them, so was in a near-by building housing nurses and medi-cal teams.

She recalled there was an American soldier with a .50 cal machine gun out the front, surrounded by sandbags.

“When I spoke with him he said, ‘Man, it’s pretty bad where you’ve been’,” she said. “He said he thought maybe 11 diggers had been killed.”

The next morning the American soldier knocked on her door and told her there was a Jeep waiting to take her to 36 Evac Hospital to visit the wounded.

Little Pattie said before they could boost the diggers’ morale, though, they had to boost their own.

“It was so hard because there were so many of them there and in quite a bad way,” she said.

“But we sang to them and sat on their beds and talked to them and I think that really helped them.

“I remember one digger, in a bed on the left just inside the door. I met him again 40 years later at a pilgrim-age back to Long Tan.

“He asked if I remembered him and I looked at his face and said, ‘you’re Dave and you were in the bed on the left, just inside the door’.”

For her Vietnam service, Little Pattie was awarded the Vietnam

Logistic Service Medal in 1994.“I was really humbled by it because

I thought there were a lot of people more worthy than me, but I was also quite proud to receive it,” she said.

Lit t le Patt ie visi ted Iraq in December 2005, almost 40 years after Long Tan, to perform once again for deployed troops. She said the big-gest difference she noticed was that the audience was much older than the 19-to-20-year-old boys she’d met in Vietnam.

“And there were lots of female sol-diers there,” she said.

“In Vietnam the only females were nurses, but in Iraq the females were doing the same jobs as the males – it was good to see.”

Images offer insight into conflict Sgt Dave Morley

A QUICK search of the Australian War Memorial’s photo collection shows hun-dreds of photos of diggers in Vietnam were taken by then-WO2 Bill Cunneen during his 907 days’ service there.

Mr Cunneen, now 83, had already served as an Army pho-tographer during the latter part of the Malaya Campaign in 1960, before his two tours of Vietnam.

He was attached to HQ Australian Army Force Vietnam from February 16, 1966, to March 21, 1967, and HQ Australian Force Vietnam (Army Component) from October 1, 1970, to February 20, 1972.

Mr Cunneen said he couldn’t remember how many photographs he took after the Battle of Long Tan, or indeed during his entire Vietnam service, but he was happy to see they were still being used.

“That’s what they’re there for,” he said.

He recalled being on R&R in Singapore on the day of the Battle of Long Tan, returning to Saigon that night.

“The next morning my OC Maj Lance Logan sent me to Long Tan with Army cameraman Sgt Darrell Ford to cover the after-math,” he said.

Mr Cunneen was based in Saigon and worked with senior reporters Capts Ken Blanch and Winston Coates.

All Army public affairs staff were members of the Royal Australian Army Education Corps and, although not attached to Army News, they sent their sto-ries and photos to the paper in Canberra.

After retiring from the ARA, Mr Cunneen worked for Army News as the Sydney-based photog-rapher until 2012.

This photo of exhausted Gnr David Lewis, right, just after the Battle of Long Tan, and many other images featured in this special lift-out, were taken by long-time Army News photographer Bill Cunneen, pictured above as a WO2 in Vietnam.

August 25, 2016Long Tan www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews2

THE Battle of Long Tan wasn’t the biggest battle the Army fought in South Vietnam, it wasn’t the longest and

it didn’t incur the largest number of casualties.

That dubious honour goes to the Battle of Coral-Balmoral, which lasted from May 12 to June 6, 1968, with 25 diggers KIA and another 99 WIA.

Coral-Balmoral was a task force operation in two fire support bases with two battalions and supporting artillery and armour. But Long Tan, while only four hours in duration, was the most costly single contact for Australian forces during the war.

The battle severely weakened the enemy in Phuoc Tuy province and they never again posed a significant threat to the Australian Task Force at Nui Dat.

OC D Coy Maj, later Lt-Col, Harry Smith (retd) said D Coy, 6RAR, was detailed to carry out a three-day patrol, leaving the base at 11am on August 18.

“We were going out to relieve B Coy, who had been sent out the previous day to look for about 50 enemy soldiers who had mortared the base early on the morning of August 17,” he said.

“During that attack, 82 enemy mortar rounds, as well as a number of 75mm recoilless rifle rounds and 70mm rounds from a WWII Japanese mountain gun, landed inside the base perimeter.”

The attack left 24 diggers wounded, two seriously, and seven vehicles and 21 tents damaged.

The patrol led by then-Maj Smith, designated Operation Vendetta, later renamed Operation Smithfield, com-prised 105 D Coy soldiers and a three-man forward observer party from 161 Bty, 16 Fd Regt, RNZA.

Lt-Col Smith said D Coy’s 11 Pl ini-tiated contact with a small number of enemy troops at 3.40pm, which then developed into a company defensive bat-tle, with the last shots fired at 7.10pm.

“Regimental fire missions were called for, involving all 18 Australian and NZ 105mm guns firing simultane-ously, as well as six US 155mm self-propelled guns,” he said.

“A US Air Force air strike was called for, but had to be redirected on enemy rear areas because of low cloud and rain.”

During the course of the battle, more than 3500 artillery rounds were fired into Long Tan, wreaking devastating damage on the enemy.

D Coy fired 10,300 rounds of small arms ammunition into the enemy at close range.

Lt-Col Smith said some Owen and F1 sub-machine guns were being carried during the battle by D Coy’s signallers and medics.

“We also had a number of old Armalites handed down from 1RAR and most failed,” he said.

“The Owens and F1s were of little use over the longer ranges in the rubber and the 9mm bullets would not penetrate enemy webbing.

“After the battle all the Owens, F1s and old Armalites were replaced with new Colt AR-16s and the F1s went to drivers.”

Much of the battle was fought in a blinding monsoonal thunderstorm and took place over an area no bigger than

Remembering iconic battle 50 years laterOn the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, Sgt Dave Morley explains why the conflict was significant for Australia.

two football fields. Meanwhile, just 5km away at Nui Dat, Sydney entertainers Col Joye and the Joy Boys, and 17-year-old singer Little Pattie, were putting on a concert for the troops.

Some of the diggers watching the show had just returned from Operation Holsworthy, having spent more than a week in the jungle chasing Viet Cong.

The noise of the battle could be heard during the concert.

At the end of the batt le, 17 diggers from D Coy were KIA, and 23 were WIA. Of the 17 KIAs, 11 were national servicemen and six were ARA

members. Lt-Col Smith said a B Coy soldier was accidently wounded by sol-diers atop an APC as the B Coy group of 32 men was making its way back to the D Coy area.

“When they came back in the pour-ing rain, an APC that was a bit ahead of the others saw these guys in wet greens, thought they were the enemy and fired a few shots,” he said.

“As a result Pte Carey Johnson was wounded through the mouth and went into the D Coy aid post as the 23rd WIA.”

Cpl Peter Clements, a 3 Tp, 1 APC

Sqn crew commander, was WIA and later died of wounds in hospital at Vung Tau on August 27, becoming the 18th Australian fatality of the battle.

Enemy losses were assessed as being high and 245 bodies were located and buried the following morning.

Lt-Col Smith said a mass grave con-taining 48 enemy bodies was found nearby on August 20.

“This would put the actual total of enemy killed at 293,” he said.

The enemy force comprised about 2000 soldiers.

OC D Coy, 6RAR, Maj Harry Smith.

3 August 25, 2016 Long Tanwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 3

AFTER leaving Nui Dat at 10am, D Coy met B Coy at 1pm as they were returning to base for a concert.

OC D Coy then-Maj Harry Smith, with 10, 11 and 12 Platoons, CHQ and three New Zealand artillery observers, then set off for the Long Tan rubber plantation

About 3pm, as 10 Pl and 11 Pl moved forward and spread out, 11 Pl made contact with a group of Viet Cong (VC) who walked into their midst.

Platoon sergeant of 11 Pl Sgt Bob Buick fired at a VC, who fell wounded, but was quickly picked up and carried away by his mates, who all ran off.

The platoon continued to advance and at 4.08pm came under heavy fire, which killed four diggers.

Pl Comd 11 Pl 2Lt Gordon Sharp called for artillery support, which came 18 minutes later from 161 NZ Bty.

When it missed the target, 2Lt Sharp stood up to redirect the fire and was shot dead.

As Sgt Buick was sending an urgent radio message requesting more ammu-nition, his radio antenna was shot off.

Maj Smith ordered 10 Pl Comd 2Lt Geoff Kendall out to find 11 Pl.

With rain falling, 2Lt Kendall’s platoon intercepted a group of VC and overcame them.

But when they moved on they were attacked from three sides resulting in a number of his men being wounded and his radio destroyed.

Pte William Arkell, a CHQ signal-ler, braved the enemy fire to locate 2Lt Kendall and hand over a replacement radio.

Pte Arkell was later awarded a Mention in Dispatches for his actions.

With radio contact restored, Maj Smith ordered 10 Pl to withdraw.

At 4.50pm, completely isolated from the rest of the company, and with mini-mal ammunition, 11 Pl fought on, while Sgt Buick called in artillery fire from Nui Dat and directed it over his men’s heads onto the enemy.

Meanwhile 10 Pl returned to the CHQ position at 5.15pm and Maj Smith ordered 12 Pl Comd 2Lt Dave Sabben to take two sections of his platoon to search for 11 Pl.

By 5.30pm 12 Pl were running into groups of VC trying to outflank 11 Pl and had to force their way through, dur-ing which time a further eight diggers were wounded.

Back at Nui Dat, Tp Comd Lt Adrian Roberts, of 3 Tp, 1 APC Sqn, mustered seven APCs and headed out towards D Coy with A Coy, 6RAR, on board at 5.45pm.

Fifteen minutes later, two RAAF helicopters from No. 9 Sqn negotiated torrential rain and almost zero visibility to drop cases of ammunition wrapped in blankets down to the embattled soldiers.

Sgt Buick and the remainder of 11 Pl, having made a desperate dash to escape the enemy, located 12 Pl.

Together, the survivors managed to fight their way back to CHQ, where CSM WO2 Jack Kirby deployed them into defensive positions to await further enemy attacks.

At 6.35pm, the enemy started their human wave assault, charging towards the Australians who replied with machine gun and rifle fire. Maj Smith called in the artillery at Nui Dat but, despite their mounting casualties, the enemy continued to attack.

3 Tp’s APCs arrived at 6.45pm with

Remembering iconic battle 50 years laterBraving the onslaught from 2000 enemy

D Coy KIAPte Richard Aldersea Pte Glenn Drabble Pte Kenneth GantPte Ernest GrantPte Victor GricePte James Houston LCpl Jack JewryPte Paul LargePte Albert McCormackPte Dennis McCormackPte Warren Mitchell

Pte Douglas Salverton2Lt Gordon SharpPte David ThomasPte Francis ToppPte Maxwell WalesPte Colin Whiston

1 APC Sqn Cpl Peter Clements, died of wounds in hospital at Vung Tau on August 27

ROLL OF HONOUR

A Coy on board, dispersing the enemy and subsequently ending the battle.

The wounded were later transported by APC to the landing zone at the edge of the rubber plantation and evacuated to Vung Tau in dust-off helicopters.

Thirteen of D Coy’s fatal casualties were left in the plantation overnight to be collected the next morning.

All 6RAR sub-units and D Coy, 5RAR, with APCs, returned to the bat-tlefield on the morning of August 19 to search for the diggers who were killed during the action.

Two men missing from 11 Pl, Ptes Jimmy Richmond and Barry Mellor, were found wounded and evacuated by

helicopter. The bodies of the D Coy dig-gers were retrieved and some wounded VC were taken prisoner.

That afternoon, the Australians dug shallow graves and buried more than 200 enemy dead where they fell.

From August 19-21, the rifle com-panies scoured the battlefield, extend-ing their search area and finding traces of enemy camps, supplies, scattered groups of civilians and some graves.

The enemy was not pursued beyond the range of Australian Task Force artil-lery support and the battalion returned to Nui Dat, ending Operation Smithfield at 5pm on August 21.

Long Tan Awards:December 22, 1966

Distinguished Service Order Brig David Jackson, Comd 1ATF Lt-Col Colin Townsend, CO

6RAR Air-Cdre Peter Raw, Dep Comd

RAAF Force Vietnam

Member of the Order of the British Empire Capt Morrie Stanley, RNZA

Forward Observer

Military Cross Maj Harry Smith, OC D Coy

Distinguished Conduct Medal WO2 Jack Kirby, CSM D Coy Cpl John Carter, Crew Comd

1 APC Sqn

Distinguished Flying Cross Flt-Lt Frank Riley, 9 Sqn RAAF

Military Medal Sgt Bob Buick, Pl Sgt 11 Pl Pte Ron Eglington, 11 Pl

Mentioned in Dispatches Lt Adrian Roberts, Tp Comd 3

Tp, 1 APC Sqn 2Lt Geoff Kendall, Pl Comd 10 Pl 2Lt Dave Sabben, Pl Comd 12 Pl Cpl Phil Dobson, CHQ medic Cpl William Moore, 11 Pl Pte Bill Akell, CHQ Flt-Lt Cliff Dohle, 9 Sqn RAAF

Awards: post war

Star of Gallantry Maj Harry Smith, OC D Coy

Medal of Gallantry 2Lt Dave Sabben, Pl Comd 12 Pl 2Lt Geoff Kendall, Pl Comd 10 Pl

Distinguished Service Medal Flt-Lt Cliff Dohle, 9 Sqn RAAF

(posthumous)

IN RECOGNITION

Exhausted members of 6RAR push through dense scrub in search of retreating enemy. Photos courtesy AWM

During Operation Smithfield, APCs of 1 APC Sqn and soldiers on foot sweep along in pursuit of retreating enemy troops in Phuoc Tuy province.

Wounded Viet Cong prisoners arrive at the Vung Tau helicopter medical pad before being taken to hospital.

August 25, 2016Long Tan www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews4

‘I lay there playing dead’

LCpl John RobbinsA SECTION commander in 11 Pl, whose section suffered particu-larly heavy casualties during the battle, was twice wounded himself and lucky to escape with his life.

John Robbins, then a lance cor-poral, said his section was already two men short that day, when all hell broke loose with incoming enemy small arms and mortar fire.

“Their fire power was immense and at first it didn’t dawn on me they were North Vietnamese regulars, well-dressed, well-equipped and well-organised,” he said.

“I realised early in the battle 6 Sect had taken heavy casualties.

“As I was crawling towards our machine gun, where our gunner and section 2IC had both been killed, I took a bullet through my right elbow.

“Where the shot came from was impossible to tell as there were hundreds of them coming at us in waves.”

Mr Robbins said he was unable to use his rifle so he lay there listening to the artillery fire.

“I remember the sounds of the incoming enemy fire, the bugles, thunder and rain, but most of all the screams coming from the enemy as round after round of our artillery edged closer to our front,” he said.

“I lost count of the number of times I started saying the Lord’s Prayer and thought there was no way

out of this. So I lay there playing dead, with at one stage the enemy not too far in front, as I could hear them yabbering and then a shell landed right among them.”

Mr Robbins wasn’t sure of the time he spent there, but when he glanced to his right and saw other members of his company on the run, he decided to get up and make a run for it with them.

He said it was at this stage he took some frag-ments of a shell in his hand and went to ground.

“I saw Pte Ernie Grant, who helped me get my backpack off, but while help-ing took a bullet through the head, so I jumped up and took off again going to ground, jumping up and run-ning,” he said.

“Then I saw the smoke from a smoke grenade and headed towards that. This was CHQ and I ran in and up to CSM WO2 Jack Kirby who tackled me to the ground to get me out of the line of fire.”

At CHQ the wounded were all put together and the medics tended to them.

Mr Robbins remembered hearing the sound of “the tracks roaring in” as the battle raged around him.

“What a beautiful sound it was. I knew then we had escaped death,

God only knows how,” he said. “I was taken out late at night by chop-per to 36 Evac Hospital at Vung Tau. I loved those choppers, but this was the best ride ever.”

Mr Robbins said he and all his 11 Pl mates were elated at the hospital when they heard the news that Pte Jimmy Richmond had been found alive on the battlefield.

“We heard from the nurses he was alive and in intensive care,” he said.

“It still worries me to this day that when I got up and ran that day, Jimmy was still alive. When I left I thought all of my men had gone.”

Fifty years after the battle, Sgt Dave Morley spoke with soldiers who fought at Long Tan. Here are their stories.

Pte John CashA YOUNG national service dig-ger wounded in the right leg by artillery shrapnel in the early stages of the Battle of Long Tan had his rifle strapped to his leg to keep it straight.

John Cash, then a private in 10 Pl, D Coy, 6RAR, said he thought if the enemy kept coming it would be “curtains” because he had nothing with which to fight.

“I was dragged back to CHQ by two mates and one was shot through the shoulder on the way back,” he said.

“So much was happen-ing. I could see mates being shot and wounded and could hear all the yelling and gunfire around me.”

Mr Cash said he was relieved when A Coy arrived at the battle.

“After being admitted to the Army hospital, I was advised if it was 20 minutes longer I wouldn’t have made it due to loss of blood.”

Mr Cash had a few special visitors in hospital the next day.

“Little Pattie and Col Joye sat on my bed, on either side, and Little Pattie reached over and held my hand,” he said.

“It brought a tear to my eye then and still does now when I think about it.

“They stayed for a short time and as they were leaving Col shook my hand and said, ‘keep your chin up mate, you’ve had one hell of a bad time, all’s good now’.”

Director-General Medical Services AVM Lawrence Trudinger and nurse Sqn-Ldr Ailsa Edwards talk to Pte John Cash, of 6RAR, aboard C-130 Hercules after being wounded during the Battle of Long Tan. Photos courtesy AWM

11 Pl section commander LCpl John Robbins in Vietnam.

Pte Jimmy RichmondPTE Jimmy Richmond, of 11 Pl, was wounded in the chest and spent the night at his section post after the Battle of Long Tan.

He was found by his mates during a sweep of the position the following morning.

In this photo he is pictured receiving treatment at 36 Evac Hospital from a US Army nurse.

Mr Richmond left Vietnam for Australia on September 22, 1966.

“I went to Concord Hospital in Sydney first, but I’m not sure for how long,” he said.

“Then I was brought home to 1 Camp Hospital in Brisbane, where the staff were really great and caring.

“I was in hospital for the remainder of my national service plus 21 days.”

5 August 25, 2016 Long Tanwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 5

‘I lay there playing dead’Fifty years after the battle, Sgt Dave Morley spoke with soldiers who fought at Long Tan. Here are their stories.

Pte Ian DixonA NATIONAL service digger in CHQ said he was not confident he would survive the Battle of Long Tan, but was full of praise for those who made his survival possible.

Ian Dixon, a private at the time, said he felt like he was at Custer’s last stand because of the sheer number of enemy soldiers.

“It was like a bad dream that went

on and on,” he said. “Without Maj Harry Smith, RNZA forward observer Capt Maurie Stanley and his artillery, the APCs and A Coy, we would not be here now.

“The CSM, WO2 Jack Kirby, was wonderful – he was a god.

“And A Coy in the carriers was the greatest sight I had ever seen.”

Mr Dixon also praised Pte Bill Akell, who was awarded a Mention in Despatches for his part in the battle.

“His action in finding 10 Pl and

replacing their damaged radio prob-ably saved the platoon. It allowed the artillery to be fully effective,” he said.

Mr Dixon still remembers the noise of artillery, small arms fire, the bugles and whistles used by the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong, and the torrential monsoonal rain.

These days, he is frequently called on to address school and community groups about his involvement in the Vietnam War.

LCpl Graham SmithD COY’s regimental signaller during the Battle of Long Tan believed he had reached the pinnacle of what it meant to be a combat signaller during the battle.

Graham Smith, a lance corporal at the time, said “in atrocious monsoonal rain conditions, under intense enemy attack, man and equipment were tested to the ultimate degree and prevailed”.

“My responsibility as the senior signaller in D Coy was to maintain communications from CHQ to BHQ directly and ensure intra-company radio links were maintained,” he said.

“To that end, during quiet times at Nui Dat, I was required to train pla-toon and other radio operators in cor-rect techniques and procedures.

“What has become known as the Battle of Long Tan put all my train-ing, and that I had dispensed, to the ultimate test.”

Mr Smith recalled being able to hear the sounds of the Col Joye and Little Pattie concert getting into full swing as D Coy patrolled towards the Long Tan plantation and thinking, “you lucky bastards”.

D Coy met two B Coy platoons, which were returning to Nui Dat after spending the night out looking for the enemy who had mortared the base the night before that.

“After a quick brew, sparse lunch and debrief between the OCs of both companies, D Coy shook out to patrol

the direction in which the enemy had fled,” Mr Smith said.

“Soon after, 11 Pl had contact with an enemy standing patrol, shots were fired and the chase was on, with 11 Pl following the fleeing enemy patrol at such a pace they drew away slightly from the remainder of the company.

“As we hurried to keep pace, enemy mortar fire started falling close by so we changed direction slightly and, although heading towards the ori-gin of the fire, became clear of it.”

Mr Smith said by this time 11 Pl had opened up a hornet’s nest as they met with an advancing enemy rushing to a fight.

“There was a steady increase in the volume of fire and assessments were constantly changed upwards as to the anticipated size of the enemy force,” he said.

“11 Pl were now more than 200m from the remainder of the company and we tried to get closer, and as we did, elements of 10 Pl and 12 Pl were also engaged.

“Artillery was called for and in short time we had three batteries of 105mm and one battery of 155mm fir-ing in support.

“The noise was deafening and on top of that we had a torrential down-pour of an intensity I hadn’t seen before.”

While the rain made D Coy’s task more difficult, Mr Smith said it was more to their benefit than the enemy’s.

“Combined with the rain, the

Pte Bill Akell ONE D Coy digger enjoyed the Army so much he completed 36 years’ ser-vice and retired with the rank of major.

CHQ No. 2 signaller Pte Bill Akell, pictured right, joined the ARA in 1964 after a short stint with the Citizens’ Military Forces and discharged in December 2000 as 2IC of 8/7RVR.

He received a Mention in Dispatches for his actions during the Battle of Long Tan.

After word reached CHQ the 10 Pl radio was out of action and the signaller Pte Brian Hornung was wounded by the round that destroyed the radio, LCpl Dennis Spencer was ordered to take a spare CHQ radio to 10 Pl – he was wounded shortly after leaving CHQ’s location.

Mr Akell said he then told the CSM, WO2 Jack Kirby, he would take the radio to 10 Pl. When he headed out from CHQ, he had little idea where they were, just a general direction in his mind.

“I didn't really think about not getting there, with my priority being to get the radio to them,” he said.

“It was pure luck I managed to head in the right direction and with some guidance from platoon members I reached 2Lt Geoff Kendall – I was more relieved than anything to find him.”

Mr Akell said 2Lt Kendall was most pleased to see him arrive with the radio.

“He now had communications with CHQ restored, which allowed him to give a sitrep to Maj Harry Smith and continue to call in artillery support,” he said.

Mr Akell said the heavy monsoonal downpour caused con-fusion with the enemy’s black uniform taking on the appear-ance of D Coy’s wet jungle greens, thus making it extremely difficult to denote friend from foe.

“We were basically aware our own wounded were making their way back, crawling in the mud, to the medics in CHQ,” he said. “So it was truly a case of wait until you could confirm friend or foe by allowing the individual to crawl close to you before – if they were enemy – you could shoot.

“No one wanted the responsibility for the death of a fellow company member.”

Mr Akell said he saw the enemy line up for their final assault on 10 Pl.

“Sgt Rankin and I exchanged looks as if to say, ‘well, this is it’, and then settled down to take the final assault,” he said.

“Just as the enemy started their advance, the APCs crashed through the jungle with machine guns blazing. It was the most wonderful sight to see. We were saved.”

“We were now fighting for survival as the enemy prepared to mount a final assault.

– LCpl Graham Smith, D Coy, 6RAR

Pte Ian Dixon, left, and LCpl Phil Dixon load a captured communist Chicom 57mm recoilless rifle during an evaluation test. The weapon was captured by D Coy, 6RAR, during the Battle of Long Tan.

smoke caused by exploding artillery and thousands of small arms rounds created a pale curtain that increased visibility of our enemy,” he said.

“Our situation was dire – three pla-toons engaged, one very heavily, with big losses of killed and wounded.

“The temporary aid post was fill-ing quickly with those wounded who could get back and at that stage none of those were from 11 Pl.

“Surprisingly, the heavy conditions did not hamper our radio communica-tions with a couple of exceptions.”

During this stage of the battle, 10 Pl had a bullet take out their radio and wound the signaller.

That radio was quickly replaced by Mr Smith’s No. 2, 19-year-old Pte Bill Akell who, on his own initiative, grabbed a spare set and raced through the horrendous conditions to link up with 10 Pl.

When there was a temporary prob-lem with the forward observer party’s radio, Mr Smith temporarily took over delivering a couple of fire orders.

With ammunition getting low, a resupply was organised with two

No. 9 Sqn helicopters that were still at Nui Dat for use by the concert party.

Mr Smith said he was in constant communication with the lead aircraft for the duration of the short, but dif-ficult, flight.

“We threw a smoke grenade, the colour of which was identified, and on confirmation, ammunition wrapped in blankets came crashing through the canopy of rubber trees virtually into the arms of CSM WO2 Jack Kirby,” he said.

“WO2 Kirby, who had already beaten the odds by running around reassuring and giving confidence to many young soldiers, unwrapped the ammo and started racing around dis-tributing it.

“I will never forget the image – the air was full of tracer and unseen pro-jectiles but the CSM was unscathed.”

Mr Smith said it was an inspiring sight.

“As WO2 Kirby paused by me on one occasion, he told me he had just taken out a crew setting up a 7.62mm machine gun. We later captured this weapon and it sits in the Australian

War Memorial today,” he said. Eventually, OC D Coy Maj Harry

Smith was able to oversee the with-drawal of a decimated 11 Pl to 12 Pl’s location, then to CHQ.

Mr Smith said 10 Pl and 12 Pl also moved quickly to secure a company perimeter.

“We were now fighting for survival as the enemy prepared to mount a final assault,” he said.

“Were it not for that constant artil-lery fire, they would have succeeded.

“I was on my radio constantly and knew the relief force of APCs from 3 Tp, 1 APC Sqn with A Coy aboard, were only about 800m away, but also taking fire.

“They fought through a fleeing or regrouping enemy and the sound they made was, I thought, the most amaz-ing sound in the world.”

Mr Smith said with the arrival of the relief force, the enemy were forced to break off the engagement.

“Quietness started to intrude on the now occasional artillery fire and roaring engines and I knew most of us would survive this day,” he said.

August 25, 2016 Long Tanwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews6 7

VOICES FROM THE BATTLEPte Peter Doyle

TWO memories of the Battle of Long Tan will always remain with a rifleman from D Coy’s 10 Pl.

Peter Doyle, then a private in 1 Sect, said one of those was the sound of the helicopters arriving overhead, while it was bucketing down with rain, to deliver much-needed ammunition.

“The other memory was the arrival and sound of the APC squadron break-ing through to our position,” he said.

“I vividly remember hearing the sound of the diesel engines in the APCs rising and falling as they motored in.

“At first I wasn’t sure of what I was hearing as the sound would come and go, then through the rubber in the rain and gloom I saw the grey shapes. I think I went a bit numb.”

Mr Doyle said they weren’t aware of the enemy strength in the early part of the battle.

“As far as I knew, when we left the task force area we were to locate a mor-tar firing position,” he said.

“There was some talk of an enemy weapons section, which may consist of about 30 members.

“When it came to the point of being engaged by an increasing number of enemy troops, and the close fall of artillery rounds to our immediate front, combined with the noise from enemy weapons and our own firing, the noise was something we’d never experienced – very intense.”

Pte John HeslewoodTHE victory at Long Tan was owed to the contribution of all units involved, the excellent training of D Coy members, mateship and the old adage of “never give up”, according to one 11 Pl digger.

John Heslewood, a private in 5 Sect, pictured right, said although the enemy came within 50-70m of his position before being hit with artillery, he didn’t recall anyone saying they wouldn’t make it.

“When the attack started there were several minutes of confusion until our training kicked in, orders began coming through and we were placed in defensive positions,” he

said. “I ended up in a position with four other blokes behind five trees and we held that position for most of the time 11 Pl was at the front.

“When platoon sergeant Sgt Bob Buick left our position we decided it was time to make a break as we were almost out of ammunition.”

Mr Heslewood said when they made it back to CHQ, the CSM grabbed them, asked if they had wounds and then put them down in a position at the back of the company position facing out.

“That was probably the first time I thought about what we’d been through and I thought now I’d gotten this far, how lucky I’d been,” he said.

WO2 Jack Kirby THROUGHOUT the battle, D Coy’s CSM WO2 Jack Kirby showed courage and bravery way beyond the normal call of duty.

He disregarded his own safety many times while distributing ammunition to his men and he continuously exposed himself to enemy fire to carry wounded diggers over his shoulder back to the company aid post (CAP).

At a critical point in the battle, he rushed out of the D Coy perimeter to silence a wheeled enemy heavy machine gun, which was setting up less than 50m from them.

He knew once set up, this gun would be able to decimate his comrades.

WO2 Kirby killed the enemy machine gun crew, then rushed back and contin-ued to carry on distributing ammunition, moving around the company position and giving out words of encouragement to his diggers.

When many of his soldiers were down to just 15 rounds each, two No. 9 Sqn helicopters delivered the much-needed ammunition, which landed in the centre of D Coy’s position, only metres away from WO2 Kirby.

After he and Sgt Neil Rankin

unpacked the ammunition and delivered it to the troops, WO2 Kirby saw Pte Harley Webb, a machine gunner, was wounded.

He ran over to the exposed position, picked the tall soldier up and carried him back to the CAP.

Pte Webb’s M60 machine gun could not be recovered so WO2 Kirby put it out of action by firing a few rounds into it. With the ammunition starting to run low

again, he went over to the three-man New Zealand forward observer party and took their unused magazines, leaving them one magazine each.

The tragedy of this story is that WO2 Kirby was killed in a friendly fire incident six months later, in February 1967, when a command post plotting error caused two salvos of 12 rounds of 105mm ammunition to fall on the wrong area.

Pte Dave ThomasA YOUNG soldier whose baptism of fire started a day after he post-ed into 6RAR said his two years of national service was like some-thing out of Boys’ Own Annual.

Pte, later LCpl, Dave Thomas arrived as a reinforcement in B Coy’s lines when 6 Pl was conducting a stand-to on the evening of August 16, 1966.

“I was allotted to Cpl Jock Rutherford’s section and tent by 6 Pl platoon sergeant Kevin Brady,” he said.

“The task force was mortared in the early hours of August 17, and B

Coy was tasked with finding the Viet Cong (VC) firing positions.

“We left at first light and it was only as we left on patrol that I got to meet the other blokes in the section.”

The patrol was only expected to take a few hours but B Coy, wearing light patrol order, spent all day look-ing for firing positions.

A porter party from C Coy resup-plied B Coy with rations during the day.

Mr Thomas said B Coy harboured for the night of August 17 as a full company, but at first light the next day most of the company returned to its lines to go on leave in Vung Tau.

“A composite platoon of 32 diggers

continued patrolling towards Nui Dat 2 (Long Tan) rubber plantation,” he said.

“As a newbie, I wasn’t aware only 32 of us were remaining, as a couple of the blokes in my section were still there.

“The platoon formed a base on the edge of the rubber and two section patrols went in opposite directions.

“I was in the section that went to the rubber tappers’ hut, well and beyond possibly 100 yards.”

According to Mr Thomas, there were plenty of signs of people draw-ing water at the well, and litter.

“My bush upbringing and sixth sense kicked in and I knew something

wasn’t right – not a great feeling, I can assure you,” he said.

“We left rather quickly to re-join the platoon and await changeover with D Coy.

“After lunch we walked through D Coy to return to the task force, and part way back we could hear the Col Joye concert was warming up.”

Mr Thomas said a “drum roll” of rifle and machine gun fire suddenly started and his platoon propped and after a short time turned around to go back to D Coy.

“There was not going to be any concert for us,” he said.

“We assaulted through the VC as they were disengaging from closing

the back door on D Coy, as the APCs with A Coy approached.”

At the end of the battle, D Coy withdrew in APCs to a LZ on the edge of the rubber to casevac the wounded.

Mr Thomas’ platoon was tasked with leading A and B Coys in a ‘conga line’ to RV with D Coy at the LZ.

He said the next day, August 19, they went back into the battle area as protection for BHQ, and were tasked with burying enemy dead and retriev-ing weapons.

“It was all a bit of a blur seeing the damage,” he said.

As soon as Mr Thomas returned to base, he wrote home to his family.

It was just as well he did, because another Pte Dave Thomas had been killed in action at Long Tan with D Coy.

“My Dad was an officer during WWII, so he would have known the form,” he said.

“A funny thing happened months later when I was walking through task force HQ area – a bloke who was in the same batch of reos as me, but allocated to the headquarters, called out he thought I’d been KIA at Long Tan.”

Mr Thomas was later awarded a Mention in Despatches for his actions during Operation Bribie in February 1967.

Sgt Frank AlcortaA MONTH after his daughter was born, A Coy platoon sergeant Sgt Frank Alcorta flew to Vietnam with 6RAR’s advance party.

He said his company com-mander, Capt Charles Mollison, was a crusty officer and a good soldier.

“We had a few successful con-tacts before the Battle of Long Tan on August 18,” he said.

“In fact, that morning, A Coy had completed a competent and professional three-day operation where some enemy were killed and we were all looking forward to the concert at Nui Dat.

“But it wasn’t to be; we were told to hurry up and assemble with a troop of APCs for immedi-ate departure to help our D Coy brothers-in-arms who, apparently, had run into some trouble.”

Mr Alcorta said they had no other details at that time.

“We finally got under way and arrived at the edge of the Long Tan rubber plantation,” he said.

“Our APC was the last in the extended line and I was riding on top as I always did because the platform gave me a clear view of the surrounds.”

To Mr Alcorta’s absolute sur-prise, no sooner had the APCs halted, than a swarm of enemy, hundreds of them, rose from the thick underbrush in front of them within touching distance.

He said they wore Viet Cong (VC) uniforms and were, at plain

sight, better armed than his men. “Given the proximity of the VC,

and probably North Vietnamese regulars, I shouted at our diggers inside to fix bayonets,” he said.

“I thought close-quarter com-bat was inevitable before jumping out and walking at a steady pace towards the milling throng in front of me, firing my SLR.

“My magazine was soon empty and while I fumbled with my basic pouch to get another one, machine gunner Pte Ronnie Brett clambered out of the hatch and jumped to my aid.”

Mr Alcorta said Pte Brett prob-ably saved his life.

“I returned him the favour in the Battle of Bribie in February 1967, when one of his legs was shred-ded by machine gun fire,” he said.

Mr Alcorta was impressed by the unwavering bravery of his soldiers, none of whom chose to remain inside the apparent safety of the APC when asked to join the fight.

“Two of our diggers, Cpl Ross Smith and Pte Peter Bennett, later crept out of the perimeter of defence into the darkest of nights searching for our wounded,” he said.

“‘Unselfish courage’ is what I called their action.”

Mr Alcorta said Long Tan became an iconic battle that belonged in Australia’s great Anzac traditions.

He was awarded a Mention in Despatches for his 6RAR service in Vietnam.

On the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, Sgt Dave Morley spoke with soldiers who were there. We share their stories.

Captured enemy weapons found on the battlefield by D Coy, 6RAR, when the company returned to the scene of its stand against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong. From left: LCpl Gordon Crowther, Pte Peter Doyle and Cpl Bluey Moore.

Pte Vic SimonIN A letter sent home a few days after the battle, then-Pte Vic Simon told his parents, “I saw that many Viet Cong (VC) it wasn’t funny”.

Mr Simon, the son of a Rat of Tobruk and nephew of a Changi POW, was a rifleman in 12 Pl at the time of the battle.

“Thank goodness for that. I’d been a forward scout for three months before that,” he said.

“We had a lot of contact and saw quite a few VC, and when we withdrew we still had contact.

“Our two forward platoons got trapped, one of the platoons got out, but one was still trapped.

“They sent my platoon in to get them out. We were about there when fire came from all direc-tions.”

Mr Simon said they were sur-rounded and fought solidly for four hours before reinforcements arrived.

“You should have heard the yells when the APCs came in with A Coy inside,” he said.

“When the VCs saw them they pulled back. I let out a yell that could be heard back in Australia.”

One moment is still stuck in Mr Simon’s mind concerning his rifle.

“I was classed as a marksman, but I couldn’t work out why I couldn’t get this VC bugler,” he said. “After the battle I found the sight on my rifle had come loose, and when I picked it up and changed hands, the sight was stuck in my hand.”

Mr Simon continues his service to the Army as the Indigenous Elder for Randwick Barracks.

Cpl Phillip DobsonONE of the legends of the Battle of Long Tan passed away from pneumonia on July 10 this year, just weeks before the iconic bat-tle’s 50th anniversary.

Cpl Phillip ‘Doc’ Dobson, who was awarded a Mention in Dispatches for his part in the battle, was 75 and living in southern Queensland.

Former 10 Pl national ser-vice rifleman Peter Doyle said Doc was a unique man, much admired and respected by all of D Coy.

“Every wounded man who was in his care at Long Tan survived,” he said.

“No easy feat with limited equipment, in the mud and rain, surrounded and with nowhere to go.”

Sgt Frank Alcorta glances back at his men as 6RAR troops assault a strongly held Viet Cong position.

Pte Alan ParrONE 12 Pl digger’s Long Tan expe-rience started off badly and then got worse when he not only missed a concert, but later in the day had his M60 GPMG destroyed by an enemy bullet.

Alan Parr, then a private, said he was looking forward to the concert by pop stars Col Joye and Little Pattie.

“We went over to see it and I’m pretty sure it hadn’t started when we got word to return to our company lines,” he said.

Mr Parr and his mates hurriedly made their way back to their lines, packed their gear for a three-day patrol and left Nui Dat around 11am.

“As we passed through the wire in front of D Coy’s lines we could hear the concert in full swing,” he said.

On arriving at Long Tan, D Coy waited on the edge of the plantation while B Coy moved past them on their way back to Nui Dat.

Mr Parr said he and his number two on the gun, Pte Noel Grimes, then moved forward to a small rise in the plantation, dropped their packs and settled down.

“While sitting there we heard the contact start to our right front and then everything fell silent again,” he said.

“After a short spell a few more

shots rang out, but this time there was no lull, it just exploded into this frightening roar that lasted for the rest of the day.

“When we heard the battle start, I can’t properly explain in words how we felt, but I know I’ll be haunted by it for the rest of my life.”

12 Pl ran 300-400m out into the rubber trees and then went to ground when they came under fire from their front.

Mr Parr said he saw a hut to his right front and noticed tracers from a machine gun streaming in his direction from a top window.

“I fired off a burst of about 60 rounds at the window, but word came back to hold fire as it wasn’t exactly known where 11 Pl was,” he said.

“From near the hut a large group of Viet Cong (VC), bunched quite close together, were moving through the rubber trees towards the rear of CHQ.

“It looked like there were hun-dreds of them and I think we all realised we were in big trouble.

“I changed position and fired on this group of VC, but again was told to stop shooting. It was frustrating and there was confusion about who was who.”

Mr Parr said he was lying with his M60 tucked in against his shoulder when a bullet struck it, punching

a hole through the barrel, only a foot from his head. 12 Pl was ordered back to the company position where it was met by the CSM, WO2 Jack Kirby.

Mr Parr said the CSM found him a rifle and put them in a new position, where they remained for the duration of the battle, until the APCs arrived.

“I could see a line of VC advancing toward our posi-tion and when they were fairly close, I called out to 2Lt Dave Sabben for some artillery to our front,” he said.

“Not long after, it came scream-ing in overhead, right in among the VC. The noise when it hits so close is beyond description.”

At this stage of the battle, Mr Parr and many of his mates believed they would be overrun as darkness set in.

“Then to our surprise, amaze-ment, relief, joy – I don’t know how to describe it – we saw the lights of the APCs driving up through the trees near CHQ,” he said.

“This was the first time since the battle started that I thought I’d see another sunrise.”

As A and B Coys took over D Coy’s positions, D Coy moved out of the rubber by APC to an open area

where helicopters could extract the wounded.

The following morning, D Coy returned by APC to the plantation where they dismounted and started moving through the trees.

Mr Parr said the place was a real mess with tree branches, weapons and VC bodies everywhere.

“But the most haunting part of all to see was the line of 11 Pl soldiers, each beside a rubber tree, all fac-ing the same direction,” he said.

“It looked as if they were just resting there.

“It’s something no-one can be prepared for – you’re going on with your life and theirs has just finished at 21 years of age.”

Mr Parr never did get to see a concert the whole year he was in South Vietnam.

Ptes Tom Humphries and Alan Parr.

Commander 1st Australian Task Force Brig David Jackson presents CSM D Coy, 6RAR, WO2 Jack Kirby, with the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Pte Roger Portlock and other soldiers of 6RAR push through dense scrub in search of retreating enemy after the Battle of Long Tan during Operation Smithfield. Photos courtesy AWM

Pte Dave Thomas, left, on February 18, 1967, at Nui Dat the day after the Battle of Bribie. He is with Pte Barry Fallon, who was KIA on November 10, 1967.

August 25, 2016Long Tan www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews8

THERE is little argument artil-lery played a critical part in the success of the contact that turned into a major battle,

now known and commemorated as the Battle of Long Tan, according to Lt, later Lt-Col, Graeme Maughan (retd), formerly of 105 Fd Bty, 1 Fd Regt.

He said artillery fired more than 3500 rounds, most of which was called in to 100m and less of D Coy’s forward posi-tions in very difficult conditions.

“Everyone’s memory of the events differs, even though they may have been doing exactly the same job,” he said.

“I guess at the time none of us knew how important the battle was to become.”

Lt-Col Maughan said the day started off well, until about 3pm.

“I had been to the morning session of the Col Joye and Little Pattie concert,” he said.

“I could hear the singing from the concert on the gun position, about 500m away, and about half the battery had been cleared to attend the afternoon ses-sion.

“We were to have fresh rations that evening, chicken I believe, the first in a long time.”

Lt-Col Maughan was the duty com-mand post officer for the afternoon and with one radio on the 6RAR net, he heard the initial contacts.

“I remember requesting the gunner sig to monitor the net and, in particular, get the location of D Coy,” he said.

“By this time 161 Bty, RNZA, the primary battery in support, was firing on the enemy position.

“105 Fd Bty’s gunners were making their way back as the concert was finish-ing a little early due to the increasing number of contacts.

“Our chicken dinner had been served, which as it turned out, was mostly untouched.”

Lt-Col Maughan said the battery started preparing for what was about occur, including ammunition and guns pointing in roughly the direction of the contacts.

“The area was some 5km away, which was a good distance for our guns as it gave us maximum flexibility in the use of charge bags,” he said.

“By this time all our gunners had returned, most running as the importance of this contact began to become known.

“At last a regimental target was called for and we were ready. Eighteen guns from the regiment provided most of the fire power and each battery fired about 1000 rounds.

“From that time on we were firing almost continuously until two or three in the morning.”

During the battle, Lt-Col Maughan moved from the command post to the gun position as the rate of fire being pro-vided was extremely heavy.

He said ammunition was running low and they had to get more up from the logistics base at Vung Tau.

“The gunners were doing their job brilliantly, but I recall a major concern was the defence of our position,” he said.

“We had to maintain sentries at our forward pits; a thankless but necessary task. We were using every man available. The night went quite quickly.”

The US Army 155mm self-propelled battery provided most of the fire support behind the enemy forces to cover their escape routes.

Lt-Col Maughan said the weather throughout was shocking.

“It was wet and the cloud low and saturated,” he said. “It’s critical the guns are laid correctly and this was made extremely difficult by the weather.

Artillery saves lives at Long TanMore than 3500 artillery rounds were fired during the Battle of Long Tan. Sgt Dave Morley spoke to gunners involved in the fight to save the diggers of 6RAR in the midst of the battle.

“But despite firing a large number of rounds in poor weather, and being called for within 100m of our front lines and closer, not one round fell among our soldiers.

“The artillery forward observer, NZ Capt Morrie Stanley, amazingly remained calm throughout and con-trolled the fire of the guns perfectly.”

Lt-Col Maughan said over the past 50 years he had often thought how different things could have been had the contact between 6RAR and the enemy force not occurred.

“I always feel I owe my life to the members of D Coy for finding and defeating that large enemy force,” he said.

“They in turn always say that artillery saved their lives, so perhaps we are square – I will always be proud of our gunners on that night.”

Lt-Col Maughan stayed in the Army for 22 years, starting a pilot’s course on his return from Vietnam in September 1966.

He retired from the Army in 1984.

Australian soldiers in a sand-bagged gun pit with C gun, 105 Fd Bty, at the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Vietnam. Photos courtesy AWM

ARTILLERY support was crucial to the Australian victory at Long Tan and 61 fire missions and corrections were called in, resulting in more than 3500 rounds of high explosive falling into the area.

According to former New Zealand Army signaller LCpl, later WO1, Willie Walker, it was RNZA forward observer Capt Morrie Stanley’s skill, profession-alism and gallantry calling in fire while the diggers fought off the attacking waves of enemy, which saved D Coy.

Capt Stanley controlled and direct-ed 18 105mm Howitzers from 161 Bty, 103 Fd Bty and 105 Fd Bty and six 155mm M109 self-propelled Howitzers from the US Army 2/35th Howitzer Bn.

Because the 155mm guns weren’t suitable for close support, the artillery HQ was dropping the 155mm rounds in the enemy’s rear concentration area.

Mr Walker said at critical points during the battle, Capt Stanley was directing artillery to within 50m of the Australian frontline positions, while the

enemy were at times only 50-75m from their position with CHQ.

“I did catch a glimpse of the enemy, but I was too busy head down, arse up, with the radio,” he said.

“There was a point late that after-noon when the thought of not getting out of this did cross my mind; my first thoughts were of my parents, espe-cially Mum.”

He said the weather conditions made it difficult for the gunners to oper-ate – gun sights got fogged and the Tannoy system at 161 Bty was struck by lightning.

“But the shells kept coming. Those guys worked their arses off and their involvement was crucial to our survival – the professionalism and commitment shown that day was outstanding,” he said.

“Not to be forgotten, the relief col-umn that arrived in the nick of time – a sight one shall never forget.”

Despite the constant danger from this fire in his exposed position, Mr

Walker calmly and with complete disregard for his personal safety con-tinued for four hours to pass fire orders over his radio to the gun position.

These fire orders enabled Anzac artillery to inflict such heavy casual-ties on the enemy that their repeated attacks were repulsed and permitted D Coy to be successfully reinforced.

Mr Walker’s devotion to duty, calm-ness under fire and disregard for his own personal safety set a fine example to all and earned him a Mention in Despatches.

“I must pay tribute to my old boss Morrie Stanley, now deceased,” he said.

“He once said to me, ‘Willie, you and I experienced a very special rela-tionship that day’.”

Mr Walker discharged with the rank of WO1 in 1992 after more than 30 years’ service, and continued for another 15 years as a civilian in charge of the NZDF Medals Office.

RNZA ARTILLERY SUPPORT

9 August 25, 2016 Long Tanwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 9

Sgt Dave Morley

THE artillery support provided to D Coy during the Battle of Long Tan was a truly allied effort, with Australian, New Zealand and US guns all taking part.

From the US side, a battery of M109 155mm self-propelled Howitzers were able to rain in shells on Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army rear positions and escape routes.

Capt, later Maj, Glenn Eure (retd) took command of the unit – A Bty, 2 Bn, 35 Arty Regt – early in 1966 at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Maj Eure said he believed he was the only Vietnam veteran in the bat-talion, having previously completed a tour of duty with an Army of the Republic of Vietnam unit.

“During our training I was often called to lecture to my troops about what to expect in Vietnam,” he said.

A Bty’s XO 1st Lt Grace was flown over to Vietnam to assist in the unit’s arrival, but only had a lit-tle over a month left in the Army when he arrived there. 2Lt Chuck Heindrichs was also flown to Vietnam after recovering from an illness and

worked with 1st Lt Grace. Maj Eure said this ensured their transfer to the Australians went smoothly.

“We couldn’t have picked a better pair of officers to introduce A Bty and lay on preliminary arrangements with the Australians,” he said.

“They helped form a bond that has endured for 50 years.”

Maj Eure said New Zealand offic-er Lt Barry Dreyer was assigned to A Bty as liaison officer.

“Lt Dreyer had been in Vietnam about a year at this time and had spent an extended period with the 173rd Airborne Regimental Combat Team,” he said.

“I recognised a quality young officer immediately and within a week I unofficially appointed him 2IC of the battery.

“Lt Dreyer was the 2IC of A Bty during the Battle of Long Tan, work-ing well with Sgt 1st Class Duke, the chief of the firing battery.”

During the battle, the fire missions for the US battery were coming from the 161 Bty BC Maj Harry Honner at 6RAR HQ and 161 Bty forward observer Capt Morrie Stanley at Long Tan.

Maj Eure said his battery forward

observer Lt Gordon Steinbrook and his team were co-located with Maj Honner.

“They were well trained, but inex-perienced, although Lt Steinbrook’s positive personality and competence made him a good choice for this job,” he said.

“However, his junior rank, cou-pled with the Aussie system of com-mand from the front and spirit of urgency of getting rapid, accurate artillery support, made it virtually impossible for me to influence the artillery, except to make sure what was commanded arrived quickly and accurately.”

At this time the rain started and in a very short time the ground seemed shin deep in slippery mud.

“Everyone was soaked, but the men acted as if it was an athletic event – morale was at its peak,” Maj Eure said.

“The battle continued in the driving rain for about three hours and we fired 300 rounds of 95lb 155mm Howitzer high explosive.

“In my mind, the Aussies were heroes, every man, and the Yanks, to the man, performed in a manner of which they can be proud.”

Artillery saves lives at Long Tan

A 105mm Howitzer of 103 Fd Bty in Phuoc Tuy Province, Nui Dat.

A true allied effort

‘Who could forget the mateship that was shown that evening’

“Not long into the battle there was a torrential tropical monsoonal downpour, which prevented thick acrid fumes from the guns from dispersing and they started to affect troops laying the guns,” he said.

“The rate of fire was so high that the 100 rounds per gun, which were prepared at each gun platform, started to run out, meaning ammuni-tion had to be moved from the big stockpile of ammunition in the cen-tre of the battery gun position.

“A full ammunition box weighed about 90kg and troops were called back from the concert to help, as were gunners from the regiment’s HQ Bty, the detachment of the locat-ing battery on our gun position and the engineer squadron nearby.

“SASR troopers from across the road came to our gun position vol-untarily to assist in moving ammuni-tion, carrying it by hand and in Land Rovers filled to the brim.”

As the battle stretched out well into the night the cooks provided soup, which was ladled out into mugs.

A problem arose with some of the gun sights starting to fog up because of the rain and humidity.

The guns were firing so rapidly that paint started to blacken and bubble off the slippers covering the barrels.

Lt Griggs said they fired well into the night at various targets once contact was broken.

“Exhausted gunners simply slept where they sat down to rest,” he said.

“Dawn the next morning revealed a sight that looked like a large explosion had occurred in our ammunition dump.

“Ammo boxes were strewn down the sides of the earth walls protecting the central dump and cardboard canisters littered gun platforms. Guns were blackened and spent cartridge cases were everywhere.”

The clean up began by weary but proud gunners, who knew they had inflicted massive casualties on the enemy and saved the lives of so many D Coy diggers.

The other batteries had similar experiences, but because 103 Fd Bty was closer to other units they received considerable assistance to carry ammunition.

As a result, according to Lt Griggs, 103 Fd Bty fired many more rounds, even though each battery received the same fire orders.

“From memory, 103 Fd Bty fired some 1800 rounds during the action,” he said.

Gnr Kiaran Walsh, of 103 Fd Bty, recalled he was over at HQ Bty doing a sigs course, run by Bdr Bill Cross, when “the proverbial hit the fan”.

“I remember making it down to the guns when the call went out for ammo assistance and spent the next 10 hours doing just that,” he said. “Who could forget the mate-ship that was shown that evening, given by all who served the guns in whatever capacity they served in the regiment.

“I can close my eyes today and feel like it was just yesterday.

“The smells, sights and noise, rain, water, mud and Aussie gun-ners giving their all to protect our digger mates at the hot end.”

“I can close my eyes today and feel like it was just yesterday.

– Gnr Kiaran Walsh, 103 Fd Bty

Sgt Dave Morley

THE Battle of Long Tan was the highlight of 103 Fd Bty’s tour, when gunners from the battery worked desperately in driving rain and failing light to provide artillery sup-port for the hard-pressed D Coy diggers.

During the mortar attack on the base the night of August 17, several mortar rounds landed in the regimental artillery area wounding two 103 Fd Bty gunners.

Lt John Griggs (retd) was the 103 Fd Bty gun position officer before and during the battle, and was also on duty in the command post when the action began and continued throughout the night.

When the task force base and 103 Fd Bty’s gun position was mortared and shelled on the night of August 17, the counter-mortar response was aggressive and effective.

“The following day, August 18, was spent improving our gun posi-tion defences with added vigour as a result of the previous night’s experience,” he said.

“Late in that afternoon we stood down to relax and freshen up and some men went off to attend the Col Joye and Little Pattie concert.”

Lt Griggs recollected a call came in about 3.30pm to 161 Bty, RNZA, which was located near 103 Fd Bty on the southern perimeter of the base, for fire support.

“We knew 161 were in direct support of D Coy, so we assumed they were responding to them,” he said.

“After the Kiwi guns fell silent another fire mission was called from them and the rate of fire seemed quite high. Soon afterwards a regimental fire mission was called and we were then given the target description and, with the back-ground noise of small arms and machine gun fire coming over the radio with the fire orders, we knew something big was on.”

According to Lt Griggs, a short time later the 18 guns of the regiment – six guns each from 103 Fd Bty, 105 Fd Bty and 161 Bty, responded.

“Capt Morrie Stanley, RNZA, the forward observer directing the fire from D Coy’s location, ordered, ‘continuous fire 10 seconds’,” he said.

“I remember thinking at the time, ‘how can we maintain that rate of fire for any length of time?’.

“That order meant 108 rounds per minute from the regiment and, from memory, that rate of fire was not changed throughout the engagement, although that ordered rate of fire could not be met.

“The six 155mm Howitzers and two 175mm guns of the US artillery, which were also located at Nui Dat, were used in the battle firing at tar-gets in depth.”

Details of what was happening in D Coy’s action in the Long Tan rubber plantation were passed on continually to the gun detachments to keep everyone informed, focused and to generate a heightened sense of urgency in all actions.

Lt Griggs said it was clear D Coy was heavily outnumbered by a well-armed force.

August 25, 2016Long Tan www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews10

ONE unit that played a crucial role, punching way above its weight during the relief operation, was 1 APC Sqn,

whose involvement at Long Tan came at a key moment in the battle.

The unit’s first task was to trans-port A Coy to the area to relieve D Coy, which was holding out against desperate odds.

This task went to 3 Tp, supported by a section from 2 Tp, under the over-all command of Lt Adrian Roberts, comprising 10 APCs.

The 2 Tp carriers had not been fitted with gun shields for the crew command-ers at this stage.

After collecting A Coy from their lines, the column set off across country in the pouring rain at 6pm.

The troop forded a flooded creek and shook out into assault formation astride the plantation road.

The move took just over an hour, as the column had to fight its way through pockets of enemy and brave the heavy defensive artillery barrage being put down around D Coy.

On the left hand side of the road, between the rubber plantation and Suoi Da Bang creek, the section being led by Sgt Joe O’Reilly, Callsign 23, was receiving continued heavy enemy small arms fire.

Sgt O’Reilly, whose section was on loan from 2 Tp, was knocked out when his head was grazed by a Viet Cong (VC) small arms round.

Further out, on the left-hand side of O’Reilly’s section, Cpl Peter Clements on board 23 Bravo with no protective gun shield, had been seriously wounded when he was shot in the stomach and fell down inside his carrier.

His driver drove the APC over the enemy machine gun crew that had wounded his crew commander.

Cpl John Carter on board Callsign 39 Mike, fitted out as an ambulance but without the red cross, which was also on the right-hand side of the troop’s forma-tion, spotted men in what appeared to be green uniforms.

Aware that they might be D Coy, he hesitated briefly and immediately came under fire from a 57mm recoilless rifle (RCL) team.

Both radio antennas on Cpl Carter’s vehicle were shot away after two rounds fired by the RCL team exploded in a rubber tree next to his carrier.

Despite this, Cpl Carter opened fire with his .50 cal machine gun, which then jammed.

Cpl Carter ordered his driver Tpr Paul McNamara to stop the vehicle while he climbed out of the crew com-mander’s hatch with Tpr McNamara’s Owen gun.

With no thought for his own safe-ty he engaged the VC, killing the RCL team just as another round was fired at his carrier.

The round exploded , daz ing Tpr McNamara and the A Coy diggers inside the carrier.

Cpl Carter continued to engage the enemy while Tpr McNamara threw addi-tional magazines to him, enabling him to kill a further five VC.

His action effectively drew attention away from other members of the troop, who continued to advance to the north, reaching D Coy by 7pm.

On arrival, 3 Tp advanced through D Coy’s position, carrying out a quick sweep of the area through which the attacking VC was forming up for

APCs’ critical timingAPCs rolled onto the Long Tan battlefield at a crucial moment, Sgt Dave Morley reports.

another attack, catching them on their flanks and inflicting heavy casualties.

On seeing the APCs arrive, the VC broke off their attack and the survivors melted away back into the jungle leav-ing the Australians in possession of the battlefield.

C p l C a r t e r r e c e i v e d t h e

Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions in neutralising an enemy anti-tank weapon, while Lt Adrian Roberts received a Mention in Despatches for his leadership of the troop.

Cpl Clements died on August 27 after succumbing to the serious gunshot wound he received during the battle.

BY THE time the Battle of Long Tan came around, then-LCpl Rex Warren was already a seasoned veteran having arrived in Vietnam with A Sqn, 4/19 Prince of Wales Light Horse, in May 1965.

Mr Warren was a member of 2 Tp, 1 APC Sqn, when it was sent out the morning after the bat-tle to reinforce 3 Tp and D Coy.

He said they were monitoring the APCs’ radios for information updates as they moved out to the scene of the battle.

“The task for 2 Tp and 3 Tp, about 30 APCs, was to sweep through the contact area, east through the rubber plantation,” he said.

“We found blood trails around young rubber trees leading to a bunker, which the infantry fol-lowed up.

“I noted a large trench system extending from the south side of the road, heading west to D Coy.

“On arrival, the infantry dis-mounted and after some time the sweep east commenced.”

Mr Warren said at this stage he was aware Cpl Clements had been seriously wounded the night before, but was not yet aware of Cpl Carter’s actions, which led to him being awarded a DCM.

“I wasn’t worried about what we were getting into though, because while I didn’t have a gun shield for the .50 calibre machine-gun on my carrier, I wore a flak jacket for protection,” he said.

Mr Warren returned for a sec-ond tour of Vietnam with A Sqn, 3 Cav Regt from January to October 1968.

SWEEPING THE BATTLEZONE

LCpl Rex Warren keeps an eye open for Viet Cong as his vehicle moves through the rubber plantation following the Battle of Long Tan. Below: APCs of 1 APC Sqn and soldiers on foot sweep the area after the battle. Photos courtesy AWM

11 August 25, 2016 Long Tanwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 11

Sgt Dave Morley

AFTER trundling around in WWII Dakotas and early Cold War-era Neptunes, flying an Iroquois into the Battle of Long Tan, during monsoonal rain, was a fairly steep learning curve for one No. 9 Squadron pilot.

Flt-Lt, later Sqn-Ldr, Bob Grandin (retd) completed conversion training to Iroquois helicopters in January 1966, and arrived in Vung Tau, Vietnam, on June 12 that year, moving into an old French villa on the foreshore.

On the morning of August 18, then-Flt-Lt Grandin was tasked with flying a concert party from Vung Tau to Nui Dat.

He said he felt lucky to be one of the crews given the privilege of flying music legends Col Joye and Little Pattie to the concert.

“We would meet them, be able to have a chat and see what they were like and then go to the concert,” he said.

“It needed two choppers to carry them and their band, so Flt-Lt Bruce Lane and Flt-Lt Cliff Dohle joined Flt-Lt Frank Riley and me on the task.”

After they arrived at Nui Dat with the concert party, as was usual, they checked in at the operations tent to inform them of their arrival.

Sqn-Ldr Grandin said they were sit-ting around their helicopters whiling away the time.

“We could hear the music of the con-cert, but didn’t want to be too far from the helicopters in case we were required urgently, so we had not gone to the con-cert area,” he said.

“Our first recognition of action came when the artillery started firing – it star-tled everyone as it wasn’t expected, and no-one thought there would be any rou-tine firing during the concert.

“The rate of firing increased quickly, the number of guns involved increased and the tension conveyed over the radios rapidly increased.”

When OC D Coy Maj Harry Smith called from Long Tan for an urgent ammunition resupply, the crews dis-cussed how to deliver the ammunition and it was decided to use the same tech-nique as was used with SASR insertions and extractions.

Sqn-Ldr Grandin said the lead heli-copter with Flt-Lt Riley and himself on board took a lighter load and went out at a height of about 600m to locate the tar-get zone and make contact with D Coy.

“The other helicopter, with Flt-Lt

Ammo from the skyA HELICOPTER crewman who joined the Air Force in 1962 to “get a trade and for adventure” received more than his fair share of adventure during the Battle of Long Tan on August 18, 1966.

LAC, later Flt-Lt, David Collins (retd) began his tour of Vietnam in June 1966 with No. 9 Sqn.

His Iroquois helicopter, A2-1020, was one of two sent to Nui Dat from Vung Tau with the Col Joye and Little Pattie concert party on August 18.

D Coy, 6RAR, was running dan-gerously low on ammunition and called for support from the two helicopters.

At the time, Air Force leader-ship forbade the two aircraft to get involved because they were in Vietnam to fly support missions only and not to engage in combat.

After a heated exchange with all authorities, the two crews decided to disobey those instructions and loaded up as much ammunition as they could carry with the express purpose to deliver the desperately

Lane and Flt-Lt Dohle on board, would fly at low level and we could direct it into the drop zone,” he said.

“As it departed we were to dive down and drop our load. This was designed to improve our safety as at that height the probability of being hit by small-arms fire was greatly reduced, and at treetop level the time of sighting was so small it was difficult to fire an accurate shot.”

OC Admin Coy Maj Owen O’Brien and RSM WO1 George Chinn board-ed the helicopters to heave out the ammunition.

Sqn-Ldr Grandin said as they lifted off the pad and reached the treetops, another surprise awaited them.

“To the east was a large thunder-storm with intense rain falling over Long Tan,” he said.

“I was reading the map and using the radio as Frank flew into the storm.

“He had to slow down to maintain some visibility and we were back to 20 knots. I remember drawing myself back into the armour-plated seat trying to make myself a smaller target.”

Back at Nui Dat, the remainder of No. 9 Sqn arrived from Vung Tau.

As the battle wound down, the crews were briefed by No. 9 Sqn 2IC Sqn-Ldr ‘Laddie’ Hindley to go to Long Tan to casevac D Coy’s dead and wounded.

Sqn-Ldr Grandin said it was not good conditions for flying.

“Sqn-Ldr Hindley gave us an order in which we were to go into the posi-tion, which would be lit by the lights of an APC. It was small with surrounding trees,” he said.

“Each aircraft allowed the one in front to take off and then started up. Some were having no trouble descend-ing in to the dark position, while others were going close to trees and having to pull back and try again.

“Then it was our turn to go.”Sqn-Ldr Grandin said he and

Flt-Lt Riley had decided to share responsibilities.

“I would look outside and talk him down, watching obstacles and the rate of descent and he would keep a close eye on the instruments making a form

of ground-controlled approach,” he said.“Someone ran forward and said there

were no more wounded – we could go or take some bodies out.

“Frank said we’d take back the bod-ies and about four were put into the back.”

He flew out over the enemy retreat routes the following morning dropping leaflets offering to pay them if they sur-rendered, with extra if they brought a weapon with them.

“The Battle of Long Tan was the most fearful of my life,” he said.

Sqn-Ldr Grandin left the Air Force in January 1973, after 16 years’ service, and worked in teaching, flying, farm-ing and, for a while, as OC of the Army Reserve’s University of New England Company in Armidale, NSW.

The Iroquois piloted by then- Flt-Lts Frank Riley and Bob Grandin at Long Tan, A2-1020, is on display at the museum at RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook, Victoria.

More than his share of adventure

needed supplies. Overloaded, they staggered into the air dur-ing an arranged lull in the artillery shelling and located the Australian

troops in the rubber plantation of Long Tan. Hovering over the top of D Coy’s position, they dropped the ammunition and other vital supplies into their laps.

This required precision flying in the middle of a monsoon, as well as the enormous amount of ground fire below.

The two UH-1s hovered over-head the battle, one at a time, for as long as it took and departed.

Flt-Lt Collins said not enough could be written about the way Australian servicemen acted that day.

“The men of D Coy, 6RAR, the artillery and No. 9 Sqn were involved in one of the most signifi-cant battles in which Australians have taken part,” he said.

Flt-Lt Collins was awarded a Mention in Despatches for his actions during the battle.

He stayed in the Air Force until 1979, receiving a commission in 1967 and spending his final 12 years as an air traffic control officer.

LAC David Collins hangs up a bottle of saline for a wounded Viet Cong prisoner.

A2-1020 and other Iroquois helicopters of No. 9 Sqn sit on the helicopter pad at the task force HQ, probably preparing for a troop support mission after the Battle of Long Tan. Inset: Flt-Lt Bob Grandin. Photos courtesy AWM

APCs’ critical timing

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Soldiers gather in Canberra and

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During 6RAR’s parade to mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, families and friends of the 18 fallen soldiers placed crosses in their memory. Photo by Sgt Janine Fabre

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Soldiers gather in Canberra and

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During 6RAR’s parade to mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, families and friends of the 18 fallen soldiers placed crosses in their memory. Photo by Sgt Janine Fabre

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August 25, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews2

Duty first Vietnam Veterans’ Day and 50th anniversary of Long Tan

6RAR pays respects to forebears

Plt-Off Aaron Curran

VIETNAM Veterans’ Day was commemorated in Canberra with a moving ceremony at the Vietnam War Memorial on Anzac Parade on August 18 with hundreds of people in attendance.

It was more poignant this year as the day marked the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, during which 105 Australians from D Coy, 6RAR, and three New Zealanders from 161 Bty, RNZA, faced an enemy force of about 2000 soldiers from the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong.

Seventeen Australians died during the battle and one later of wounds – Australia’s greatest loss in any sin-gle engagement in the Vietnam War. Twenty-four were wounded. The opposing Vietnamese losses were counted in the hundreds, with many more casualties.

Governor-General Gen Sir Peter Cosgrove spoke passionately at the ceremony of the alienation Vietnam veterans felt and the way in which segments of the Australian public treated them.

“Not many veterans in wars before or since Vietnam were some-times booed or even reviled by their own countrymen and women,” Sir Peter said.

“They were unloved and fragile. Many felt alienated by the commu-nity from which they came and even from the government and ex-service associations. The anti-war movement unintentionally marginalised and stigmatised their fellow Australians.”

Sir Peter said it was the welcome home parades on October 17, 1987, when the Australian community start-ed to put things right.

“Vietnam veterans are now the senior citizens of the wider veterans’ community,” he said. “We are about as old as the WWI veterans were when we served in Vietnam. Veterans should always welcome and embrace other veterans with respect – it’s part of our military ethos.”

CDF ACM Mark Binskin spoke of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers’ courage in the face of sig-nificant adversity.

“The Battle of Long Tan remains one of Australia’s greatest defensive victories,” ACM Binskin said.

Shelley Daws

SOLDIERS of 6RAR commemo-rated the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan with a parade at Enoggera Barracks, Brisbane, on August 18.

Veteran soldiers who fought in the battle attended the parade and were joined by Governor-General Gen Sir Peter Cosgrove, Defence Personnel Minister Dan Tehan, CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell and 6RAR’s first Victoria Cross recipi-ent, Cpl Dan Keighran, VC.

CO 6RAR Lt-Col James Hunter said the soldiers of 6RAR took their responsibilities very seriously in upholding the reputa-tion that was forged by the men of D Coy in 1966.

“The Battle of Long Tan has special significance for 6RAR,” he said.

“The actions of the men of D Coy in the Long Tan rubber plan-tation earned the battle honour ‘Long Tan’, which is now embla-zoned on our Regimental Colour.

“For the Vietnam veteran community, this occasion is an opportunity to commemorate and remember the sacrifices made by the Australian soldiers who didn’t return.

“It’s also an important day for them to interface with the current custodians of the battalion – grow-ing that continued link between the supportive veteran community and the current generation of soldiers.”

The Australian Army Band – Brisbane and gunners of 105 Bty, 1 Fd Regt, also attended the commemoration, which incorporated a United Drumhead Service to honour the 18 Australians who lost their lives during and after the battle.

During the service, selected veterans laid 18 small white rep-lica crosses of the Long Tan cross as the honour roll was read.

Reviewing officer Gen Cosgrove said the action at Long Tan was a battle of great violence, great casualties and great courage.

“That battle indelibly marked this battalion as a unit of the most professional and courageous kind,” he said.

“Isolated and outnumbered twenty to one, D Coy took on the Viet Cong and, in an extraordinary feat of courage and determination, they held off the advancing enemy for several hours until reinforcements arrived.

“We honour those who fought the battle and we remember the 521 Australians killed and the thousands who were wounded in the Vietnam War.”

He acknowledged all those who served, “particularly those who con-tinue to suffer from the effects of their military service today”.

Clear skies over Canberra not only contributed to a memorable ser-vice, it also allowed a few veterans of the war to take to the air. Two DC-3s, two DHC-4 Caribous, a 02 Cessna, the ubiquitous UH-1 Iroquois, a Sioux and two US B-52s conducted a flypast supplying a visual link to the war.

John Schumann sang his iconic song I was only 19 to the crowd near the end of the service with the emotion surrounding that song evi-dent on the faces of the hundreds of veterans present.

Plt-Off Aaron Curran

IN THE fading winter light at the Australian War Memorial, Cpls Daniel Keighran, VC, and Mark Donaldson, VC, read out the stories of two men killed during the Battle of Long Tan.

At the Last Post ceremonies on August 17 and 18, the two highly-decorated soldiers told the stories of Pte Kenneth Gant and 2Lt Gordon Sharp in front of hundreds of friends, family, veterans, VIPs and the public.

Cpl Keighran spoke of how Pte Gant, of 5 Sect, was shot in the first probing attack and was later found beside his machine gun. In a record-ing that sent a chill down the spines of all who were present, a recording of Danny Boy, which Pte Gant sang for his mother before he deployed, was played. He was 21.

Cpl Donaldson told the story of how 11 Pl commander 2Lt Sharp could not see due to the rain and mud and had to raise himself to direct artillery fire more accurately but was shot thorough the neck and died. He was also 21.

Above: The Banner Party marches on the Army Banner at the beginning of the Vietnam Veterans’ Day and 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan commemoration service, held at the Vietnam Memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra. Photo by Lauren Larking

Below: Governor-General Gen Sir Peter Cosgrove (retd) and CO 6RAR Lt-Col James Hunter inspect 6RAR soldiers during the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan parade at Gallipoli Barracks. Photo by Sgt Janine Fabre

We honour their service

See footage at http://video.defence.gov.au/play/4818#

Cpl Daniel Keighran, VC.

Cpl Mark Donaldson, VC.Photos by Lauren Larking

and Cpl Dan Pinhorn

Servicing Lone Pine Barracks Singleton24hr/7 day Service

Airports/Train Stations

3 August 25, 2016 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 3

Capt Kevin Davis

ARMY has worked hard this year to ensure the Australian Multicam Camouflaged Uniform (AMCU) ensemble meets the unique sur-vivability and mobility require-ments of its soldiers through the development of the fire retardant, anti-static AMCU and the trial of a Tailored Combat Boot List.

The development of the fire retardant, anti-static AMCU began in mid-2015 with the construction of a user requirement that met the survivability and mobility needs of Armoured Fighting Vehicle crew (Tier 2 mounted combatants), select Socomd assaulters (Tier 2 dismounted combatants), Army Aviation air crew, explosive ord-nance disposal technicians, petro-leum operators and ammunition technicians (Tier 3 combatants).

Based on this user requirement, prototype uniforms were trialled by representatives of the user group. The outcome was a highly regarded fire retardant, anti-static AMCU that meets the needs of select combatants.

Sustainment Program Manager Combat Clothing Lt-Col Harry Marr, of Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), said the soldiers involved in the trial were extremely happy with the design of the fire retardant, anti-static AMCU.

“Their involvement in the trial of this unique uniform has had a decisive impact on the final design,” he said.

“Their proactive input will ena-ble us to begin issuing these uniforms in early 2017.”

Army is also considering a sig-nificant shift in its approach to the issuing of combat boots.

Based on overwhelming user feedback, Army, in cooperation with CASG, is validating an approach that allows soldiers to select from a range of combat boots tailored for the various physical environments in which they will train, deploy and potentially fight.

Personnel from 3 and 7 Bdes, Socomd and Air Force are involved in this evaluation, which will con-clude in September.

“We expect user feedback to identify a clear way forward for developing a Tailored Combat Boot List,” Lt-Col Marr said.

“We also expect user feedback will enable us to tweak the design of the Combat Boot General Purpose and Combat Boot Jungle/Tropical/Littoral.

“Such feedback is vital to our

Each of the combat boots have been designed to meet soldiers’ universal and unique mobility requirements. They include:

Meeting soldiers’ needs Rejecting the one-size-fits-all approach

TEN soldiers who fought in the Battle of Long Tan could receive an award or have existing honours upgraded following a review by the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal.

Defence Personnel Minister Dan Tehan announced on August 10 he would recommend to the Governor-General that the tribunal’s findings be approved.

The tribunal recommended Medals of Gallantry for Lt Adrian Roberts, Sgt Frank Alcorta and LCpl Barry Magnussen (deceased).

Commendations for Gallantry

were recommended for 2Lt Gordon Sharp (deceased), along with Ptes Neil Bextrum, Ron Brett (deceased), Ian Campbell, William Roche, Geoffrey Peters and Noel Grimes.

The tribunal did not recommend a Victoria Cross for WO2 Jack Kirby (deceased).

The tribunal found the Distinguished Conduct Medal awarded to WO2 Kirby in 1966 was “the appropriate award to recognise distinguished conduct and leader-ship in the field during the battle.”

For Cpl William Moore (deceased) and Pte Allen May, the

tribunal recommended the Chief of Army’s original decision to not award an honour be affirmed.

Mr Tehan paid tribute to Lt-Col Harry Smith (retd) who was OC of D Coy, 6RAR, at the time of the battle and made an application for the review in 2015.

“I thank the tribunal members for their thorough research and con-sidered recommendations,” he said.

“Awarding military honours is not something that is done lightly.

“It will be a great honour to write to the Governor-General and ask him to endorse the tribunal’s recommendations in full.”

Honours upgrade recommended

continuous, iterative mod-ernisation of these elements of the AMCU ensemble.”

Director Soldier Combat Systems Program – Army Col Michael Toohey said this was another example of where Army had reject-ed the long-standing criticism that it had a ‘one-size-fits-all approach’ to the modernisation of soldier equipment.

“Rather, it demonstrates that we are seeking to meet the universal and unique requirements of our

combat soldiers,” he said.

“It also proves that

Army is seri-ous about ensuring the continuous modernisation

of its Soldier Combat System, whether it be lethality systems such as rifles, sights and ammunition, or the humble, yet crucial, combat boot.”

Capt Kevin Davis is the Army point of con-tact for fire retardant, anti-static AMCU and the Tailored Combat Boot List via the DRN at kevin.davis@defence.gov.au

Combat Boot General Purpose: A tan coloured general purpose boot designed for dismounted operations. Made from abrasion resistant fabrics and leather, it is lighter, easier to “break in” and has supe-rior comfort when compared to the current service boot. The rubber sole is made by Vibram and provides heat resistance, slip resistance, shock absorbency and is resist-ant to foreign object debris.

Combat Boot Jungle/Tropical/Littoral: The lightweight boots come in two colours – tan and black. They are designed to be as light as possible, as comfortable as possible and as fast drying as possible. They are for use when operating in a tropical, jungle and/or littoral (coastal) environments. These boots are made from leather and SuperFabric – an abrasion resistant, water resistant and

quick-drying fabric. The rubber sole, like the GP combat boot, is made by Vibram and provides heat resistance, slip resistance, shock absor-bency and is resistant to foreign object debris. A waterproof insole is also included.

Combat Boot Heat Resistant: Members who require a fire retardant capability such as Army Aviation, EOD technicians, petroleum operators and Armoured Cavalry Regiment crewmen will use these black boots. The boots also meet the requirement for the flying boot for RAAF fast jet and wide-bodied aircraft air crew. The boots are made from Bovine Protec full grain leather and include an AirMesh lining for breathability. The stitching and leather are both heat and fire resistant, as are the laces. The only metal on these boots are the eyelets. The soles feature a heat and fire resistant, vulcanised nitrile rubber, and are abrasion, resistant and shock-absorbing. They are also resistant to foreign object debris.

Combat Boot Hot/Dry/Desert: A tan coloured specialist boot designed for use in hot, dry, desert conditions. They have a durable, rough-out leather upper with rugged and lightweight 1000 Denier nylon, breathable, moisture wicking mesh lining. They also have a variable lacing

system and lace garage for a secure, glove-like fit. The rubber sole is made by Vibram, and provides heat resistance, slip resist-ance, shock absorbency and is resistant to foreign object debris.

The AMCU fire retardant ensemble, including Combat Boot Heat Resistant and undergarments. (The balaclava and neck warmer are fire retardant and the thermal undergarments are Merino wool that are non-melt and drip.)

TAILORED COMBAT BOOTS

August 25, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews4

Call for applications: Army Tertiary Education Program 2017

BackgroundThe Army Tertiary Education Program (ATEP) provides an opportunity for junior Armyofficers and soldiers who do not possess an undergraduate degree, to undertake parttime study in selected courses at the Southern Cross University (SCU), University of NewEngland (UNE), James Cook University (JCU) and Charles Sturt University (CSU).Prescribed Degree ProgramsPrescribed Degree Programs (PDP) are defined as programs of study that meet the broadaims of ATEP. The PDP sponsored by the ATEP are:• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – SCU• Bachelor of Organisation Leadership (BOrgLead) - UNE• Bachelor of Training and Development (BTrg Dev) - UNE• Bachelor of Business (BBus) – JCU• Associate Degree in Adult Vocational Education – CSU2017 Applications are now openPositions are now available for junior army officers and soldiers who are interested incommencing tertiary studies in trimester 1, 2017.The following FT Army personnel are eligible to apply for ATEP sponsorship in2017:• Lieutenants and Captains who have graduated from the Royal Military College

(RMC) and have completed four years continuous service.• Officers commissioned through the Army Senior Non-commissioned Officer and

Warrant Officer Commissioning Scheme (ASWOCS).• Warrant Officers of substantive rank.• SNCO of substantive rank who have completed a minimum of five years continuous

service in that rank.• Military Instructors of any rank who have served at least three years in an instructor

appointment.

The cut-off date for applications for ATEP sponsorship in 2017 is 14 October2016. ATEP application forms and detailed information on the program includinguniversity advanced standing requirements are available from the ATEP SharePointpage on the Forces Command Intranet site:http://drnet.defence.gov.au/ARMY/FORCOMD/Headquarters/ETD/Pages/Army%20Tertiary%20Ed%20Program.aspx

Cpl Max Bree

7 BDE will establish a training team and trials troop for the new MAN trucks following a Land 121-3B working group at Kokoda Barracks from August 1-5.

The group looked at transition issues, how to use the more capable vehicles and how centralised bri-gade driver courses should proceed ahead of the new truck’s arrival early next year.

7 Bde also plans to establish regular exercises with the New Zealand Army, which uses the same vehicles.

Maj Rebecca Dyson, of 7CSSB, said officers from the New Zealand Army brought their expertise to the working group.

“They’re at the end of their implementation process but they received their vehicles as part of a rapid acquisition,” she said.

“They got them and had to deal with all the issues. We have more time to prepare, to learn their

Maj Marianne Phillips

STAFF of 6 CS Bde have developed a unique combat support team leader-ship course to test the physical, mental and ethical characteristics of soldiers.

Members of 19 CE Works at Randwick Barracks participated in the three-day course in early August, which was developed out of a 6 CS Bde initia-tive to force soldiers to confront their own beliefs and think smart.

Maj Rob Sutherland and Lt-Col George Georgiadis, both of HQ 6 CS Bde, developed the concept using the Strength Deployment Inventory – a well-known conflict and relationship management tool – as the base product.

6 CS Bde chaplain Maj Sutherland said when confronted with competing demands a number of questions were raised.

“These include ‘how do we deal with conflict; when fatigued, how do we make the right decisions; what do we believe; and what is the best way?’,” he

said. “With this in mind, the theory has been expanded to be more applicable to soldiers within combat support teams by adding physical challenges and game elements to layer and expand the com-plexity.”

The course intent is to develop skills for leaders to better understand them-selves, their soldiers and individual motivating factors.

Having received the commander’s intent, general course structure and leadership tool from HQ 6 CS Bde, units have each developed their own three-day course to match their unique capabilities and needs.

19 CE Works drew on the project management paradigm by introducing small-team problem solving and ethical dilemmas to the training.

Early morning physical training on Coogee Beach, outdoor classroom skill development and a 30km night walk were dispersed with team activities to test values, communication and individual resilience.

WO2 Andrew Jones, Capt Don Robertson and Capt Braden Theisinger, of 19 CE Works, participate in team challenges as part of a 6 CS Bde leadership course. Photo by Maj Marianne Phillips

Challenging ways of thinking

Ready for the MAN Working group assesses truck transition issues

lessons and achieve a smoother transition.

The arrival of the vehicles at 7 Bde wouldn’t mean big changes to things like distribution points, caches and dumps, according to Maj Dyson.

But it would mean a rethink of their tactics in the field, thanks to the truck’s integrated load-handling units.

“The SOPs don’t need as much as the TTPs,” Maj Dyson said.

“We can leave the flat racks load-ed and ready to go. We can offload them in a location, drive away and the receiving unit can come through and pick them up.

“It gives us more flexibility. We’re able to maintain more stock on wheels with a significantly larger lift capacity in the CSSB.”

The working group also looked at how some of the vehicles’ armoured cabs would change transport operations.

“We can conduct protected mobility moves, so we won’t need as many force protection elements. We’re able to provide a lot of our own protection,” Maj Dyson said.

They also discussed the possibil-ity of transferring in-service radios from the current fleet to the new trucks until the Land 200 communi-cations package become available.

The first conversion courses for the new vehicles will be held at RAAF Base Amberley in September.

A Rheinmetall MAN truck.

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5 August 25, 2016 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 5

AS LEGACY Week kicks off, spare a thought and some change for the families of the 100,000 men and women who have died in Australia’s conflicts.

From August 28 to September 3, Australians will have the chance to show their support for these special families by buying a badge during Legacy Week.

The pledge made by the original Anzacs to care for the “missus and kids” of their fallen comrades who gave their life or health for their country has been the driving force for the organisation for 93 years.

Legacy Australia chairman Tony Ralph said it didn’t matter if you were 100 or in your 20s, the organi-sation’s role in the community was as real now as it had ever been.

“An organisation rich in history,

Legacy does its best to meet the changing needs of our families in this modern era and with the support of generous Australians, Legacy can continue its good work,” he said.

“As part of that evolving support, 2016 saw Legacy embark on its single largest initiative in its history when 75 junior Legatees travelled to the Western Front to participate in the centenary commemorations.

“Having lost a close family member themselves, they know first-hand what it means for Legacy to ‘keep the promise’ – a promise made a century ago in the trenches.”

Mr Ralph said he encouraged all Australians to buy a badge and wear it with pride this Legacy Week.

“You will play an important role in supporting the families of ADF personnel,” he said.

“Whether on deployment, peace-keeping, peace enforcing or disaster relief, the bottom line is when a soldier goes to work, there is always a real risk they may not return, and if they do, it may not be in the same state as when they left.”

Legacy is the only organisation of its type in the world and relies on an army of dedicated volunteers, affectionately named “Legatees”, many of whom are returned service-men and women, to carry out its vital work.

Legacy merchandise, includ-ing badges, pens and the popular Legacy bears, will be available across the country during Legacy Week.

To make a donation or volunteer your time, visit www.legacy.com.au or call 1800 534 229.

Legacy keeps the promise

Lt-Col Nick Faughey

SOUTH Sudan, which five years ago became the world’s newest nation, is on the brink of a new civil war.

Vi o l e n c e e r u p t e d o v e r t h e Independence Day weekend in the capital Juba and across the country last month, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes as the one-year-old peace agree-ment that was supposed to conclude the last war appeared to end.

Since 2011, the ADF has provided a contingent to Operation Aslan of up to 25 personnel to support the United Nations (UN) Mission in South Sudan.

The majority are employed in Juba as staff officers or in national support roles, with another small team working out of the remote UN outpost in the north of the country near the township of Bor.

On the afternoon of July 8, South Sudan’s political leadership gathered at the Presidential Palace to jointly address the nation to call for calm from all fac-tions, as the country marked the anniver-sary of its independence from Sudan.

Instead Juba went into crisis . Government forces supported by small arms, T-54/55 tanks, mortars, artillery and MI-24 attack helicopters directed offensive operations against the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In-Opposition force.

Civilian camps, already accommodat-ing more than 20,000 internally displaced people, were attacked and UN troops were caught in the cross-fire as civilians sought sanctuary within the UN bases.

Deputy Commander Austral ian Contingent Lt-Col Les Robinson said while the fighting was intense, some-times only a couple of hundred metres from Australian personnel, all members remained calm and focused on their responsibilities.

“That old adage of ‘trust your train-ing’ was proven time and again,” he said.

“Operation Aslan has well-rehearsed plans and procedures that were proven to work effectively when it counted.”

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance reported that an estimated 40,000 additional civilians across Juba moved to the UN bases for safety and security.

Crisis in Juba ADF observers close to the fight

Australian Contingent RSM WO1 Peter Kirkman said many people sought refuge in makeshift locations such as schools and churches.

“The battle along the perimeter of the UN compounds resulted in small arms, RPG and mortar fire inside the wire sig-nificantly damaging UN facilities and vehicles,” he said.

“The real costs, though, were the fatalities – the death of many civilians, three UN personnel and the wounding of others, proving there is no safe haven in this civil war.”

With the announcement of a cease-fire, Juba remains tense but has slowly returned to normal – or as typical as can be expected in this dangerous part of Africa.

Fighting between the two parties is concentrated in the regional areas and has yet to again reach the intensity that was seen in Juba.

The UN continues to negotiate a long-term peace agreement, but many sense this may be a long time coming – this chapter in South Sudan’s history is yet to be completed.

Sudan People’s Liberation Army soldiers in a vehicle near Australia House after Independence Day clashes in Juba, South Sudan. Photo by Maj Graham Hales

Internally displaced people register at temporary camp at a United Nations base after Independence Day clashes in Juba, South Sudan. Photo by Lt-Col Nick Faughey

“Operation Aslan has well-rehearsed plans and procedures that were proven to work effectively when it counted.

– Lt-Col Les Robinson, Deputy Commander

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August 25, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews6

Tackling the black dogTHE government will review suicide and self-harm prevention services available to veterans and Defence per-sonnel, following an announcement by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on August 11.

The National Mental Health Commission, clinical experts, and cur-rent and former Defence personnel will analyse the effectiveness of existing services.

“We best honour the diggers of 1916 by caring for and supporting the veterans and their families of 2016,” Mr Turnbull said.

“We best honour the sacrifice and service of generations of Anzacs past by supporting the veterans of today and, of course, the servicemen and women in the ADF today.”

Mr Turnbull said one of the main challenges was that about 80 per cent of veterans had no contact with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

“We will change that – it’s impor-tant that DVA is in touch with all veter-ans,” he said.

“They may have no need for DVA services in particular, but it is impor-tant that we continue to support vet-erans and be connected to veterans throughout their lives.”

On top of a review, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of a suicide prevention trial site in Townsville, which will have a focus on ADF members and ex-service personnel.

The North Queensland Primary Health Network will run the service and be one of 12 frontline trials in the fight against suicide, understanding the challenges and developing best-prac-tice services.

The government also plans to bring together company leaders along

with the heads of the federal and state public services in November to increase employment opportunities for ex-service personnel.

“Depending on the range of work you’ve done in the ADF, you may not be able to complete your resume,” Mr Turnbull said.

“A lot of your work may be highly classified and you’re not in a position to describe it.

“Sometimes civilian employers fail to appreciate the extraordinary leader-ship experience gained by serving in the ADF.

“The best thing we can assure

and can deliver to ex-servicemen and women is a good, successful transition to civilian life, which means good, suc-cessful, satisfying employment.”

The review of suicide and self-harm prevention services will provide an interim report in December and a full report in February next year.

Government to review services for suicide and self-harm prevention

MENTAL HEALTH REVIEWThe government review will consider:���The range of services avail-

able to current and former serving members and their families.

���Effectiveness of these ser-vices in supporting members and their families while they serve, as they transition from Defence to civilian life, and later in their civilian life.

��Any duplication or gaps in current services and how they might be addressed.

��Any barriers to current and former serving members accessing services, taking into account cultural relevance, availability of providers, employment, functional capac-ity and degree of ill health.

���The extent to which former serving ADF members use services provided by other parts of government, ex-ser-vice organisations, the private sector or non-government organisations.

���If there is balance in the way the military experience is understood by and com-municated to the Australian community, recognising the impacts that it can have on the mental health of those who have served but also the positive benefits of the military experience.

���Reporting of, and incidence of, suicide among serving and former serving ADF members compared to the broader Australian community.

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7 August 25, 2016 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 7

FORCES Command soldiers and officers are encouraged to capitalise on lessons identified from the lead-up to and conduct of Exercise Hamel 2016 and submit ideas to improve capability.

Each of the combat brigades will soon host a “Good Ideas Expo” where soldiers, NCOs and junior officers are invited to showcase ideas relating to innovation and modernisation of combat capabilities.

SO1 Force Modernisation Lt-Col Roger McMurray, of HQ Forcomd, said the command-led focus on innova-tion within Army was critical to future success.

“Army HQ is finalising the planning for Army Innovation Day 2016 and will shortly promulgate the capabilities to be demonstrated at ADFA in October,” he said.

“While these higher level activities are exceptionally important and help achieve systemic modernisation for Army, feedback and ideas from junior leaders at the tactical level is equally – if not more – beneficial.

“What we are encouraging is more bottom-up innovation, and HQ Forcomd can assist with funding for concept eval-uation and trial activities.”

The Forcomd Innovation Portal, available on the DRN, allows innovation ideas to be submitted for consideration and evaluation funding.

SO2 Force Modernisation Maj Col Chidgey, of Forcomd, is responsible for supporting innovation concepts provided through the portal.

“Since the portal was established ear-lier this year, we have actioned 17 pro-posals and provided more than $450,000 to support innovation ideas that range from a deployable veterinary capability, to digital after action review systems,” he said.

Implementing good ideasIn 2014, 3 Bde submitted a pro-

posal to trial Airsoft weapons in

Harnessing tactical innovation

“Since the portal was established

earlier this year, we have actioned 17

proposals...– Maj Col Chidgey,

SO2 Force Modernisation, HQ Forcomd

Capitalising on good ideas

HOW TO CONTRIBUTEThere are a number of established forums to collaborate and submit good ideas for consid-eration and implementation: HQ Forcomd Innovation Portal at http://

legacy/TeamWeb2010/ARMY/forcomd/SustainableInnovation/default.aspx

Centre for Army Lessons releases Smart Soldier, Knowledge 4 Army, and provides a wealth of information at http://ako.drn.mil.au

ForceNet (www.forcenet.gov.au) has a Defence Innovation and Continuous Improvement collaboration group

Army’s Land Power Forum Blog (www.army.gov.au/Our-future/Blog) discusses modernisation themes for Army

JOIN THE CONVERSATIONGOOD IDEAS EXPOS

Full details will be provided locally, but soldiers will soon have the opportunity to participate in the following innovation activities: AHQ Army Innovation Day 2016: October 12,

(Canberra) 3 Bde Good Ideas Expo: September 13,

(Townsville) 7 Bde Good Ideas Expo: October 4,

(Brisbane) 1 Bde Good Ideas Expo: November 1-2,

(Darwin)2 Div, 6 CS Bde, 16 Avn Bde and 17 CSS Bde units are invited to attend the Good Ideas Expo in their local area.

Pte Callum Metague, of 3RAR, secures an ‘enemy’ soldier during the Combat Centre for Excellence trial at the Line Creek Junction Urban Operations Training

Facility in North Queensland in November 2015.

Photo by Cpl Kyle Genner

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support of reality-based training (see Smart Soldier #43 for more information on reality-based training).

HQ Forcomd funded the purchase of weapons and protective equipment to evaluate the benefits of this emer-gent capability, and Socomd provided support to the 3 Bde trial.

Based on 3 Bde feedback, man-marking-munitions, such as Airsoft, are now an endorsed requirement that enhance training for close combatants.

Pro jec t Land 125 Phase 3C (Enhanced F88) will deliver this capa-bility for the ADF, but as an interim measure, HQ Forcomd has provided funding to purchase weapons and pro-tective equipment for 1 Bde, 3 Bde, 7 Bde and CATC.

“G5 Branch of HQ Forcomd is responsible for the integrated introduc-tion into service of new capabilities to Forcomd units and is also the focal point for innovation,” Lt-Col McMurray said.

“The Airsoft submission from 3 Bde triggered an initial trial, but it was the follow-up feedback that supported HQ Forcomd purchasing more equipment to provide an interim issue for the combat brigades and the School of Infantry.

“This is a great example of tacti-cal innovation directly informing what will be delivered to Army by a major project.”

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August 25, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews8

DEFENCE Minister Senator Marise Payne travelled to the Middle East region earlier this month to meet with ADF personnel deployed as part of operations Okra and Accordion.

During her visit to Iraq, Minister Payne met with members of Australia’s Special Operations Task Group, which is providing support to the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service as part of the Advise and Assist mission, as well as personnel from Task Group Taji, which is training the Iraqi Security Forces as part of the Building Partner Capacity mission at the Taji Military Complex near Baghdad.

“The expertise, skill and dedica-tion of our ADF personnel and their commitment to these important train-ing missions have been invaluable in assisting the Iraqi Security Forces in their battle against violent extremism,” Minister Payne said.

“With coalition support the capac-ity of the Iraqi Security Forces has improved markedly and they have now driven Daesh out of more than 40 per cent of the territory they once held in Iraq.

“The ADF is making a significant difference in the campaign and their experience and skills are highly regard-ed by both the international coalition and the government of Iraq.

Capt James Hook

AUSTRALIANS on active service in Iraq took a short break from train-ing Iraqi soldiers to welcome visiting US Army officer Lt-Gen Stephen Townsend.

Lt-Gen Townsend was on a famil-iarisation visit to Iraq after US Defense Secretary Ash Carter named him as the new coalition commander of the inter-national fight against the Daesh terrorist group.

He will take over from Lt-Gen Sean

MacFarland as Commanding General of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF–OIR).

Lt-Gen Townsend and about 450 of his soldiers from the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, will deploy to the Middle East region where they will run the CJTF-OIR HQ.

Commander Task Group Taji Col Andrew Lowe hosted the senior officer during his visit to the Taji Military Complex, which comprises some 300 Australians and 100 New Zealanders.

Command visit to Taji

Incoming Commanding General Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve Lt-Gen Stephen Townsend inspects a Steyr HS .50 cal variant used by the Iraqi Army during training with Australian soldiers at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq. Photo by LS Jake Badior

Defence Minister thanks ADF troops for their service in the Middle East

“It’s not easy being so far from home for extended periods and I rec-ognise the sacrifices ADF personnel and their families are making on our behalf.”

The Minister met with Iraqi Prime Minister Dr Haider al-Abadi and Defence Minister Khalid al-Obeidi to reinforce Australia’s commitment to helping Iraq defeat Daesh and to

discuss the government’s recent deci-sion to broaden the scope of Australia’s Building Partner Capacity mission to include Iraqi law enforcement agencies.

In Afghanistan, Minister Payne thanked ADF personnel for their ongo-ing dedication and commitment.

“ADF personne l se rv ing in Afghanistan are playing a vital role in supporting the NATO-led Resolute

Support mission as it continues to develop the capability of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces,” she said.

Minister Payne met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to hear his assessment of the current security situa-tion and to reiterate Australia’s ongoing support to the long-term security of Afghanistan.

During the Minister’s meeting with the Deputy Commander of the Resolute Support Mission, Lt-Gen Sandy Storrie welcomed the Australian govern-ment’s recent announcement that it would continue to support the security of Afghanistan by pledging ongoing financial assistance of US$100 million annually until 2020.

“With coalition support, the capacity of the Iraqi

Security Forces has improved markedly and they have now driven

Daesh out of more than 40 per cent of the territory

they once held in Iraq.– Senator Marise Payne,

Defence Minister

Recognising sacrifices

Defence Minister Senator Marise Payne chats with Pte Jean Marc Bukasa during a visit to the Taji Military Complex in Iraq. Inset: The Minister addresses Task Group Taji troops. Photos by LS Jake Badior

9 August 25, 2016 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 9

Cpl Max Bree

WWII veteran Capt Vic Lederer (retd) remembers the names and details of long-lost Army mates along with instructions in Pidgin given to New Guinean locals if they found Allied soldiers.

Unfortunately the 101-year-old couldn’t recall what happened to his service medals, so CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell paid a visit to Capt Lederer’s Canberra home to present replacements on August 13.

“It’s marvellous. I feel abso-lutely wordless with surprise; it’s really wonderful,” he said.

“I didn’t think it was anything special that I did [during the war]; I did my best and that’s all.”

Capt Lederer was born in the UK in 1914 to a British mother and Austrian father.

He stayed in Britain when his father served as an Austrian officer in WWI.

Af te r be ing educa ted in Germany, Capt Lederer moved to Australia in 1934 and became a stockman.

He joined the 2nd AIF in 1940 as an infantryman and served in the Middle East.

Capt Lederer’s language skills were spotted in 1941. He trans-ferred to 4th Army Special Wireless Telegraphy Unit and served in North Africa and Lebanon as a German translator.

‘I did my best’

101-year-old WWII veteran receives replacement medals

CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell, left, and RSM-A WO Don

Spinks present replacement medals to WWII veteran Capt

Vic Lederer (retd). Photos by Cpl Max Bree

He returned to Australia, learned Japanese, commissioned in the Intelligence corps then served with forward listening posts in New Guinea and with advance ele-ments in Morotai.

Capt Lederer can still remem-ber names of and stories about those he served with.

“We were going inland to the Laloki River and we had bloke called Brian Hickling, giant of a fellow, strong as an ox and a very nice temper,” he said.

“He lifted me up as if I was a baby and shoved me into the car. The same Brian Hickling had to be sent back to Sydney because he got malaria. He couldn’t stand the hot climate.

“We had a Japanese American, Clarence Yamagata. He was a fan-tastic worker, full-blown Japanese, 100 per cent on our side and did a lot of translating – the more dif-ficult things. I could do Katakana but I couldn’t do Kanji.”

CA said it was an honour to recognise Capt Lederer’s service.

“He and his generation were instrumental in building and pro-tecting the nation that we now have the privilege to live in,” Lt-Gen Campbell said.

“I think it’s important for him and it’s important for Army to remember our history and to rec-ognise the people who created that history.”

CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell and WWII veteran Capt Vic Lederer (retd).

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August 25, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews10

Cpl Sebastian Beurich

DISPLAYING the bat t le hon-our ‘Romani’ on their Regimental Colours is a common heritage that links together today’s Light Horse regiments.

Representatives from 3/9 LH (SAMR), A Sqn 10 LHR, 4/19 PWLHR, 12/16 HRR, 1/15 RNSWR and 2/4 LHR (QMI) all gathered at the Desert Mounted Corps memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra on August 5 to commemorate the battle’s centenary.

DCA Maj-Gen Rick Burr said the battle was a major turning point for the Allies in WWI.

“Commander of the Anzac forces Gen Harry Chauvel later said the vic-tory at Romani changed the whole face of the campaign in Egypt, and led to the departure of German and Turkish troops from the theatre,” he said.

“Australian light horsemen suffered the most casualties and were described by British commander Gen Murray as having been the ‘keystone to Egypt’s defence, showing indescribable gallant-ry, steadfastness and untiring energy’.

“Today, we remember those light horsemen and honour their service and sacrifice. Their legacy is not forgotten by our current-serving soldiers.”

OC B Sqn 2/14 LHR Maj Nick Rutten said commemorating the battle

Light horsemen pay tribute to key battle Soldiers gather in Canberra to honour 100th anniversary of the Battle of Romani

was an important part of capturing his unit’s history.

“We’re the oldest regular Army unit, so we take a bit of pride in recognising our past achievements,” he said.

“In the evening we also did a read-ing at the Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial for Lt Alan Serafino Righetti, of the 2nd Light Horse Regt, who fought in the Battle of Romani.

“Standing in front of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, reading the story of a soldier who gave his life for Australia, was a moving experience.”

“Australian light horsemen suffered the most casualties and were described as the ‘keystone to Egypt’s defence’.

– Maj-Gen Rick Burr, Deputy Chief of Army

11 August 25, 2016 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 11

Light horsemen pay tribute to key battle

Sgt Dave Morley

IN EARLY July 1916, a Turkish force 16,000 strong, com-manded by German artillery officer Kress von Kressenstein, began an advance across the Sinai.

Kress intended to establish a base within artillery range of the Suez Canal and bombard Allied shipping.

His force comprised the 3rd (Anatolian) Div and Pasha I, a force of German machine guns, artillery and anti-aircraft guns.

An aerial reconnaissance flight by the commander of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Bde, Brig-Gen Edward Chaytor, discovered the Ottoman force on July 19, giv-ing the British ample warning of the coming attack.

It took another two weeks for the Ottoman troops to reach their target, allowing the British time to reinforce their Romani position.

The Turks launched their assault on the night of August 3, 1916.

They attempted to outflank Romani from the south with the bulk of their troops, while a smaller force of infantry, sup-ported by heavy artillery, kept the Commonwealth defenders pinned down.

The Ottoman flank attack ran headlong into the 1st Australian Light Horse Bde and a vicious close-quarters battle ensued.

In the early hours of August 4, Turkish infantry and Australian light horsemen shot and bayoneted each other in the darkness.

Capt James Hook

FOUR hundred Australians and New Zealanders on active service in Iraq are connected across a century to their nations’ legendary mounted warriors of WWI.

They are the men and women of Task Group Taji, formed to train the Iraqi Army to defeat the Daesh terrorist group.

The task group shares its emblem – a boomerang and silver fern – with the Australian and New Zealand Mounted Division, which earned an enviable repu-tation in the Great War.

Commander Task Group Taji Col Andrew Lowe said the links went further.

“We have adopted the Mounted Division’s motto of ‘Kia Tupato’ – Maori for ‘Be Cautious’,” he said.

“The Mounted Division comprised three Australian Light Horse brigades and one New Zealand Mounted Rifles bri-gade, whereas we have three Australian training teams and one New Zealand training team.

“They served in Egypt, Palestine and Syria, and we are next door in Iraq.

“We are experiencing the same cli-mate and the same cultures they did 100 years ago.”

He said the task group was conscious

of its duty regarding the traditions and reputations of the Australian and New Zealand armies.

“I once attended a reception in Canberra where then-Governor-General Sir William Deane hosted the graduating class of RMC Duntroon,” he said.

“Sir William told the new officers they had two challenges in their careers: to maintain the Army’s traditions and enhance its reputation.

“I believe that is what we are doing here. We maintain traditions with our links to the past. And we enhance the rep-utation that our armed forces have earned over a century of warfighting.”

He said while they may not be in combat, they were training proud soldiers who were fighting to regain the sover-eignty of their nation and defeat a terror-ist scourge that threatened the rest of the world.

“We are professionals, proud of how we conduct ourselves, and confident in our ability to share our knowledge of combat,” Col Lowe said.

“Every day we spend in Iraq, we send that message to those who observe us.

“In that way, we honour those who served before us, and ratchet up a notch the reputation of the Australian and New Zealand defence forces.”

Sacred reputation in safe hands at Taji

Commander Task Group Taji Col Andrew Lowe, left, and Pte Ramy Nakhil chat with Deputy Commander Northern Baghdad Operations Command Staff Brig-Gen Wisam Abdul Aziz Al Sa’edi at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq. Photo by LS Jake Badior

Stabilising the line

Gen Harry Chauvel congratulates the 1st Light Horse Bde for its work during the Battle of Romani. Photo courtesy AWM

Soldiers from various Light Horse units salute during the Battle of Romani 100th anniversary commemorative service at the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial in Canberra. Photos by Sgt Mick Davis

Despite a determined defence, the diggers were eventually pushed back by superior Ottoman numbers.

With Australian positions falling one by one, Anzac Mounted Division commander Gen Harry Chauvel refused to commit the 2nd Australian Light Horse Bde to the battle until dawn clarified what was happening.

When first light revealed the seriousness of the situa-tion, the 2nd Australian Light Horse Bde, which included the Wellington Mtd Rifles Regt, was immediately ordered to join the fight to help stabilise the line.

As the day progressed both mounted and infan-try reinforcements steadily arrived, allowing the position to be stabilised around a mas-sive dune known as Mount Royston.

The position was held throughout the night and before dawn the following morning, the 1st and 2nd Australian Light Horse Bdes advanced on foot with the bayonet.

Turkish resistance

collapsed at this point, and large numbers of prisoners were taken.

At 6.30am fresh troops from the 3rd Australian Light Horse Bde were turned loose in pursuit of the retreating Turks.

Attempts to destroy the remainder of the Ottoman force the following day, though, were only partially successful.

The British infantry could not catch the retreating Ottoman troops and the New Zealand and Australian horse-men were in no fit state to mount a pursuit after bearing the brunt of the fighting the day before.

The Battle of Romani finally put a stop to the Turkish threat to the Suez Canal and marked the beginning of the British forces’ drive out of Egypt and into Palestine.

The Ottoman force suffered some 5000 casualties, includ-ing 4000 taken prisoner, with four guns and nine machine guns captured.

Most of the 1130 Allied casualties were suffered by the Anzac Mounted Division.

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August 25, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews12

THE First Principles Review is argu-ably the most significant reform of Defence since the 1970s – certainly for the management and delivery of capability, according to VCDF VAdm Ray Griggs.

“Defence now has a One Defence business model with a strong strate-gic centre, clear accountabilities, and leaner structures, systems and pro-cesses,” VAdm Griggs said.

The new Capability Life Cycle forms a crucial part of the One Defence business model. It estab-lishes a single end-to-end capability development function to maximise the efficient, effective and profession-al delivery of military capability.

Implementation of the Capability Life Cycle began on April 1, with the Capability Life Cycle Detailed Des ign approved , Capab i l i ty Development Group disbanded, and clear and strengthened authorities and accountabilities put in place.

A single Investment Committee, consolidating several committees and now chaired by VAdm Griggs, has also been established.

The Investment Committee con-siders all capital investment across Defence, including military capabil-ity, information and communications technology, and estate and infrastruc-ture investments.

“The main mechanism to achieve

this is through the government’s Integrated Investment Plan, which outlines where the government intends to invest in Defence in the future,” VAdm Griggs said.

“Projects and broader investments are now managed within a series of programs.

“Our focus now is to make sure we only do the work that needs to be done for the Investment Committee to make decisions, and for the project to move forward to the next milestone.”

Defence’s capability management processes are being simplified, with an emphasis on thinking about what decisions need to be made, rather than being driven by overly prescrip-tive templates.

Tools and reporting systems used across the life cycle are being stand-ardised.

“All these changes are brought together by a strong focus on behav-iours to get Defence to become more effective, transparent and trusted across government,” VAdm Griggs said.

“For the remainder of 2016, the capability workstream will focus on working through the Capability Life Cycle changes with government and central agencies.

“We will also integrate contest-ability into the life cycle, and broaden smart buyer practices to all delivery groups.”

Streamlining capability The One Defence business model will make the delivery of military capability more efficient

Pte Sam Rees, of 1RAR, tests the Enhanced F88 Austeyr rifle last year. The new Capability Life Cycle, part of the One Defence business model, will streamline capability acquisition.

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SCIENCE = CAPABILITY August 25, 2016 Centrepiecewww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews14 15

ARMY’S Scientific Adviser and his team witnessed first-hand HQ 1 Div/DJFHQ’s rapid implementation of Army’s modernisation initia-

tives and enhanced digital technology during Exercise Vital Prospect at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, in May.

The exercise involved HQ 1 Div/DJFHQ personnel being placed in a simulated field environment with integrated digital command, control, communication and computers and joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnais-sance systems.

Scientific Adviser – Land Ralph Gailis says the visit and meeting with Commander 1 Div/DJFHQ Maj-Gen Paul McLachlan was benefi-cial and underscores the transformation of the HQ to a more digitally-enabled organisation, which is being achieved through innovative thinking and a willingness to experiment.

The visit also allowed Dr Gailis and Director Science Programs – Land Helen Cartledge to witness how a major deployed headquarters functions in an operational context.

“Watching large exercises unfold and seeing the actual equipment and technology employed in this way helps us to contextualise

and better understand how Army operates, and what it needs,” Dr Gailis says.

“Additionally, it helps us build good, trusted relationships with senior Army officers, and all of this hopefully translates into us in Canberra better supporting Army modernisation.”

During the visit Dr Gailis and Dr Cartledge had an opportunity to obtain feedback from the ‘end-users’ of the new Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform (AMCU) and the soldier combat ensemble (SCE) being rolled-out across Army.

The five-element SCE comprises ballistic laser occular protection, tiered combat helmet, combat hearing protection, new load carriage equipment, including the tiered body armour system, and a range of body armour applica-tions.

The impact of the AMCU and SCE has been the most significant enhancement to individual soldiers since the introduction of the Dispersed Pattern Camouflage in the mid-1980s.

Both scientists said soldier feedback was extremely positive and reinforced the efforts made by DST Group to find functional and effective solutions to enhance the fighting force.

RESEARCH being conducted by the Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) seeks to improve treatment for soldiers suffering from the illness.

In 2010, the ADF estimated the 12-month prevalence of mental disorders in a population sample of 50,049 ADF members as 22 per cent (11,016 mem-bers). Among those, 6196 were Army personnel – that’s 24.4 per cent of the total Army of 25,356.

Mental disorder, particularly PTSD, is a significant issue among many returned service personnel in Australian and coali-tion forces.

Three years ago, the US Deptartment of Veterans’ Affairs indicated that of the 1.64 million service members who had served in Afghanistan and Iraq, 20 per cent, or 328,000, were experiencing depression, anxiety, stress or PTSD.

These figures concern Director Science Programs – Land Helen Cartledge, who has been the project manager for the National Security and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division in DST Group.

During a scientific gathering in Newcastle, NSW, Dr Cartledge met Carolyn Mountford, the director of the Centre for Magnetic Resonance in Health at the University of Newcastle. She is also director of the Centre for Clinical Spectroscopy at Harvard Medical School in the US.

When Prof Mountford mentioned her research into biomarker changes in the brain of those with repetitive head injury and chronic pain, Dr Cartledge asked if the professor could look into PTSD and blast injury.

A research proposal was raised and supported by the Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office in the US Department of Defense and the National Security Centre of DST Group.

The project was jointly funded by the two organisations under a bilateral agree-ment and has achieved significant early results.

“Scientists now can see noticeable differences between the healthy brain and that of a person with PTSD,” Dr Cartledge says.

“The research involves new protocols for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy and has been used to study how the brain changes with stress, blast, impact, chronic pain and brain injury.

“It is providing new insight into how our brain chemistry operates, as well as changes with degeneration and disease. It shows how abnormal brain chemis-try changes the way we feel and how we behave. The broken pathways once established can be used for diagnostic purposes, as well as to look for treat-ments.”

The study has evaluated its potential for improving the mental health of sol-diers in Australia.

“The outcomes of this research are now becoming available and have led to discussions in Canberra and Washington D.C. on how this technology can best be made available to the Australian and US armed forces,” Dr Cartledge says.

“The future use of this technology in the military is aimed at better managing the health of ADF personnel.

“The earlier chemical changes in the brain are identified, the better the poten-tial for a full recovery. This could also

AS SCIENTIFIC Adviser – Land, Ralph Gailis oversees Army’s science and tech-nology program, from scientific advice and input on how to train and fight, to what to eat to what to buy to enhance capability.

“Our office is the representative of the Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group embedded in Army HQ,” Dr Gailis says.

“There are similar offices set up in Navy and Air Force and we work together closely by briefing each other fortnightly to increase our awareness across the services and capi-talise on opportunities for collaboration.”

Staff in Army’s Scientific Adviser’s office gather questions of interest from across Army and translate these into scientific requirements for investigation and research by DST Group.

DST Group has about 2100 personnel working in research laboratories across Australia.

“Our researchers are working at the fron-tier of Defence research and many are lead-ers in their field,” Dr Gailis says.

“Members of the ADF often visit DST Group laboratories and many are astonished at the work being done.”

He says DST Group scientists encour-age ADF members who are interested in the group’s research to visit, particularly on ‘innovation’ days.

Director Science Programs – Land Helen Cartledge says DST Group scientists work extremely hard, often unseen, for the ADF.

“Over the years, they have come up with some great inventions – from the black box many years ago to the V-shape panel devel-oped for armoured vehicles carrying soldiers. This initiative saved many lives and also received acknowledgement from the US Department of Defense,” she says.

Apart from their work in laboratories, DST Group scientists are also deployed in opera-tional theatres working alongside soldiers.

“Over the last decade and a half, DST Group has deployed operation analysts and science liaison officers to Middle East, Timor-Leste and Solomon Island theatres,” Dr Cartledge says.

Dr Cartledge is currently preparing for a seven-month deployment to the Middle East region. In October, she will take up the role of Science Liaison Officer in HQ JTF633 with responsibility for leading the science support effort across the Middle East region.

Working in her place is another DST Group scientist, Theresa Hay, who will act as Director Science Programs – Land for at least the next six months.

Dr Hay comes from DST Group’s Land Division and worked in the food and nutrition science and technology capability.

“As with other scientists, we sometimes have to work around the clock and keep sleeping bags in our offices to support oper-ations,” Dr Cartledge says.

“We can be woken up at 2am by calls from the Middle East seeking technical advice.

“We are not normal scientists working in universities and industry. We are military scientists who have to understand the ADF context and what it is trying to achieve.

“It takes years of experience to become a world leader in any one field and earn the trust of the ADF.

“Most of the work we have done cannot be published or promoted because of its sensitive nature, and the public is generally unaware of who we are and what we do.

“Our achievements generally fly under the radar, but it is worth it for the contribution we can make to Army, its modernisation intent and to the serving members of the ADF.”

Dr Gailis says the office’s door is always open to inquiring minds.

“Please feel free to drop by and tell us your thoughts on how we can do better to support modernising Army,” he says.

For more information, email SA-A.office@defence.gov.au

Earning the trust of the

ADF

Ground-breaking PTSD research will help soldiers

assist in managing the effectiveness of ADF training programs.

“From this research, it is hoped it will be possible to provide an early diagnosis for mental health issues and assist with return to duty decisions.”

The project, which aims to complete its pilot study by the end of January 2017, contributes to Army’s modernisa-

tion effort in the field of human perfor-mance.

A larger study is planned to follow, allowing the data to be analysed by mod-ern bioinformatics. This process will be made available by commercial partners Siemens Healthcare.

“Of significance is the leadership and support provided to this project by two

scientists – Tony Lindsay, the chief of the National Security Intelligence Division in DST Group, and fellow scientist Paul Johnson,” Dr Cartledge says.

For more information on the PTSD project, contact SO1 Science and Technology at Army HQ Lt-Col Patrick Cullinan at patrick.cullinan@defence.gov.au

Driving a digital revolution

“The soldiers told us that they had recently worn some of the kit overseas on Operation Fiji Assist,” Dr Gailis says.

“They said it was more comfortable and, in particular, breathed better in the hot and humid environments in which they had to work.”

LCpl Kate Williams and Pte Steven Close, of 1 Sig Regt, at work during Exercise Vital Prospect as Scientific Adviser – Land Ralph Gailis, left, Commander 1 Div/DJFHQ Maj-Gen Paul McLachlan, centre, and Director Science Programs – Land Helen Cartledge, right, look on.

From left, Pte Hayley Fleming, of 1 Sgt Regt, Scientific Adviser – Land Ralph Gailis, Director Science Programs – Land Helen Cartledge, Pte Steven Close, of 1 Sig Regt, and Commander 1 Div/DJFHQ Maj-Gen Paul McLachlan discuss Exercise Vital Prospect at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera.

Fucosylated 1-2 Glycans: Neuronal processes Learning, development and

memory Neurite outgrowth Neuronal morphology Level pain

A healthy brain illustrating the fucosylated glycams that allow insight into memory, pain and PTSD. Graphic courtesy Mountford, Lin Quadrelli, Ramadan NMR in Biomedicine 28, (3) 291, 2015

An MRI head scan to evaluate the mental health of soldiers.

If you are experiencing mental health issues, contact the All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036. The helpline includes psychology, medical, social work and chaplaincy services.

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August 25, 2016Features www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews16

FEW images in Australian folklore so vividly epito-mise the values of cour-age, mateship and self-

sacrifice as that so poignantly captured in the final scenes of Australian director Peter Weir’s film Gallipoli.

Despite the ultimate failure of the charge at the Nek on August 7, 1915, as the men of the 3rd Light Horse Bde futilely threw themselves over the trench para-pets into no man’s land only to be ripped apart by Turkish machine gun fire, their heroism and dedica-tion to one another lives on.

Exactly 101 years to the day, drawing its lineage from the 8th Light Horse who so gallantly took part in the battle, soldiers of 4/19PWLHR commemorated the charge of the Nek with a dinner and the exercising of Freedom of Entry to the Shire of Indigo in northern Victoria – the spiritual home of the 8th Light Horse.

The dinner held on August 6 at Beersheba Barracks, Wangaratta, was a chance for members of the regiment, past and present, to come together to recognise and remember the sacrifices of the unit’s forebears.

Dinner guests included Indigo mayor James Trenery, Commander 4 Bde Brig David Westphalen and 4/19PWLHR’s Honorary Colonel Maj-Gen Gregory Garde (retd).

During the dinner CO 4/19PWLHR Lt-Col John Molnar launched the unit’s heritage initia-tive for junior leadership develop-ment.

“As we approach the consecra-tion of the new guidon, recognis-ing the 4th, 8th, 13th, 17th, 19th and 20th Light Horse, along with the 2/4 and 2/8 Armd Regts, it is important we remember the cus-toms, traditions and battle honours which 4/19PWLHR now repre-sent,” he said.

As part of the program, each

of the troop leaders was presented with a pennant representing the preceding Light Horse units and was entrusted with maintaining their history and traditions.

The following day in a mounted cavalry parade through the streets of Beechworth, in a long honoured tradition recognis-ing the unit’s links to the region, 4/19PWLHR exercised Freedom of Entry to the Shire of Indigo.

At the very time the guns from the preceding naval bombardment would have gone quiet in anticipa-tion of 8th Light Horse’s charge at the Nek in 1915, members of the regiment dismounted their vehi-cles and formed up to pay homage to the shire and their forebears.

Tpr Simon Ho was proud to be on parade.

“I’m proud to be an Australian soldier and a light horseman,” he said.

The light horsemen of 4/19PWLHR exercise Freedom of Entry to the Shire of Indigo in honour of their forebears and the fateful charge at the Nek, Tpr Warren Evans reports.

Honouring their memory

Soldiers from 4/19PWLHR salute their Honorary Colonel Maj-Gen Gregory Garde (retd) as he arrives in Beechworth, Victoria, for the unit’s Freedom of Entry parade. Inset: 4/19PWLHR soldiers drive Bushmaster PMVs through the streets of Beechworth. Photos by Tpr Simon Ho

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August 25, 2016Features www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews18

INDIGENOUS elders from the Waka Waka and Yuggera nations joined the commander and staff of HQ 1 Div/Deployable Joint Force Headquarters

(DJFHQ) to recognise NAIDOC Week on August 5.

Conducted near the headquarter’s his-torical collection, the ceremony was led by Commander 1 Div/DJFHQ Maj-Gen Paul McLachlan and Aunty Flo Watson and acknowledged the significant and proud contribution made by Indigenous Australians in defence of our nation.

Also on hand were Indigenous elders Ross Williams and Nancy Bamaga, who both have ancestors who served with pride in the Army.

Maj-Gen McLachlan spoke of the pro-gress that has been made and, in some cases, driven by the ADF in recognis-ing the sacrifice and achievements of Indigenous service personnel.

Of particular focus were those who chose to represent their nation despite not even being acknowledged as citizens under Australian legislation at the time.

“Our Army has a proud history of Indigenous service, with a lineage that stretches from the Boer War to operations today,” Maj-Gen McLachlan said. “This ceremony is an important demonstration of our commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous service, but also recognises that all of our soldiers, past and present, are equal in the service of our nation.”

Speaking on behalf of the Waka Waka and Yuggera nations, Aunty Flo acknowl-edged the role of the ADF in support-ing Indigenous Australians and national reconciliation.

“Things have certainly changed since many years ago,” she said.

“Times are different and much better, but we still have a fair way to go. It is great to see the Army doing this.”

The ceremony was accompanied by a haunting didgeridoo performance from Troy Hegarty, grandson of Indigenous elder and author Ruth Hegarty.

Command Indigenous Liaison Officer Lt Rowan Larkin said the NAIDOC ceremony and the Army’s support to Indigenous Australians were an extension of a long and proud commitment.

“Defence has been an employ-er of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for many years,” Lt Larkin said.

“The Army Indigenous Strategy is an example of the ongoing respect we pay to Indigenous Australians and recognises the valuable contribution they make to the security of our nation.”

Echoing the words of CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell, Maj-Gen McLachlan reaffirmed Army’s commitment to hon-ouring the extraordinary sacrifices and efforts of Indigenous Australians who have served and continue to serve.

Soldiers of 1 Div/DJFHQ come together to celebrate NAIDOC Week and honour the service of Indigenous personnel, Maj Kris Gardiner reports.

Above, from left: Nancy Bamaga, Troy Hegarty, Commander 1 Div/DJFHQ Maj-Gen Paul McLachlan, Ross Williams, Aunty Flo Walker and Command Indigenous Liaison Officer Lt Rowan Larkin commemorate NAIDOC Week in Brisbane.

Below: Troy Hegarty performs the didgeridoo during the NAIDOC week ceremony at 1 Div/DJFHQ.

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August 25, 2016 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 19

ADF personnel were treated to Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group’s latest innovations at Russell

Offices in Canberra on August 15.Marking National Science Week,

six DST Group scientists each deliv-ered a one-minute presentation on technologies in development at the Defence Science Showcase.

Chief Defence Scientist Alex Zelinsky said the technologies were work that was on the cusp of commer-cialisation.

“The ADF has a very strong tradi-tion of embracing science and leverag-ing technology for Defence capabil-ity,” he said.

“It was only fitting that Defence personnel and scientists came together during that week to acknowledge the contribution of science to the security of our nation.

“The showcase was an opportunity for us to share the highlights of the technologies we have been developing recently in support of the ADF.”

The presenters were Ken Smit, David Watts, Tania Holmes, Beau Krieg, Mathew McKinna, Chris Madden and keynote speaker Mark Patterson.

The new technologies they covered were Pyrofilm, Situational Awareness

Knowledge Infrastructure, Superfast 3D Tracking, structural integrity of ADF helicopters, advanced tacti-cal booster technologies and the Systematic Event Evaluation Kit.

Dr Patterson spoke at length about how DST Group maintained fighting capability in the heat.

The study, which has been continu-ing for nearly a decade, was prompted by the death of Tpr Angus Lawrence who died of heat stroke at Mt Bundy in 2004.

His death led to an ADF review of policy and guidance in relation to working in the heat.

Dr Patterson gave examples of how heat stroke could affect capability, with one notable incident occurring in the US.

“One soldier went down with heat stroke and it took the rest of his sec-tion to get him to care,” he said.

“In doing so, others ended up going down with heat stroke, too.

“The commander realised he had lost an entire section in a short amount of time and had to pause the activity.”

Dr Patterson said the ADF had worked with industry to come up with a hand-held device that measured tem-perature, humidity and light, enabling commanders to see how each soldier was performing in real-time.

Sharing innovationDefence scientists show off their work during National Science Week, Plt-Off Aaron Curran reports.

Keynote speaker Mark Patterson at the Defence Science Showcase.

“The showcase was an opportunity for us to share the

highlights of the technologies we have been developing recently in

support of the ADF.

– Alex Zelinsky, Chief Defence Scientist

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August 25, 2016Personnel www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews20

Other RankDefence Force Magistrate

1 x Obtaining a Financial Advantage – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code (Cth) s 135.2(1)

The member was accused of using a Defence Travel Card to pay for services and withdraw cash, totalling $1044.40 in value, which the member was not entitled to receive. The member pleaded guilty to the charge and

was found guilty of the charge. The member forfeited seniority in rank and was fined $2000 (with $1000 suspended and the bal-ance to be paid in instalments).

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The member was accused of

using a Defence Travel Card to withdraw cash, totalling $3130 in value, which the member was not entitled to receive. The member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges. The member was severely reprimanded and dis-missed from the ADF.

All court martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are subject to command review and appeal. The results are of trials across the ADF.

JULY TRIAL RESULTS

ALL Defence personnel are now required to use PMKeyS Self Service (PSS) for all pay, leave and personal data transactions available in that functionality following a review into Defence red tape.

Assistant Secretary Pay and Administration Brian Paule said PSS was a convenient and simple process for members to submit their pay, leave and personal data changes.

“Maximising the use of PSS will ensure that processing time for leave applications and pay transactions are dramatically decreased,” Mr Paule said.

Processing centres may return paper and SmartForms unprocessed to the member’s approving authority for processing through PSS.

“A monitoring process will also be implemented to ensure the returned forms, such as leave applications, have been input in PSS,” Mr Paule said.

PSS is available for the following leave types: FAN – ADF War and Annual Leave

FSL – Short Leave FSR – Short Leave (Removal) FTP – Forces Travel on Posting FTR – Trainee Leave (ADF) FTV – Forces Travel (BRL and

Compassionate)Staff who do not have access to the

DRN will be able to access PSS via the PSS Home Portal available on the internet.

To register for PSS Home Portal members must have their private email and mobile phone number recorded in PMKeyS. Mobile numbers must be in the standard Telstra format for auto-mated SMS delivery, starting with ‘61’ (Australia), not ‘0’, for example: 61 413 000 000.

There are exceptions for electronic submission of forms. Refer to Defgram 284/2016 for more information.

For more information and details on how to reg-ister for the PSS Home Portal, visit http://drnet.defence.gov.au/People/PMKeyS/PMKeyS-Self-Service/Pages/Home-Portal-Information.aspx

IN BRIEFDATSIN conference Registrations for the 2016 Defence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network (DATSIN) conference close on August 31. This year’s conference will be held on October 5-6 in Canberra with the theme of ‘Change. Challenge. Opportunity.’ Nominations are open to Indigenous ADF and APS employ-ees. Nominees should obtain their supervisor’s endorsement and nominate using the registration form located on the Indigenous Affairs DATSIN webpage at http://drnet.defence.gov.au/People/Diversity/Indigenous-Affairs/Pages/Defence-Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-Network-Conference.aspx, or email DATSIN.Conference@defence.gov.au

Flt-Lt Nick O’Connor

RESERVISTS employed by the ACT government will now find it easier to fulfil their ser-vice requirements under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Defence.

The MOU was signed by the ACT Deputy Chief Minister Simon Corbell and Head Cadet, Reserve Employer Suppor t Div i s ion Maj-Gen Iain Spence at a recent presentation of awards to supportive ACT employers.

Maj-Gen Spence said the MOU heralded a new era for ACT govern-ment/ADF working relationships and recognised a commitment from the ACT government and Defence

Manual applications a thing of the past

Connect on ForceNet

New era for reserves

Improving communication across Army

to work cooperatively to support reserve employees undertaking their ADF service.

“The MOU ensures the ACT government, their ADF reserve employees and Defence keep lines of communication open to ensure

the benefits of reserve service are maximised for all parties,” he said.

“Every day, employers such as the ACT government throughout the nation support ADF reservists through a range of flexible working arrangements and policies.”

Head Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division Maj-Gen Iain Spence and ACT Deputy Chief Minister Simon Corbell sign the MOU.Photo by LACW Katharine Pearson

Mountain challengeDEFENCE personnel are invited to participate in the Mount Keira Challenge, Cycle Climb and Fun Run to support PTSD assistance charity Fearless Outreach. It kicks off on September 25 in Wollongong and compromises two challenges to suit cyclists, runners and walkers. The Mt Keira cycle climb is a leg burning test of a 6.5km uphill road cycle from base to summit, offer-ing closed roads for a total climb of 440m. For runners and walkers, the fun run offers 5km and 10km courses that both finish at the summit. Entrants are encouraged to rally groups, friends and families to enter. Further details can be found at www.keirachallenge.com.au

FORCENET is a secure e-portal that connects you with Army, the Defence organisation and each other.

The internet-based platform is accessible anytime and anywhere – from the DRN, your desktop at home, tablet or mobile device.

Why should I register?Registering on ForceNet means

you can stay connected, even when you can’t access the DRN.

ForceNet’s functionality allows you to: stay informed; receive unit updates; search and view Defence career

opportunities; indicate your ability to undertake

reserve service to increase your visibility; and

form professional and social groups. All members of the ADF can

register on ForceNet. It is also avail-able to Defence APS employees.

How do I use ForceNet?You can register on ForceNet

if your alternative contact details (home email and mobile phone number) are up to date in PMKeyS. If you need to update your contact details, be aware that PMKeyS updates can take up to two-to-four business days.

When your PMKeyS update has been processed, visit www.forcenet.gov.au, click the button on screen to register and enter your PMKeyS number to complete your registra-tion. Registration details will be sent to your home email address.

On ForceNet, users can join

professional groups (such as your corps), social groups (such as ADF sporting associations) or unit groups.

Once a ForceNet user, you can create your own profile, send mes-sages to other users or receive invi-tations to group events.

You can also access a collec-tion of commonly used forms, Defgrams, Defence policies and the daily news summary.

Is ForceNet secure?ForceNet is secure and is only

accessible by Defence members and employees with a current PMKeyS number.

ForceNet is accredited to con-tain Unclassified – For Official Use Only content. Sensitive, classified or inappropriate content is not per-mitted. Users must also comply

with Defence’s social media policy and ICT usage guidelines.

ForceNet and the ADF Total Workforce Model (TWM)

ForceNet is a supporting tool of the ADF TWM, which is a work-force model that has recently been implemented by Army designed to enhance Defence capability through a flexible, contemporary and sus-tainable workforce.

ForceNet supports the ADF TWM by improving communica-tion and providing an alterna-tive means of matching skills to capability.

For more information about ForceNet, visit www.forcenet.gov.au or email queries to ForceNet@defence.gov.au For more information on Army’s imple-mentation of the ADF TWM, visit the Army TWM website.

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August 25, 2016www.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsPeople22

Above: CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell, second from left, meets with Cpl Emma Turnbull, left, WO2 Dan Moren and Capt Holly Orchard, who are deployed as part of Task Group Afghanistan.

Left: RSM-A WO Don Spinks, left, chats with Commander Task Group Afghanistan Brig Cheryl Pearce, centre, and Pte Nick Farallo during a visit to Kabul, Afghanistan.

Photos by Sgt Rob Hack

Left: Pte Megan Hunt, of 3CSSB, and unit mascot Toby meet Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during his visit to Lavarack Barracks in Townsville. Photo by Pte Belinda Dixon

Below: Rotary Wing Maintenance Operations Officer Capt Steve Wardill stands in front of an Mi-17 helicopter at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan. Photo by Flt-Lt Kate Kennedy

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August 25, 2016 Funwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 23

HAVE YOUR SAY

Army welcomes letters from readers. To increase the likelihood of having a letter published, please note: Preference is given

to letters under 250 words.

Letters may be edited for space and grammar.

Letters must include author’s name, unit, and location.

Letters might be rejected if they are too long, abusive or can be answered by the author’s unit.

Email letters to armynews@defencenews.gov.au

Cpl Sebastian Beurich

IN THE last few editions of Army, you may have seen some new comic strips appear on the ‘Fun’ page. These come from Army’s own Pte Codey Anderson – a soldier at 6RAR.

“I used to read a lot of comic books when I was in primary school. In the beginning I would study the line work and then try and replicate it,” Pte Anderson said.

“Around age 12, I started getting good at drawing and moved on to trying different methods and medi-ums of art.

“I have never believed in natural talent – I only got good at what I do with hundreds of hours of practise.”

After studying 3D animation at university, Pte Anderson worked in a variety of creative fields.

“3D animation and modelling, graphic design, illustration, contem-porary art and even tattooing – I’ve done a few different things,” he said.

“Through all of those, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients from all around the world.”

Pte Anderson said the inspiration for his art came from the ‘funnies’ that came up from time to time in the Army.

“I try and think outside the box, and to address topics with which most soldiers can identify,” he said.

“I started with a few concepts and posted them to social media – they all got a good amount of people sharing and commenting on them, which was a surprise.

“With a bit of encouragement, I took a punt and sent some of my comics in and the rest is history. I get a lot of great feedback from

people I don’t even know. It’s good to know my work is appreciated.”

He has also found a way to apply his creative skills to his work as an infantryman.

“I’m lucky enough to be able to use my skills for field panoramic sketching, which helps commanders develop their plans,” he said.

“I invest a lot of my own time into my art. If I’m not working on that, then I’m often kept busy by physical training, hiking or renovat-ing my house.

“At the end of the day, if I can spark someone’s interest and give them a bit of enjoyment, then I’m happy.”

You can find more of Pte Anderson’s work at his website at www.codeyanderson.blogspot.com or on Instagram by searching CODEYS_ART.

INSTAGRAM: CODEYS_ART By Pte Codey Anderson

Toon up for fun page

True stories of Australian heroismOur Vietnam NursesPublisher: Penguin BooksAuthor: Annabelle BrayleyRRP: $35.00 Reviewer: Sgt Dave MorleyPages: 290

THE title of this book is a bit of a mis-nomer because it covers much more than it suggests.

Regular and National Service med-ics, volunteer civilian medical teams from Australian hospitals and Red Cross aides all have their stories told in this well-written and well-illustrated book.

Army nurses, who worked in the Australian Army hospital at Vung Tau and Air Force nurses who did aeromedical evacuation flights out of RAAF Base Butterworth and the US Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines also tell their stories.

The author Annabelle Brayley, her-self a nurse and author of another two books on rural and outback nurses, per-sonally interviewed more than 20 people who took part in the Vietnam War in dif-fering medical capacities.

Many of the nurses were told they couldn’t tell their families they were going to Vietnam and some kept it bottled up for years until the Vietnam Veterans’ Welcome Home March in 1987 allowed them to ‘come out’.

This was especially the case with Air Force nurses on attachment to the US Air Force’s 902 Sqn, who flew into South Vietnam, collected wounded South Korean and US soldiers and sub-sequently accompanied them home on occasion.

Cpl Phil ‘Doc’ Dobson, D Coy’s medic at Long Tan, who sadly passed

New cartoonist joins the team

Cartoonist Pte Cody Anderson in front of a mural he painted for 6RAR. Photo by Cpl Max Bree

away just weeks before the 50th anni-versary of that iconic battle, also has his story told in immense detail.

This alone makes the book a must have, but everyone’s story is worth read-ing.

Highly recommended.

Army has one copy of this book to give away to a lucky reader. Send an email to competitions@defencenews.gov.au telling us why you should win a copy. Entries close September 8. The winner’s name and unit will be published in a future edition.

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August 25, 2016www.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsFinance24

Knowledge is power when buying a car, ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft writes.

Things you auto know

BUYING a car is an excit-ing prospect, particularly if you’re buying your first car.

It can also be an expensive financial commitment. While price, specifically value for money, is a key consideration, other issues that can have a real financial impact are often over-looked.

With the average motor vehicle debt at $19,500 (according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Australian Social Trends 2014), knowing the real cost of buying and running your car is important, as it’s likely you will own it for a long time.

To help car buyers make better decisions, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) has devel-oped a mobile phone application – MoneySmart Cars.

The app is a free tool that pro-vides practical advice to support the financial decisions you face when buying a car.

It provides tips on what you should do before you go to the car yard and what to expect when you’re there, so you don’t get overwhelmed and distracted by sales tactics.

Being prepared before you shop around will help you to make better decisions. You should research your options, know how much you have to spend, shop around for your loan and work out the extras you want so you don’t blow your budget.

The app points out the com-mon car-buying traps and pro-vides information on finding alter-native ways to finance a car.

It provides warnings on hid-den costs, including insurance, and alerts you to the risks of add-on insurance products, such as consumer credit insurance, gap insurance, extended warran-ties and mechanical breakdown insurance, cover for tyres, rims, vinyl or paint, and other extras, which can be expensive and may offer little value.

The MoneySmart Cars app is available now on the App Store and Google Play, and ASIC has developed a series of videos for social media in which V8 SuperCar driver Craig Lowndes (right) introduces some of the key features.

For more advice and tips on car loans and insurance, visit ASIC’s MoneySmart website at www.moneysmart.gov.au

MoneySmart Cars app shows shoppers the major traps when buying a car.

123 August 25, 2016 Healthwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 25

How to prevent or react to injuries sustained through ADF sport:

Prevent – warm up, stretch and get ready for sport

Present – if injured, stop, apply first-aid and present for treatment

Report – log your sporting injury via Sentinel (see the DRN desktop for icon)

Claim – lodge a claim for your injury

IT’S BETTER SAFE THAN

SORRY

SPORT is a critical enabler for ADF members, giving them both physical and social ben-efits.

ADF members need to do four things when they undertake an approved ADF sport, Jim Porteous, Director of Rehabilitation and Compensation with Joint Health Command, said. They are: prevent, pre-sent, report and claim.

“As with any physical activity, sport has its risks,” Mr Porteous said.

“We teach our people to prepare for sport with warming up, cooling down and stretching exercises, along with PTI advice and sports safety manage-ment plans. That’s prevention.”

In the event of an injury, the pre-sent, report and claim steps need to be taken.

“The first priority is to stop what you’re doing, mitigate the circumstanc-es and treat the injury – apply self- or buddy-aid,” he said.

The next step is to present.“Early presentation to your local

health centre or clinic improves out-comes and establishes the trail of evi-dence supporting any potential claim for compensation,” Mr Porteous said.

“We can also assess your need for a structured rehabilitation program if the injury impacts on your ability to work or deploy.

“If you’re not near a Defence health facility then call 1800 IM SICK (467 725) for advice on where to go.”

Members then need to report and claim any injuries.

Mr Porteous said reporting the inju-ry was not only a legal requirement but it helped to future-proof the member if the injury had a long-term impact.

“It is critical for the member to report their sporting injury via Sentinel. Not only because it’s mandated, but to protect the member if that injury later affects their career or capacity to work,” he said.

From the pain to the claim

Members who incur a workplace injury are entitled to seek a determina-tion of liability from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

“It is in a member’s interest to submit any claim for compensation as soon as practicable once the injury has stabilised, as evidence required to sup-port a claim will be most readily avail-able at this time,” Mr Porteous said.

“So if you’re injured through ADF sport look out for your future by pre-senting, reporting, then claiming.”

For more information about the claiming pro-cess, see the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website at www.dva.gov.au/benefits-and-payments/compensation

It is mandatory to report an ADF sport injury.

Here’s what to do if you are injured while playing an approved ADF sport.

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August 25, 2016Sport www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews26

Cpl Bill Solomou

ADF men’s and women’s hockey play-ers walked away with an impressive tally of achievements from the Australian Country Championships (ACC) held at the Marrara Hockey Complex in Darwin from July 24-31.

The achievements included the men’s sil-ver medal, a top four finish for the women, six players selected in the national team, and two ADF members being named as players of the tournament.

The ACC is Hockey Australia’s biggest annual country-based hockey event.

The ADF participated at the request of Hockey Australia and this year competed against teams from WA, SA, Vic, NSW, Qld and NT.

Both the men’s and women’s teams played off for medals.

Losing one game in the pool matches and drawing with Qld, the ADF men earned them-selves a place in the play-off for gold.

This was the first time since 2007 the men have played in the gold medal game.

Unfortunately their opponent in the final was NSW, which has not lost a game in four years.

In a tight final, the ADF team were out-played by NSW who went into the half-time break with a 3-1 lead.

LCpl Gareth Hoddinott, of 4 Regt RAA, said the ADF team had a slow start, giving the NSW team a chance to score three quick goals.

“We then started to play our game and really took it to them. It was a very close second half,” he said.

“As a collective we were very proud of the way the team worked together all week.”

Backing up from last year’s championships, Flg-Off Nicholas Hill, of No. 452 Sqn, was named men’s player of the tournament.

The women’s team were up against Victoria for the bronze medal. They eventually went down 1-0 in a hard-fought game.

ACW Ashleigh Doble, of No. 22 Sqn, said the game was played fast and rough, and at a high level.

“The play-off match was at 2pm and it was about 32 degrees. We gave it everything – we had our chances to score but just missed out on the bronze,” she said.

Cpl Amy Smith, of HQ 1 Div, was named women’s player of the tournament.

Men’s team manager WO William McConnell said the overall results were impressive consid-ering ADF players were chosen from a smaller pool.

“The state teams comprise players selected from hundreds of hopefuls,” he said.

Players of the tournament: Men’s: Flg-Off Nicholas HillWomen’s: Cpl Amy Smith

Selected in Australian Country Hockey squad:Men’s: Cpl Phil Dumpleton, OCdt Joshua Thomas, Lt Joe Huston and Flg-Off Nicholas HillWomen’s: Cpl Amy Smith and Pte Ellen Seaniger

Promise on hockey pitch ADF players impress in country championships

BEST OF THE BEST

Top: LCpl Nick Waters, of 10FSB, manoeuvres around the competition during the Australian Country Hockey Championships at the Marrara Hockey Complex in Darwin.

Above: Cfn Adrianna Rogers, of 1 Armd Regt, strikes the ball to the other end of the pitch during a game against NSW.

Photos by LS James Whittle

“As a collective we were very proud of the way the team worked

together all week.– LCpl Gareth Hoddinott,

4 Regt RAA

Sportwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews August 25, 2016 27

Leut Kiz Burtenshaw

ADF Rugby Union management encourage male and female per-sonnel who are qualified coaches or interested in becoming quali-fied to contact Coach Education and Development Officer WO Anthony Doherty.

ADFRU will fund a number of courses to progress qualifications of current and future coaches.

ADFRU has always placed great emphasis on providing opportuni-ties for individual player develop-ment, not just for the direct benefit of ADF representative teams, but also for athletes playing careers outside of the ADF.

This investment has paid divi-dends both in the results of the ADF squads – most recently in the men’s success against the Australian police team, but also for individuals such

ADFRU seeking rugby coachesADFRU men’s team coach WO Anthony Doherty, centre, motivates his team during a match between ADFRU and the British Army. Photo by Sgt Janine Fabre

as Capt Alisha Hewett, Cpl Mollie Gray and Sgt Brooke Saunders, who are currently part of the ARU Wallaroo training squad.

However, it is not just the players who are being provided opportuni-ties to ensure that ADFRU is a pro-fessional and effective organisation across all aspects of the game.

With effective strategies in place

to ensure the ADFRU athletes are being exposed to the best playing environment possible, the focus is now on the development of pro-spective and qualified referees and coaches to ensure success is sus-tained within ADFRU.

For more information, email WO Doherty at anthony.doherty@defence.gov.au

Pounding the pavement Flg-Off Amanda Scott

WOUNDED, injured and ill person-nel from the US and Canadian mili-taries joined ADF athletes to take part in Sydney’s annual City2Surf on August 14.

Event organisers boasted this year’s numbers at more than 80,000 people, who ran, jogged and walked the 14km route from Sydney’s CBD to Bondi Beach, including members of the ADF Adaptive Sports Program and the ADF Running and Athletic Association.

CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell, who ran alongside the military contin-gent, said the event offered an oppor-tunity for ADF personnel and their colleagues from around the world to come together and embrace fitness, rehabilitation and look towards their future.

“Getting outside, getting involved and being active is profoundly ben-eficial to one’s positive frame of mind, belief in self, possibility and next steps in life,” he said.

“I’m a huge fan of people getting out and staying fit and healthy through being active and, no matter what their circumstances, finding ways to be part of a community.”

ADF adaptive sports athlete WO2 Neil Markie didn’t specifically train for the event, but running has been an essential part of his rehabilita-tion program.

“Running has played a key role in my recovery. I have been running every day and am looking to partici-pate in a marathon next year,” he said.

US marine Sgt Mariusz Klekotko said he participated in a number of sports to help him prepare for the race.

“I had seen the event on TV before and was looking forward to being able to participate. It has given me some-thing to work towards,” he said.

“I have been doing a heap of dif-ferent things leading up to our trip to help increase my fitness.

“Working towards events like this has played a key role in my rehabilita-tion and has helped to bring purpose back into my life, after having to slow down as a result of my injuries.

“I would love to come back for another race in the future.”

While visiting Australia, the US and Canadian military personnel took part in a range of activities, including a wheelchair Aussie rules workshop followed by a match hosted by the

US, Canadian and Australian military personnel compete in Sydney’s City2Surf

ADF and Disability Sports Australia. The match and workshop followed

the recent announcement of wheel-chair Aussie rules as an official sport, where the ADF played a key role in its development.

Canadian Armed Forces Capt Mary Ann Barber said she enjoyed learning the new sport.

“I think trying to play regular Aussie rules would be tough but being in a wheelchair made it tougher as you really had to think,” she said.

“I found it challenging to get my head around the rules while trying to coordinate throwing and getting around the court.

“It is something us Canadians

should really start up, as it’s so much fun and I think everyone would love it.”

Former US Air Force Mst-Sgt Shelby Hatch said she found wheel-chair Aussie rules an incredibly fun experience, different to anything she had experienced before.

“Next time I would like to play

Australians against Americans, I think that would be really fun,” she said.

While visiting Sydney the group took part in a range of other activi-ties, including an official reception at Government House hosted by for-mer CDF and current NSW Governor Gen David Hurley (retd).

Above: Members of the ADF Adaptive Sports Program, along with visiting wounded, injured or ill US and Canadian military personnel, participate in a wheelchair Aussie rules development program at Randwick Barracks in Sydney. Photo by LS Peter ThompsonRight: CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell, right, meets Malaysian Armed Forces officer Capt Mohamad Bin Ahmad Azhar before the City2Surf. Photo by AB Bonny Gassner

ADF Adaptive Sports Program personnel, including US and Canadian wounded, injured

and ill athletes, pose for a group photo before running the City2Surf in Sydney on August 14.

Photo by AB Bonny Gassner

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August 25, 2016

SPORT

FIELD OF DREAMS

ADF hockey players impress in country

championshipsPage 26

Pte Ellen Seaniger, of 11CSSB, right, intercepts a NSW player during the Australian Country Hockey Championships at the Marrara Hockey Complex in Darwin. Photo by LS James Whittle