HAURAKI NEWS

NOVEMBER 2002 Issue no i g

This is the last News Letter for 2002 and the Committee wish you all a

Merry Christmas And a Happy

New Year WW

'Hang on a minute. I'll see if he's «>•

WHAT'S INSIDE Christmas Luncheon Sunday

December 1st 2002 See inside for details

Official Newsletter of the 6th Battalion (Hauraki) Regimental Association Incorporated Compiled by T.J.Archer Edited by Mrs.Lynn Archer

Secretary: Mrs M Kareko, 91 Windsor Road, Tauranga

t

Penny's Welfare Corner I am delighted to report that there is nothing to report, so following is a brief summary of some of the highlights of our recent trip to Holland.

We arrived at 5am and were met by our hosts Henk & Nels. Their village is 55 kms away - all low fog just like driving in the Waikato. Had an interesting breakfast /brunch of rolls, eggs, salami, meats and lots of cheese. It was a beautiful day so decided to go to the beach but first we went to the town on Alkmaar, just wandered around a bit - someone left the camera in the car!!! -quaint cobbled streets - not too many people as the shops do not open till 1pm on Sunday. Carried on to Hondsbosszee being the only beach in Holland that has natural sand dunes. On the way we saw 4 windmills and quite a few of the new wind generators. Farm houses with thatched roofs, fields of cabbages and of course, canals and ditches - water every where. Also lots of bikes and they have the right of way!!! Got to the beach and there were quite a few people swimming but the water was freezing. Not a lot of shells, and no seagulls. They were little changing sheds like you see in England and restaurants that are transported away in the winter.

Following day went to Hoorn and caught the historic steam train to Medemblik, via Twisk, Wogum and Midwoud. We were able to get out and wander around at each stop. All the stations were as they used to be and at Twisk we helped unload the baggage car with barrels etc and then reload it, ring the bell and see how the signals were changed. We had 2 hours at Medembilik and it was lovely weather - it is an old fishing village on the edge of like a man made lake but it is not really a lake it is where the land has been reclaimed and the water is half fresh and half salt. We walked along the dyke and saw the small yachts racing and the wind generators out in the sea - they are planning to build lots more of them. There was a Marina with lots of boats and lovely old homes. The town had a market day with music in the street so a good day to visit. We stopped for a coffee and when it came there was a tiny glass with cream in it and Bailey's cream poured over it - yummy. On the way back to the train station we went into an old bakery - baking

like in the old days, saw how the biscuits were rolled and the old ovens and tools. Ahh the smells - just gorgeous. Different train to go back, and when we got back Richard was allowed up with the driver to see how the engine worked - he had quite a long ride up there, and then was able to have a drive -he was over the moon. There were 4 engines and as it was the end of the day we watched them cleaning them down and saw the others that they were restoring. Good day.

Today - raining again - it is the worst summer for ages and water is everywhere, the plants are rotting, the fields are flooded the TV showed campers flooded out. Decided to go to their town of Heerhugowaard and wander around the shops. Most things are expensive especially meat but boy are cheeses cheap - had a feast of all the fancy cheese that are so expensive here. Went on to Alkmaar to have a longer look around - asked if we had the camera - yes BUT once again left it in the car - pity as the canal there is lovely as are the tiny cobbled lanes. We went down one and all the walls are covered in chewing gum. Came to an ornate gate and Nels took us inside and it was a line of houses, with a lovely courtyard and old photos on the walls. It was home for the poor over 400 years ago, 2 rooms down and 2 up, now it is the home of widows. They all had lovely pot plants and seats outside and it was so quiet you did not realise you were in the centre of town. Still raining but not too heavy so we walked through the park and to an old windmill used for grinding corn, went into a marvellous shop full of all these different cheeses, stacked right up to the ceiling - bought one that was over 4 years old - once again the smells were great. After tea we went for a walk as it was just such a lovely evening Richard rode a bike around the area. There is a lovely canal with a fountain in it just around the comer and everyone has lovely gardens so an interesting evening.

Everyone has to learn to swim as there is so much water around and at the age of 6 everyone is expected to have like a swim licence (no excuses).

Great country, lovely people, saving up to go again!!

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COMMITTEE 2002 / 03 Patron; Col (rtd.) A.P. Coster ED

President; ; Des Anderson, tel: 07:5711951 h Vice President Gordon Eagleson tel 07-8846675

fex 07-8846075 Secretary Marion Kareko tel: 07:5760277h

07 5788139w Treasurer Ted Dean tel; 07-5444536 h

Fax: 07-5444737 Welfare Officer

Penny Burgess, tel/fax 07-5776480

Committee; Bob Mankelow Shirley Keno Richard Burgess TonyFraser Penny Burgess Paddy McFarland Erik Kristensen A R E A REPS; Auckland; Bob Mack telephone: ph 09- 4453242

Thames; nil

Tanranga; See Committee

Matamata ;

Doug McGlashen ph 07- 8886314 Whakatane Vacant

Hamilton; Stu Foster ph: 07-8436121 Te Aroha: Gordon Eagleson ph 07-8846675 m

TeAwamutu: Peter Croucher ph 07-8714360

Presidents report.

The elections are over with the result being no chance for the Air Force to regain its teeth, thus condemning the Army to having no close ground support. Therefore the range of the Infantry is now reduced to the cover of its ageing artillery, giving commanders on the ground little flexibility.

I find it quite hypocritical that the Prime Minister on one hand visits the past battlefields and talks about the sacrifices made by those soldiers, while she is willing to sacrifice those serving and future soldiers by denying them the air supremacy required on a modern battlefield. Does she have another agenda perhaps, - e.g. the elimination of the Armed Forces?

With New Zealand's Army commitment to East Timor now winding down it is time to reflect on the part the Territorial Army played in the operation. The need for a Territorial Army was in question a few years back. I believe there must now be no doubt the Army needs the Territorial Force Volunteers.

The Hauraki Regiment's contribution to the operation was quite considerable, and many of the soldiers and their families sacrificed much to make it a successful mission.

From the Hauraki Regimental Association, a big 'thank you' for doing your best.

KiaKaha D.Anderson President

Cadets

At the culmination of the "Hauraki Experience I V " held at Waiouru Military Camp 28 September to 6 October 2002, the Hauraki Association Sword was presented.

Over 90 Cadets from the Hauraki Regiment Area Ops attended the camp and the final parade. Lt.Col. John Dick, the reviewing Officer, invited me to inspect the Cadets and then present the Association sword.

The sword was presented to Cadet A. Marris in recognition as the Cadet with the potential of becoming a Hauraki. The judging of the award was based on the criteria submitted by the Committee. The judges were Hauraki Regiment soldiers.

Got That Unique Christmas Gift ?

At the Bar of the Garrison Club there is the usual available: Statuette, History of the Unit "Comrades Brave", Hauraki Tie, Thermal mug with Battle Honours, Print of the "Battle of Crete," the Hauraki Port, and polished 73mm Shell Casings. (Mum's flowers vase.)

The latest unique Gift is the Hauraki Bone pendant "Kaha" which comes either as a pendant, or in a Rimu frame with a laser engraved crest and paua Koru.

One of each is on display in the Club. Orders taken. We can arrange to have "Presented to etc" engraved on the frame.

Each Cadet that won a trophy, was presented a bone carving donated by the Hauraki Association

Al l the trophies were engraved at the Association's expence and can be viewed at the Garrison Club.

The Association also supported the Cadets throughout the year by paying for the hot swimming pools at the completion of Junior NCO and Senior NCO weekends.

Des Anderson

Bob Mankelow

Trivia - believe it or not The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma Flintstone. Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury. Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better. I t is impossible to lick your elbow. The average number of people airborne over the US in any given hour: 61000. Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. And Finally At Least 75% Of people who read this will try to lick their elbow.

Taken from the Navy News

'Why didn't you just lengthen the rope?"

Annual Camp 1969 Follow on from

Lt.Col. Geo MacLeod's article August Newsletter

6 Hau was Combat Reserve Batt while the poncy 3-5-& 7 Batt made up the Combat Brigade.

The Vietnam War was all the go, so the training was to be as the Vietcong type enemy.

We in the reserve Batt still had the crap gear of the 1939 vintage while the Combat Bde had the new U.S. Pattern, withM16'sandGPMG's

B & C Coy was combined and weekend training was Vietcong style with L-shaped, bloody nose, bear-hug type ambushes and digging of Punji pits. Carol Sturgess, wife of Ivan Sturgess, our switched on CQMS, whipped up some VC flags and we found some bugles.

Each company was allocated a Battalion to operate against and B Company got our old foe 3 Auck North. We deployed to the bush at the base of the Burma Road, lead by our esteemed leaders Alan Coster and Keith Bowering and making ourselves comfortable with our 1801b tent and the B company shower, (photo's of Alan Coster in the nuddy are still in circulation I think.)

We walked in 2 or 3 days before 3 Batt were deployed, to get the lay of the land so we were ready for them when they flew in by chopper.

The plot was to work all night and hide up during the day. No fires, no noise, with casual patrols to keep them alert and awake.

We would go to work in the dark, no torches, just night vision, probe their wire, disrupt signal areas, cut co-axial cable, we had plenty of thunder flashes and bugles, and generally make a nuisance and keep them on a 100% 'stand to' - i.e. no sleep!

I took in about 1 dozen bottles of Rum, (for the cold of course), which was to last the duration, but with mighty men such as Tim Horopapera, Peter Forward, George Looney and good men from Opotiki, Kawerau, Waihi, Whakatane, Paeroa, and Coromandel the medicine only lasted about 2 days.

We hit the Battalion on the final morning as the sun was almost up, with flags flying, bugles sounding and were they pissed off having had no sleep! Twitch Morrison, RSM of 3 Auck North, had bags under his eyes halfway down his cheekbones.

Well, some hand-to-hand combat started and the pilot of the Sioux lowered his craft over the top to break us up.

We walked out, while the foe went over the top by chopper. Back to CQMS hot soup and showers.

To follow on from the C.G.S. comments, the Senior NCO's of 6 t h

Hauraki, piled onto transport and off to Helwan to Brigade Snr NCO's Mess to mix, so to speak. During the evening, the senior WO 1 of the Combat Brigade announced that it was 4000 versus 400 and they had to call it a draw. Annual Camp in Opotiki, now there's another tale.

As written by 67707681 Bazz Porter B.Coy.

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Trevor's Luncheon

The intention was to surprise Trevor, as we honoured him with a luncheon at the RSA recently. After changes to venues and dates due to the Harding Cup being played by the Regiment, Trevor was unsure what was happening. However on the eve of the event, Trevor sighted the minutes, (not meant for his eyes) and discovered what was planned.

Eighteen of his compatriots also responded to the call, and attended the luncheon. Another twelve members apologised, with one member ringing on his mobile phone to congratulate Trevor.

The reason for the luncheon was to honour Trevor for the contribution he has given to the Hauraki Regimental Association in the last seven years, in the position of Foundation Secretary initially, then Secretary / Treasurer.

Trevor along with his wife Lynn, took over the reigns of the Hauraki News and gave it its own personal flavour.

When the Association was formed in 1995, Trevor was 'conned' by the late Bob Burt to take on the temporary role of Secretary. At that time I did not know Trevor, but knew his son Peter, who had been part of my section in Recce Platoon.

The relationship Trevor and I built over the years, in particular over the period of the Centennial celebrations and the Ball, when we were in daily contact for a couple of months.

You have read "Trevor and Lynn's" Hauraki News over the past years, an excellent job, with a handicap of having a President who is always last to submit articles to the magazine.

Mick Parker wrote a poem about Trevor, which sums up quite eloquently his term in Office.

The Association presented a Hauraki Statuette in which was inscribed:

'Presented to Trevor Archer in recognition of sterling service freely given to the 6th

Hauraki Regimental Association —2002-4

Note: Trevor was so overcome by the events he "volunteered" to continue with the Hauraki News until a new Editor is found. Des Anderson Friend and President.

Farewell to Trev

I got a phone call a week or so ago, And what it was about, I think you all know, Our Trev is retiring, a well earned rest, Afterall we know, he is one of the best.

But I am sure he will be there, to lend a hand, And not just disappear, without a sound, So we wish you Trev, all of the best, Plenty of R & R, you know the rest.

Now put your feet up, but not too high, You have earned your rest, it's not goodbye, We will see you about, it's not farewell, You will be around, with stories to tell.

So that is all, that I need to say, May every morning, be the start of a good day, With your cup of happiness, being full to the brim,

And you eye sight never getting dim.

Written by Mick Parker.

Christmas Social This will take place at the Tauranga RSA on Sunday December 1 s t starting at 1200. The price per person is approx. $12.50 - $15.00. So come along early and socialise for a while and catch up with old friends before enjoying a good meal. (It will not be a ration pack.)

Taken from the British Army Magazine "Soldier" 1956

One of the most-criticised article of uniform in the British Army is the beret. Yet it appears the United States Army has been pondering whether to change over to this headgear.

For 12 months or thereabouts American special troops of the Commando type wore an experimental green beret. The Airborne arm also asked for a beret, to be maroon in colour. The fact that these colours were chosen was a handsome compliment to the British Army.

Now, according to a recent issue of the United States Army Times, the 'green beret' for special troops has been discontinued, but the possibility of the beret being made a general issue is said to be under serious consideration.

Clearly, there are powerful pro-beret and anti-beret schools. "Some feel that the beret is an un-American headgear," says Army Times, "But its usefulness, particularly in woods and brush, has been clearly demonstrated."

It used to be objected that the beret was "un-English," being associated with Basque peasants and Breton onion-sellers, or with schoolgirls, but that prejudice seems to have broken down.

The American soldier resembles the British in that he likes to bash his headgear into a different shape, or wear it at an individual angle. In consequence the United States Army has had to issue most specific instructions on the wearing of its overseas cap. Henceforth, it will be worn slightly tilted to the right, even by armoured troops who have for reasons of their own have been

wearing it tilted to the left. "The crown will not be crushed or shaped so as to form peaks at the front and rear," says the order.

Incidentally, the United States Army is adopting another British Army custom, that of wearing shorts. This year will see the introduction of a new tropical garrison uniform of shorts, short-sleeved shirts and knee length socks.

It is only three or four years since the Canadian Army decided against shorts, one of the reasons given being that they gave no protection against poison ivy.

How about this one (1956)

"One main reason for the lack of recruits in the British Army is the fact that men kick against having to salute and obey women in the Forces. Keep them apart, in fact, disband them altogether - that would improve regular recruiting a lot."

That is what a chap from Middlesex wrote to the 'Picture Post'. Believe it or not, he was paid a guinea for it.

Sent in by Trev (Wonder what he would think now 45 years on)

Subscriptions are now due. For those who have paid, thank you. Subs are still $15.00 or, i f you prefer. Perpetual Membership for $150.00 This is a one off payment.

Please send your cheque made out to 6 Hauraki Assoc, and post to, 'The Secretary, Mrs M . Kareko, 91 Windsor Road Tauranga'.

HAURAKI SCRAPBOOK

Right

Lt. Col A.H. Balzer ED taking the salute at the completion of .Annual Camp at Waihi 1977.

Lower

On Parade Waihi 1977 WO Neil Webb is right marker with Major J. Taia out front.

6 HAURAKI ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED APPLICATION FORM FOR

NEW MEMBERSHIP ONLY

Regimental No Date of Birth

Full Name

Partners Name (If App)

Full Postal address

Telephone Number(Home) .Business

Brief resume of Service with 6 Hauraki (Include dates and appointments)

Highest Rank Held Service in other Units

OFFICE USE ONLY

Date Joined Receipt no Membership no

This information is collected for the purpose of the 6 Battalion (Hauraki) Regimental Association Inc. and is strictly Confidential. It will not be supplied to any other person or organisation in compliance with the Privacy Act.

Post Subscription of $20.00 to Secretary M. Kareko 91 Windsor Road Tauranga

M k l V 01/99

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