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April Birthdays Birthday Calculator. After you've finished reading the info, click again, and see what the moon looked like the night you were born. Sick Parade
Geoff White -
lymphoma
Walk for Kids
Sunday, 27th APRIL 2008
I was a little annoyed to receive the following email yesterday,
it reflects a problem that many organisations have, a lack of
inputt from their support base. The sender of the email said: To say on the website we’ll meet at Anzac House is not right, when there are thousands of other servicemen and ex servicemen all trying to get a beer at the same time and all squeezing in to a few square metres. (I know we’re good at that) How many times did you return from patrol with hardly any official recognition to greet the s/m and crew? Not too often I bet. (Even the divers can organise a function at the Navy Club in Freo) I don’t know if there is many more in Rockingham, but maybe we should all march as one unit, either in Perth or Rockingham so we don’t appear as insignificant as we did today.
I believe we need to lift our game and
not just accept the poor attendances and organisation as
something submariners are good at, or we will become a joke in
the eyes of the skimmers. I know you normally do attend and
proudly represent the Association and this isn’t aimed at you. I
just had to get this off my chest or else I would have forgotten
it till the same thing happened next year and I guess eventually
people would maybe stop marching with the group or stop
altogether. Sorry to be a pain in the arse with my
whingeing but being an ex RN’er I’m allowed to."
Our Association continues to grow, but unless there is more
involvement of Members, we are in danger of going backwards. The
numbers that My next door neighbour always makes a special effort with his family on the weekends. Every Sunday morning he takes his 7-year old granddaughter out for a drive in the car for some bonding time. Just he and his granddaughter. This Sunday however, he was away in France as part of an ANZAC Day group. Luckily, his wife came to the rescue and said that she would take their granddaughter out. When they returned, the little girl anxiously ran up to her mother who said 'Well, did you enjoy your ride with grandma?' 'Oh yes,' the girl replied, 'and do you know what? We didn't see a single dumb bastard or lousy shit head anywhere we went today!' This weeks Log will be short and sweet, if your email did not get a mention I will try and catch up during the week..
Around the Traps
The President Note: I had to point out to our President that composes may be more appropriate as I am sure Tim would never let himself be compromised - the other two I am not too sure about!!! NW
ANZAC Day Queensland Secretary Rob Woolrych sent couple of photos and said "In all a tad over 50 with us and a totally enjoyable day. To a man we were thrilled and honoured to have ½ dozen Collins (‘C’ Boat) people with us and it was great to see the obvious rapport with our old and not so old members during our social time later at the Coorparoo RSL." The large turn out is a credit to the Branch, and it was great to see a couple of familiar Collins faces in the group. John 'Fred' Fisher has been known to sink a schooner or two and going by the photo he sent, ANZAC Day was no exception. "Hope you had a good day yesterday Mate. We had a Brahma I have enclosed a picture of Bob (Budgie) Hibberd, myself in the middle and Steve (Taff) Jones at Doyalson Wyee RSL taken after the two services and the march. Never seen so many there before, it is getting bigger every year." Even the smaller towns around the country did their best to 'show the flag' and Paul 'Diesel' Dann said "Howdy Norm, Just a quick snap of the very small contingent of Submariners who marched in Ballina this year, still 4 is better than none..." Yes mate, it certainly is. Dave 'Goldie' Horne, shown in photo from Cairns with Al Short (green cap), looks a little 'tired and confused'. Maybe it is his medication and I am just being cruel? As an aside, David Holland reported that some joker put the Submariners between the WRANs and the WRENS for the Sydney Anzac Day March. - talk about the 'meat' between the 'sandwich' - pity most are beyond the days when the hormones ran freely. I had a giggle at this but it got me thinking - I always thought that Australian and New Zealand always marched first and the allies came at the end. Why is it that we are seeing more RN contingents (such as the WRENS) in the main body? Fred Lawrence, ANZAC House was identified as a
watering hole post parade as in recent years organised venues have not
been supported. Very few of the attendees made it there. Although the
numbers attending may seem small it should be noted that many members
would have attended their own local parades supporting Naval
Associations, RSLs or even other Ship’s Associations. Our challenge is
to bring them together to march with the SAA (WA Branch).
Gallipoli Submarine
There is a new study about women and how they feel about their arses. The results were pretty interesting:
NSW President Col 'Wallaby' Ware has featured in the Sick List since his little heart flutter a few weeks back. He reports "I have just returned from my appointment with a second cardiologist who specialises in what my heart is doing (atrial fibrillation) as the first specialist had a specialty of stints and I do not need one of those at the moment. I have atrial fibrillation and also had a TIA, which is like a stroke or a precursor to a stroke without the major damage to the brain. Now had I been a dibdab that would not have mattered. Anyway the symptoms of a TIA was just like being the drunkest you have ever been without having a drink. Blurred vision, wobbly boot syndrome, room spins and chucking up. Atrial fibrillation is when the top part of the heart just quivers instead of solid pumps to get the blood around the body and because it is not pumping all of the blood out of the heart each beat, there is the possibility of blood clots being shot out and into the brain or creating blood clots elsewhere in the body. To stop the clots forming they have put me onto medication called Warfarin which thins the blood and hopefully prevents blood clots forming. My new cardiologist has advised me that I will probably be on this medication as well as medication to settle the heart beat (was 20-190) but is now 69 for the rest of my life and assures me that being on the medication will not reduce my life span, so we do hope he is right with that. I should also be able to travel overseas again next year all being equal and no more nasty turns as the travel insurance fraternity do not like these medical problems and refuse to insure you... Anyway Norm thank you for your interest and continued support and I hope to see you in Canberra" Come on Col, DibDabs may not have a brain, but the do have feelings! I think the thing that most worries Col is the fact that he can only have two beers per day perhaps on his medication. An old Chief RS recently returned from Thailand with his new Thai bride. Lying in bed, the Thai bride is playing with his manhood, slowly up and down, and the old boy says "You must love that, you haven't left it alone, since we got back." The bride replied, "No, not really, I just miss mine."
In a recent survey, people from Queensland have proved to be the most likely to have had sex in the shower! In the survey, carried out for a leading toiletries firm that sells "Old Spice", a whopping 86% of banana benders said that they have enjoyed sex in the shower. The other 14% said they hadn't been to prison, yet.
In response to Peter's query, Fred Lawrence replied
"During our first year back in Australia in 1970,
HMAS OVENS acted as the inserting /recovering boat for special boat
operations up in BrokenBay. Our present Governor General was an SAS
Captain and OIC of the special boats detachment that was embarked. The
photo could have been Ovens as there were daylight drills prior to
conducting night ops.
Steve Sanders from Lismore writes "I received this
email from my uncle in South Africa. As you can see he served in boats
from 1957 - 1967. I thought the first boat he served on was rather
unique. Hope it is of some interest." Steve's uncle, Pete
Flicker, wrote "Regarding submarines, I served in
four between 1957 and 1967. The first was HMS Explorer an experimental
high Interesting site - Tommy Cox - KURSK - Tribute to Lost Russian Submarine
I was having trouble with my computer. So I called Eric, the 11 year old next door, whose bedroom looks like Mission Control, to come over. Eric clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem. As he was walking away, I called after him, 'So, what was wrong?' He replied, 'It was an ID ten T error. ' I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, 'An, ID ten T error? What's that .... In case I need to fix it again?' Eric grinned.... 'Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?' 'No,' I replied. 'Write it down,' he said, 'and I think you'll figure it out.' So I wrote down: ID10 T. I used to like Eric............. Eternal Patrol - Robert 'Bob' Ross Robert 'Bob' Ross passed away on Friday, 18th April in South Australia's Central Districts Cancer Care unit after a long fight with cancer in the pancreas and kidneys. Our thoughts go out to Kate and family in this time of great sadness. Robert better known to his peers as Bob, joined his first submarine HMAS Ovens in 1970 after completing his initial submarine training at HMS Dolphin and returning to Australia. Bob spent two years in Ovens before transferring to HMAS Otway in 1972 and spent the next three years in her before leaving her in 1995. In 1976, Bob returned to the UK to join as commissioning crew of HMAS Orion and returned to Australia via the Suez Canal. In 1979 Bob left Orion and the Navy as a LSMTPSM. He joined the SAA in September 1989 Peter Smith South Australia's Branch President, Fred Butcher, wrote
"The service for Bob Ross was held in the Folland
Chapel located in the Enfield Memorial Park Cemetery. There was a large
attendance with a very strong submarine contingent (I counted in excess
of 17 from Bob’s time in boats) with condolences coming from many unable
to attend. A piper dressed in the Ross Kilt play the sky boat song
during the committal with a sailor in uniform and bugle the last post
with a close friend reciting the ode. The coffin was draped with the
white ensign, Bob’s medals and several photo many of which from his time
in the navy. The submariner’s pray was included in the eulogy in all a
very moving service with a nice naval touch." 'When one cries, we all cry' I was a young part 3 ABETS on Orion when I first meet Bob, he was a great submariner and help all the part 3’s. I was always a pleasure to catch up with Bob on Anzac day and have a chat. He will be sadly missed by all. Ray Kemp I was saddened to hear about Bob passing away today. On behalf of my family here in Brisbane please accept our deepest condolences on such a sad occasion. I commissioned HMAS Orion with Bob in Scotland in 1976 and as a young sailor I will always remember Bob teaching me the correct way to do things in the Donkshop for safety reasons as he ensured that anyone on his watch never got hurt (especially the greenies). I have always remembered his words of wisdom and I still carry on this trait today in my line of work thanks to Bob. We will have a tot in remembrance to such a fine sailor who will be sadly missed but never forgotten as he was a brother under the seas. Don Currell (Duck Run) I am saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Ross. I last saw him in Adelaide last year and we had a long talk about our EXPED hitchhiking from Lands End to John O Groats and back to Glasgow while awaiting Orion to commission. We were only allowed to hitchhike and sleep in tents and sleeping bags lent to us by the Royal Marines. Dave (Goldie) Horne Bob will be remembered as being a great guy and I was proud to have served with him on several occasions - many fond memories. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Norm Williams Please forward to Bob’s family our deepest sympathies, sense of loss and sadness at the news of Bob’s passing. Mike Bennett All my condolences with the family of Bob Ross. Roberto Lunardo - French Submariner (SAA member in Noumea) Lost or missing Members?
Remember, the National Executive are always available to listen to what you have to say, if you have a suggestion or want to air your concerns, contact us. X-Rated Riddles
Repairs sideline submarines The battery was replaced last year but an insider said poor maintenance plugs allowed acid to leak on to the top of the battery cell. Waller is back at sea undergoing trials before travelling to the US for a major multinational navy exercise. The navy refused to confirm Waller's battery breakdown because it says the information is classified. The incident followed hot on the heels of a decision by
navy chiefs to send a submarine to New Zealand for a navy exercise
despite knowing that it had a "suspect" main battery. An insider
told The Courier-Mail that a specific warning was issued in April last
year stating that the eight-year-old battery on HMAS Rankin had
"significant safety and performance implications". Quoting from the
warning letter, the whistleblower said the navy was told to replace the
battery as early as possible "to avoid any potential catastrophic
incident on Rankin".
Faslane submariner set for Mr Gay UK finals "It was hard being under water for five months at a time, although you do get used to it. "But I've done my time now and I want to try something different."
China's underground nuclear submarine base
Sunday, 20th APRIL 2008I have spent the week replacing my front deck this week, time consuming and painful. It had reached a stage where it was dangerous but I kept putting it off until the concrete was finished, but I have given up on that ever happening. Still no show, about 20% of concrete laid in nearly 6 months and still no driveway access. It seems that Fair Trading are a toothless tiger and now it looks like I will have to see a solicitor. At least I have an excuse to drink.... I am off to Sydney in the next day or so, my sister - in -law has spent the last 18 months fighting cancer and just as everything started to look good she has had a major set back and things are not looking too rosey. I am off to cheer her and the brother up. ANZAC Day is almost here and I hope that all submariners make an effort to march together. Frank Owens, urged SIA Members "If you're up to it and there is a group near where you live, why not march with submariners on Anzac Day? We should start demonstrating a buildup in numbers as our campaign to have AE2 recognised as part of the ANZAC legend gains momentum." I was interested in a comment made recently by Queensland Branch Secretary Rob Woolrych. "There seems to be a “mindset” among the Collins Class ex-submariners that they are not welcome in the SAA which in simple terms is total “rubbish”. We have Queensland members from ‘H’, ‘U’,’XE’, ‘S’, ‘T’, ‘A’, ‘P’, ‘O’, plus SSN’s and SSBN’s so I just cannot fathom why Collins Class should consider they are not wanted." We are getting a few Collins members, but the lack of interest is a sign of the times. I know at the submarine school we tried hard to advertise the Association. We sent pamphlets to all the boats and yet I could not get them interested. Come on, join us now and I will give a free cap to the next 10 Collins qualified Members.
Only a short entry today, feeling a bit off, had a bad night's sleep and
have a sick dog. Around the Traps
President's update
Gallipoli Submarine Launch
Fred Lawrence attended the WA Launch "On Thursday
night I was invited to attend the national launch of the TV documentary/
movie, GALLIPOLI SUBMARINE at the Maritime Museum in Fremantle. This
documentary, a composite of Gallipoli history, underwater footage taken
of the AE2 and the expeditioners in September last year, CGI coupled
with dramatisation using actors and a very realistic submarine set built
at Channel 9 in Perth tells the AE2 story extremely well. It will go to
air on the ABC in the evening of Wednesday 24 April and should be
considered compulsory viewing for all submariners and submarine history
buffs. BZ to the Submarine Institute of Australia whose efforts made
this possible. The story said that after a successful trial in regional Australia, more DVA pension functions will be transferred to Centrelink offices in larger cities, including capital cities. 'In fact, utilising Centrelink for pension assessment and payment reduces duplication of services. Centrelink is already well established to handle a variety of pension and disability payments to Australians and does so in a most efficient manner, so it makes sense to consolidate all such claims and payments through one single agency,' he said. Max Hardy responded to my request for clarification, it seemed strange that there had been no press release, with "Gentlemen, I am Assured by the Ministers office this is absolute BULLSHIT, Allan Griffin denies any such intention. This should rank alongside a working party to consider the replacement submarine only it’s not the 1st of April. Put it to bed IT IS BULLSHIT."
Kevin Christensen writes "I am following your adventures with much amusement, a bit like my aircon installation, still waiting for the plumber 18 months on. I noticed the message in last weeks Log, it looks distinctively like something that used to regularly fall out of my pocket accidentally when leaving or entering the after mess, no doubt posted a little late to allow people to relax. Keep up the good work." I am glad to see that I am not the only one having trouble with 'professional' tradies.
Pat Ross asks "Greetings from the UK! On behalf of
a fellow member of the North Staffs Submarine Association I'm trying to
get a message to Richard 'Dickie' Pearse who served on HMS Thorough in
1957. Unfortunately when trying to use the e mail address on your web
site my message keeps getting bounced back as undeliverable. Any ideas
why or suggestions as to how I can get in touch (besides snail mail
which will take forever)." Another case of changing email
without letting us know. Dickie, if you are out there please contact
Pat.
ASC's Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ross Milton attended the recent
book launch for 'The
Collins Class Submarine Story - Steel, Spies and Spin' in
Sydney. He wrote "It was a great event for those
of us who were involved. It was very well attended by many involved with
the project over the years - say 100 people. Geoff Davis, John White,
Hans Ohff, Geoff Rose, Oscar, Graham White, Rod Dicker, Peter Briggs,
Andrew Johnson, Harry Anderson, Andy Millar, Greg Stuart, Rick Nielsen,
Olle Holmdahl, John Ritter, Admirals Chambers, Oxenbould & Ritchie,
David Whiley, Boyd Robinson, Brian Oxley etc, etc. Some of them looked
quite old, and so hard to recognise! Beasley gave a brilliant
speech – “the submarine remains Australia’s greatest industrial icon”.
He lamented that it has not been recognised for the great success it
is." During my period with ASC (1987-2007) I was fortunate to
have been involved with many of these people, a dedicated lot indeed.
Details on how to order the book can be found in the Slops Van. Rick Fishbourne noticed this ad for 'Wonder Cream for women' He added "I think the Chinese will have had a great deal of Western input re spelling and diction by the time the Olympics are through..." Think before you hit the thumbnail, it may be naughty! Les Rawson has been web surfing and said "This is one of the funniest things I have watched in years, and couldn't not forward the link. I don't know if you put links in the news letter, but I think this might just amuse your readers." Of course I do Les, a good one indeed.
Peter Smith tells me he has a new hobby. He writes "I bought a racehorse
today.I've decided to call him "My Face". I don't care if he never wins
a race or makes me any money. I just want to hear thousands
of those posh tarts at Flemington calling out "Come On My Face"
The old submarine Coxswain walked into Proud's jewelry store in
Maryborough last Friday evening with a beautiful young girl at his side.
He told the jeweler he was looking for a special ring for his
girlfriend. The jeweler looked through his stock and brought out a
$5,000 ring. The old man said, 'No, I'd like to see something more
special.' At that statement, the jeweler went to his special stock and
brought another ring over. 'Here's a stunning ring at only $40,000' the
jeweler said. The young lady's eyes sparkled and her whole body
trembled with excitement.
HMAS Leeuwin 28th Intake Website The intention is to celebrate the 40th anniversary with a huge reunion of the Mighty 28th Intake in 2009. Of course, the whole concept of a reunion can only be achieved if they can find as many intake members as possible. This site is dedicated to those who joined the Royal Australian Navy in July 1969 and went on to become the 28th Collins & Walton Intake. It is also for all the Junior Recruits that passed through the gates of HMAS Leeuwin who are still serving in uniform, civvies or just plain retired. It is anticipated that this website will remain active for many years to come, providing a written and pictorial history of all their endeavors and achievements. It will also become focal point where JRs can remain in contact well into the future. Greenies Reunion
Mother Superior called all the nuns together and said to them, 'I must tell you all something. We have a case of gonorrhea in the convent.' 'Thank God,' said an elderly nun at the back. 'I'm so tired of chardonnay.
In a note to SIA Members Michael White wrote "I had indicated to some of you earlier that I would write something for one of the major papers for publicity about the AE2 project. I wrote an article, which was published today, 18.4.08, in ‘The Australian’. The article did not mention the SIA and its good work. This was unfortunate but the original article, which I attach, did mention the SIA and the people and the Workshop but the Features Editor said she would have to cut it back and this part of it she took out. I am sorry about that but I had the option of pulling the whole article or going along with the shorter one. I decided it was in the interests of our AE2 endeavors to go along with the shorter one so I hope you agree that it was the better choice. At least, being a major feature article, it will help the AE2 public profile, along with the ABC1 program on 24th April, at a time that should enhance our aims for the Workshop in Istanbul on 26-27 April." The original article (and the version finally published in The Australian) are available in SIA News.
'Novel' way to deliver a submarine If you have read a good submarine/navy book lately, or know of a new release, send me the details.
Overseas News Items
Submariners hail submarine visit
So what if the Capital is thousands of miles away from the sea?
If the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has its way, Delhiites will
soon have an added attraction on their must-see list in the form of a
submarine. The Indian Navy has offered DDA one of the two Russian-made
Foxtrot submarines it plans to decommission soon. The idea is to use the
mammoth seacraft - 92 metres in length - to create a submarine museum
which will be an educational and tourist attraction in the run-up to the
2010 Commonwealth Games.
RAAUZHSW RAYLSA 3888 1010124-UUUU--RAYUNC.
The families would also like to thank SAA Queensland and the National Executive (as Bob said "you can't do that outside the Rules", ever conscious of Constitutions) for making it possible for him to receive his SAA Life Membership. It was a very moving event for all concerned.
Once again, we can't thank you all enough.
Sunday, 13th APRIL 2008It has not been a good week for me, family health issues and other matters tended to get me down a bit. Then yesterday I got crook and I am still feeling tender. Must be my cooking. At least it has given me a chance to catch up on my reading, finished A Very Rude Awakening, a good story of Australia at war. It is good to see that we are getting new Members, let's hope that they will get an opportunity to meet old friends on ANZAC Day or at their next Branch Meeting. Of course, that means that you may have to attend. The Queensland Branch meeting in Brisbane today, but not being 100% I was not looking forward to a 7 hour return drive so had to apologise for not attending. A pity as I have been looking forward to it. Not long to go now and SUBCON will be the main topic of conversation. I am looking forward to catching up with old mates, I really enjoy the Friday night Meet and Greet. Not one for balls though and will give it a miss. We have a new young minister in Bauple and he has
befriended me, another newcomer to the town. The other day he was asked
by a funeral director to hold a grave-side service for an old man, who
had no family or friends. The funeral was to be held at the new cemetery
and this man would be the first to be buried there, another good reason
for me to go, pick a plot off the plan, get the best views while they
are available. Not being familiar with the area, we soon became lost. We
finally arrived an hour late and saw the backhoe and the open grave, but
the hearse was nowhere in sight. The digging crew was eating lunch. The
minister apologised to the workers for his tardiness, and stepped to the
side of the open grave. There I saw that they had already started to
fill in the grave. The minister assured the workers that hewould not
hold them up for long and that this was the proper thing to do. There are still quite a few Members that have not paid their subscriptions for 2008/09 which became due and payable as of 1 April 2008. If you opted to receive In Depth online you would NOT have received notification in your copy of In Depth and your name will be on the list at the bottom of this entry. If you have NOT opted to receive In Depth online you would have receive notification in your copy of In Depth and your name will not be on the list. Remember, it is only $10 (or $40 for 5 years) so how about helping the Treasurer and pay ASAP. If you see a name on the list and you are in touch with that person, please remind him, he may not have read the Log lately. We still have a heap of Beer Mats available. A good way of saving money is to order with a friend or two, saves postage and earns a big discount. The money raised goes to Tug's Walk for Kids with cancer. Around the Traps
President's update This documentary goes to air at 20:30 on the 24th April on the ABC and, without giving too much away is a combination of current situation on AE2 and a history lesson on AE2 and her crew from the morning of the 25th April 1915 until she was damaged from gunfire and ultimately scuttled, several days later. It is a story of courage and determination and though led by an Irishmen and crewed partly by RN and RAN Submariners, she was still and Australian submarine I commend all, to watch the screening of this program and if you can’t source a copy of the DVD from the ABC Shop. For those of us with children and grandchildren I would encourage you to relate the story of the AE2 and the significant impact one 800 odd ton submarine, crewed by some 31 men had on Gallipoli and the total disaster that Gallipoli could have been without their intervention. It is a truly inspiring story. On a more solemn note, I travelled to “sunny” Brisbane for the funeral of Robert “Tug’ Wilson. Whilst funerals are always a solemn affair, the eulogies presented at “Tugs” send off left nary a dry eye. Tug will be sorely missed by his family, friends and the wider submarine community.
The Military Superannuation Review
"The Gloucester cup was won by HMAS Onslow in 1977 and we got to wear a yellow star on the fin. I believe Titch Parsons on Ovens cut out an effigy of a cow jumping over the moon painted it yellow and hung it on the fin of Ovens, a great sense of humour. I have tried to track down a full list of winners but have had no success.
LEUT David Perry, ILS Manager for the Patrol Boats in Darwin, asked "Having moved to the sunnier climate up here in Darwin in January I cannot help but notice the number of Submariners that are up here (and that is only those in uniform or working for Defence Contractors). Could I ask you to include an advert in next weekends LOG update asking all submariners in the Darwin area to contact me (on this email address) so that I can see if we can arrange a reunion after the march this year. I know that it is short notice with ANZAC Day only two weeks away but we have to start somewhere, and I have identified a quite little Sailing Club five minutes from central Darwin where we will not have any problems downing a cool ale or three. You never know this could be the beginnings of a Submariners Association in the NT (the last place for us to conquer)!!" I have passed this information on to those on my mailing list, if anyone else is out there, contact Dave. One that did get the message was Dave Nimmo who replied "Thanks for the contact with Dave Perry.....he seems keen so we will see where we can take the SAA in the NT.....the last time we tried to form up there was 6 of us.....2 lived in Alice, 3 in the Top End and 1 that left for Queensland. Do you have contact for Tony Smith (AKA Fruitbat the ex Sparker) he was up here a few years ago but he has gone astray." Mike Shepherd sent this email which, once again proves the value of the website in communicating important news to our Members. He commented "Have just spent the past 24 hours listening to the final debrief from my wife, following my hospitalisation. I asked her where she found a list of mates to start with and she said there was just one man's name that I have repeated in the past, our web manager's. She thought, and how right she was, that the Log would get the information flowing. Norm, I must admit I had a tear in my eye last night thinking how my poor darling wife must have felt particularly being alone here miles from her original homeland Singapore and me in an 8 day induced coma in Perth. Many thanks for your recent assistance. Even what may seem like little things mean an awful lot. Please tell the world, thanks."
Peter and Jan Watt have sent episode two of their travel
diary. "Thought I would send another update
for the log before we move on to our next exchange house in Banstead,
Surrey. We've have had a real mix of weather over the past couple
of weeks - sunny one day, snowing the next. In fact, last Sunday we
experienced heavy snowfalls from early morning through to around mid day
- then sunshine for the rest of the day! The snow stayed on the ground
for over a day, so you can imagine the sun didn't have much warmth to it
- and we must admit, it made for some lovely photos. Very picture
post-card indeed. Geoff Rossiter read the original item from Jan & Peter Watt about their house swap with someone in UK. He writes "My wife Jane and I are hoping to do the same sort of thing next year (2009). We would love to get in contact with Jan & Peter to talk to them regarding how they went about it and was hoping you might have their Email address." Message was passed as requested, now I wonder if anyone is interested in swapping my half renovated, no concrete villa in sunny Bauple. Wildlife extra!
Graeme Caesar thought that this receipt interesting, he has already booked his next holiday at the Royal Mail. John 'Dutch' Holland wrote "Attended the launch of the Collins Class Submarine Story Book yesterday in Sydney. It was a great occasion with many 'old' submariner faces from both the 'Oberon' days and the 'Collins' build days. Kim Beazley launched the book and paid tribute to all that were involved from the PDS phase up to the first launch and beyond. Many faces, from Peter Briggs to Peter Smith, which covers the spectrum of submariners you would think, not to mention the many civilians involved from day one, from ASC and Rockwell & CSC etc. There was even a BZ from the MC to the SAA. HMAS Rankin's Gloucester Cup win only supports the feelings we all had at the Launch and believe me, it was a good feeling knowing we succeeded and the 'Dud Boats' are 'actually 'Snap Boats'!" I joined the Collins Project in 1987 at the Brookvale buildings, and left in 2007. I think that all of us that were involved in the early days were confident of the success of the project, there was a lot of talent from all over. Yes, there were some ups and some downs, but I enjoyed the challenges that arose from time to time. Eternal Patrol
Roberto Lunardo, our SAA member in Noumea, sent these clippings taken onboard HMAS Oxley in 1980. I sent CO peter Briggs the clippings and he responded "I remember the undoubtedly pretty French lady reporter at the other end of the camera – certainly a beguiling smile!". Roberto also sent a mystery photo taken circa WW1, anyone out there recognise it? I have fond memories of Noumea, my first port of call overseas on HMAS Gascoyne as an ORDME. I fell in love with a pretty lass who took advantage of my innocence behind the bakery. Almost ruined a set of Blues, the flour on the sacks that we fell in love on impregnated it and they ended up looking like a set of 6's. My visit was ruined when next morning she turned up at the ship with her children and grandchildren to see me. The Bosun was OOD and had warned me off her the previous night and he made me take them on a tour of the ship and told me to introduce her as my girlfriend to all that I met. Noumea was a great run in the mid sixties.... The photos are thumbnails, select to enlarge. Two Irishmen walk into a pet shop in Dingle. They head to the bird section and Gerry says to Paddy, 'Dat's dem.' The owner comes over and asks if he can help them.Yeah, we'll take four of dem dere little budgies in dat cage up dere,' says Gerry. The owner puts the budgies in a cardboard box. Paddy and Gerry pay for the birds, leave the shop and get into Gerry's truck to drive to the top of the Connor Pass. At the ConnorPass, Gerry looks down at the 1000 foot drop and says, 'Dis looks like a grand place.' He takes two birds out of the box, puts one on each shoulder and jumps off the cliff. Paddy watches as the budgies fly off and Gerry falls all the way to the bottom, killing himself stone dead. Looking down at the remains of his best pal, Paddy shakes his head and says, 'Fook dat. Dis budgie jumping is too fook'n dangerous for me!' Moment's later, Seamus arrives up at Connor Pass.� He's been to The pet shop too and walks up to the edge of the cliff carrying another cardboard box in one hand and a shotgun in the other. 'Hi, Paddy. Watch dis,' Seamus says. He takes a parrot from the box and lets him fly free. He then throws himself over the edge of the cliff with the gun. Paddy watches as half way down, Seamus takes the gun and shoots the parrot. Seamus continues to plummet down and down until he hits the bottom and Paddy shakes his head and says, 'And I'm never trying dat parrotshooting either!' Paddy is just getting over the shock of losing two friends when Sean appears. He's also been to the pet shop and is carrying a cardboard box out of which he pulls a chicken. Sean then takes the chicken by its legs and hurls himself off the cliff and disappears down and down until he hits the bottom. Once more Paddy shakes his head. 'Fook dat, lads. First dere was Gerry with his budgie jumping, den Seamus parrotshooting...and now Sean and his fook'n hen-gliding!
Can you help?
|
Peter
(Pete) Brian 
The following old tarts survived another year and have had, or are having, a Birthday.
attended ANZAC Day and marched with the Association
varied from state to state, some have reported a good turn out,
others not. Ask yourself "When did I last attend a SAA
Meeting or function?". If everyone tried to attend just
one a year it would make our Committees feel that their efforts
are justified.
WA President, reports "ANZAC Day dawned bright and
clear in Perth with more than 30,000 people at the Dawn Service at the
State War memorial in King's Park. Neil Forbes, along with other members
of the WA Branch, was present at the Service and laid a wreath on our
behalf. As part of the Returned Services Naval Contingent we formed up
in Barrack Street for the parade. About 20 members were in attendance
with apologies from five members who were interstate/overseas and from
two members reporting sick for the parade. Along with the regular
attendees it was pleasing to see some newer faces including four
Uniformed Qualified Submariners who have promised to join the
Association. We were also graced with the presence of Rip Mahoney,
(Ovens plank owner) over on a visit from Queensland. Our banner was
proudly carried by LS Waklin and AB Gissing from the Submarine
School. AB Gissing is the son of Ray Gissing so it is pleasing to see
the tradition being handed down from father to son.
Mailbag
Bob
(Budgie) and Marie Hibberd are on the move. Bob wrote
"I spent ANZAC Day at the Doyalson/Wyee RSL Club
with Fred Fisher and Taff Jones today. A bit wet with the rain but we
still managed to get a march in and the services were held in the RSL
Auditorium. It turned out a really good day and both Taff and Fred said
to say hello. I will be retiring in August this year when I turn
55. Marie and I will be heading for the UK to live in October. I
intend joining the Submarine Association and maybe a few other
organisations when there. If you know of any organisations (that
wouldn't mind a "dink" in their midst) and have any contacts I'd
appreciate your help here too. How many expats are there from the
Squadron now living in the UK?" Just what they need,
another bloody Dink to show them how to drink! Budgie, there are a
few over there, I will send you details.
WA member Bill Lee writes "I have a son who lives
at Parkwood on the Gold Coast, I will be going over to holiday with him
and his family for two or three weeks on May 2nd. I am not aware Where
Bauple is but it sounds like it may be further up North."
This looks like a chance to get a beer or two off the old bugger, I may
drive down the coast to say g'day.
Congratulations
to Bill Bacon who is a proud new grandfather. He wrote
"Hi All, here is a photo of my first
granddaughter, Katherine Leigh Matheson. She is only 2 days old,
and was born on Thursday afternoon." Get a haircut Bill!
Peter
Smith asks "I have a question to ask our web
readers. Can anyone put the exact name to the boat and the year the
photo was taken off Sydney in the 1970s. There is no information
appended to the photo. My first recollection of this exercise was
in Onslow in either 1972 or 73, however I do not recall if we did a day
exercise, I do know we did a night exercise. One of the SAS said later
that being out at night waiting to be picked up can be very scary until
the periscope takes up the rope between the canoes." 
speed submarine that ran on Hydrogen peroxide, an extremely volatile
liquid she was affectionately known as old Exploder (photo). The fuel
was stored in pvc bags outside the pressure hull covered with lightly
secured steel plates, so that if it did explode, it would blow off the
plates rather than the pressure hull. She did, however provide high
speed targets for ASW ships prior to the nuclear age. The second
was HMS Aneas, long range submarine built for the war in the Pacific
towards the end of the second world war. The third was HMS Seraph,
she had a very interesting war time history and there are several web
sites and a couple of books devoted to her story. When I joined her she
was 20 years old and used as a training target for dummy torpedoes. The
fourth was HMS Cachalot, this was a “P” class submarine that directly
preceded the “O” and was almost identical to the “O” class."
LEUT George
Lakey sent an example of RN submarine recruiting that he said is very common in
the local pubs in Glasgow. He added "A word of
advice, be wary of taking your camera out when in a urinal in Glasgow –
it gives the locals the wrong idea." George has just
returned from witnessing trials for REMORA (Vancouver) and LARS
(Glasgow), the RAN is getting the submarine rescue capability back into
service after the mishap with REMORA a while back.
Come on
Boof, I'll give you a bath...
Bruce
Patch, fellow Ovens plank owner asked "I'm out
west at my Daughter/Son-in-Laws property near Kynuna and have been
telling tales of our days in Subs. A question came us about
how much diesel we carried and even though I've done the trim a few
times I can't remember the volume. Can you help me out with this
one?" I immediately reported this to our former Chief
Stoker and Mentor Graeme Gilbert, pictured here with Bruce on a recent
Divisional outing. Shame Bruce!
Here
is a chance to pick up stationary cheap (or even free) from
SIA
News
Navy and White
White and Navy - Other colours by request.
An
85 year old gentleman had been complaining of stomach pains so went to
the doctors surgery and of course took his good lady wife along with
him, as they do! The Doctor gave the gentleman an examination,
then said to the old gentleman that he wished to conduct some further
tests for which he would require a urine, stool and semen sample. The
old gentleman who was hard of hearing turned to his wife and said 'what
did he say'? The wife replied 'he said, he wants your underpants!'
Carol,
Kim, Stuart and Families would like to thank all those who attended
Bob's Service on Wednesday and those who have sent their condolences. We
were overwhelmed at the number of people. We would also like to thank
all those who have contributed to "The Walk" with their kind donations.
It was Bob's wish that the walk go ahead so I will be "full steam ahead"
to fulfill his wishes. 
And that's your lot for this
week, come on Boof, lets have a nana nap...........
HMAS
Rankin awarded the Gloucester Cup 
The
Cup has been won by many notable ships over the years, including
Quadrant, Vampire, Sydney and Hobart. And in recent times, winners have
included Arunta, ANZAC, Success and Adelaide, Kanimbla and last year
HMAS Sheean. Today, HMAS Rankin joins those prestigious names for
a second time, as a result of outstanding performance during the past
year.
"Thanks for that, however one
vessel has been missed out, HMAS Onslow (photo) was awarded the Cup in the mid
seventies or there abouts. I remember it well as we proceeded into
Newcastle, we had to butcher a piece of timber in the forends and fit a
hook onto it, only enough timber for one star so as we came alongside
with the star on the fin, as we were turned by the tug to come alongside
at the appropriate time, Captain ASL Smith (RN) unhooked the star and
hung it on the other side, from memory, I think Max Hardy was on the
helm"
Chris
‘Joel’ Garner, (photo) wrote "Hope you are
enjoying life in ‘God’s Country’ and you are trying to behave yourself.
I, like a hell of a lot of people enjoy the website immensely. I am
still in green with STU-SM (Sea Training Unit – Submarines), which is
our new acronym, although SSTG is hard to remove from the collective
memory. Out on HMAS Rankin (Gloucester Cup winners twice in a
commission) recently and the CTIFF (CPO Christopher ‘Jugs’ Rowley)
honouring ‘O’ boats, piped ‘Blowing Snort Exhaust’ as he started the
last snort before berthing in Adelaide for FCD (fancy name for refit). I
commented to a couple of people that the CTIFF’s pipe was pretty funny,
felt very $&%^ing old when I got a lot of blank looks and queries about
his pipe. The CO (CMDR Phil Stanford) thought it was pretty funny, so a
least someone onboard got the joke." Just proves that Joel
is on the verge of becoming a dinosaur, time to move him to the
submarine school with the rest of them.
UK reader Ken Thomson was browsing through the Log and
saw the photo which some were thinking was NOT Olympus. He writes
"It most definitely is. The guy with the beard is
George Joblin the guy in the very front is the Killick Chef but I can't
remember his name. I was on Olympus at the time but my memory for names
is pretty poor. Andy Sugden who runs the site Diesel weasel knows all
the names."
Mike
Bennett, Victorian Branch President (an old Pom) keeps me abreast of
happenings in the Old Dart and sent me this nostalgic photo, taken at a
time when the RN had enough boats to have at least one at sea at all
times, when the Tot was like gold and he could drink three scrumpies
without falling off his perch. Those were the days Mike!
Sandy
Freeleagus needs help. He asks "I'm trying to sell
a be