Things have been pretty good here this week except for the fact that I am falling apart.  Fell off the verandah, missed the top srep and have pulled a muscle (yes I do have some) in my back, painful and making life miserable as I cannot sleep. then to top it off I noticed a lump coming up on my forearm and by time I got to the doctors next day it was about the size of a big sausage.  Had scans done but as Friday was Maryborough show day I will not get the results till Tuesday, everything closes (not that you would notice).  And did I tell you I had a bad eye!!!! Enough of the bitching, at least I am still alive.

I have bought another 6 10 week old chooks and I was a little concerned when my neighbour said she thinks most of them are roosters.  How would she know?  Niggs loves stalking all the chooks (free range of course and I can prove it by the amount of chook crap between my toes) and I spend half my day rescuing them.  He charges them and turns off at the last minute, scares the crap out of them.  I hear that it is good for the gardens and makes them grow, maybe I may even grow too.

The latest edition of In Depth will be online tonight.  We still have over 170 Members that we do not have an email address for.  If you have an email address but do not receive email from me, please let me know.  Better still, complete the Members Update Form so that we can update the Association's records.

This week's Log will be brief, I had to put stuff in In depth, it is not easy filling a weekly log and find stuff for the newsletter too.

I leave for Sydney to pick up my brother and the campervan on Wednesday so please, if I am in your general email list for cartoons, jokes etc can you remove me till further notice as access to computers will be limited.  By all means send items of interest relating to submarines.

I am looking forward to the trip and I am taking my Member's list with me, so don't be surprised if you get a call from me on the way through your town.  We have arranged the travelling to take advantage of any good fishing spots we find on the way, Big Bro is a fishing fanatic.  Not sure if Boof is all that excited about the trip though.

That's it, I have things to do, may be online next week, maybe not.

Last week Peter Nielsen reported coming across a "Submariner Wannabe" and this elicited a response from Jim Joyce. "Norm, reference the wannabe Frog Submariner, I ask what sort of person, in his right mind, would want to impersonate a Submariner?? Obviously some idiot that has not seen the list of Ailments Various, Submariners for The Issue of, on your sick list!"

Elaine Gowling asked "Do you know where we could get a copy of the book "Australian Submarines A History" by Michael White please. There is a submariner living here in St Helens who would like a copy."  If you know where we can find a copy please let Elaine know.

Jonathan Welch wrote "I was looking at the Association's web site and was surprised to see my name on a list for a ASM award. I served on submarines from 1986 to 92. It great to see some of my old friends with smiles on their faces, I enjoyed your site very much."

Michael Bell wrote sent a link to a video of Russia's-30MK fighter aircraft. He said "It does not seem to have any stealth properties - unless it can be confused with a multicoloured cloud." This video is of an in-flight demonstration and you will not believe what you are about to see. The fighter can stall from high speed, stopping forward motion in seconds (full stall). Then it demonstrates an ability to descend tail first without causing a compressor stall. It can also recover from a flat spin in less than a minute. These maneuvering capabilities don't exist in any other aircraft in the world today.

On a recent trip to the U.S.A. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was invited to address a major gathering of the American Indian Nations in upstate New York due to his experiences in handling the Australian indigenous situation in Australia. He spoke for almost an hour on his ideas for increasing every First Nation's present standard of living.  At the conclusion of his speech, the tribes presented the Prime Minister with a plaque inscribed with his new Indian name - Walking Eagle. The proud Rudd then departed with his entourage, waving to the crowd as he left. A news reporter later asked the chiefs how they came to select the new name given to Rudd.  They explained that Walking Eagle is the name given to a bird so full of shit, it can no longer fly.

Fred Lawrence reports a link to a new free search tool which will give the answer you need - not lots of references.  I understand it is still under development and it confused me, but will be worth a try.

Phil "Max" Walker wrote "Saw the note in Up Periscope around 10 May about my questions on joining.
I should clear up one thing - I was known as Max. Have carried that nickname since high school and my wife, most family and friends still can't get used to Phil (or Phillip). I remember sharing a flat in Sydney with two other former submariners - Mick Bartel and  Ron "Dutchie" Vandenberg (I'd known them for about a year by that stage) - when my mum rang there asking for Phillip/Phil. Dutchie told her she got the wrong number, there's no one here by that name and hung up. I got in the shit from all concerned for not sharing quite enough information all round. You get that. I got over it pretty quick.

I received the following from LEUT John Corker who asked "Myself and Matt Ritchie are presently travelling to the UK in HMAS Ballarat as part of Northern Trident . We both served with Dave Costello on Ovens and Orion, I joined the navy with him and would like to contact whilst in ol blighty. Could please pass on his email address to me or get him to email me, contact details below, it would be great to catch up."  Only too pleased to assist.

Paul "Diesel" Dann read the Media release on the tribute to animals in war that was recently unveiled at the National War Memorial.   He wrote "I just received this and wondered why they didn't mention "Trevor" the budgie (shown here on Polly Lloyd's shoulder) who did several patrols on Orion during the 80's, have to say that many a bitch session was had with him and he was only too keen to listen (then tell you to F*^# off). Only trouble was he tended to repeat most of what was said at meal times for all to hear... must still be classified, ha ha."

I had a request from the Holbrook Submarine Museum & Visitor Centre this week asking if the B11 British Submarine which Commander Holbrook commandeered had any portholes.  

VETERANS' AFFAIRS
The latest issue of DVA's e-News, keeping you up-to-date with news from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs is now online. In this issue:

• 2009-10 Budget Measures for veteran community

• Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Review – submissions open

• Increased funding for mental health support in-service and post-service

• Australians far and wide join together to mark Anzac Day

• Top scientist appointed to Vietnam Veterans’ Family Study

• Low cost internet connection fees

• DVA graduate program

• Victorian Story Writing and Art Competition – entries now open

• Upcoming events and anniversaries

• New publications

• Media releases

Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal report on the award of Australian Defence Medal.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, today announced that he has accepted the recommendations of the independent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal report of the inquiry into the eligibility criteria for the Australian Defence Medal. “The Australian Defence Medal (ADM) recognises Australian Defence Force (ADF) regular and Reserve personnel who have, within a set timeframe, demonstrated their commitment and contribution to the nation,” Dr Kelly said.

“The release of the findings fulfils a key Rudd Labor Government election commitment. I am very pleased to announce that the Government has accepted the Tribunal’s findings, and I have asked Defence to implement the recommendations.”

In particular, the report recommends that applications for the ADM from ex-serving members who were medically discharged without a compensable injury or illness be considered on a case-by-case basis. Following consideration of individual circumstances, a period of service shorter than four years or within their initial enlistment period may be deemed as efficient service for the purposes of the ADM Regulations.

The Tribunal has recommended no other changes to the eligibility criteria for the ADM. “The release of the Tribunal’s first report and the acceptance of the recommendations clearly demonstrate the Government’s commitment to the independent review of long-standing Defence honours and awards issues,”
Dr Kelly said.

Ex-serving ADF members who believe they may now be eligible for the ADM should contact Defence Honours and Awards, toll free, on 1800 111 321. The Tribunal’s full report is available at www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au. Further information on Defence honours and awards is available at: www.defence.gov.au/medals/

DEFENCE NEWS
Only one submarine left to defend Australia
By Ian McPhedran,  "The Advertiser"

Submarine woes have hit a new low with just one of six Collins Class craft fit for service. Experts differ on the security risk this poses for the nation, but they agree that having just one boat available to defend the nation is a terrible return on a $10 billion taxpayer investment.

With HMAS Waller tied up at the Henderson shipyard south of Perth for urgent battery repairs, the only seaworthy sub is HMAS Farncomb. The other four boats are either out of active service (HMAS Collins) or out of the water for major maintenance known as full cycle docking (HMAS Sheehan, Rankin and Dechaineux).

The latest submarine crisis comes just a month after the navy released a damning report into the management of the submarine force and its overworked crews with a solemn promise to fix the problems. It also coincides with a $20 billion-plus push to equip the navy with 12 new generation submarines over the next 20 years.

Despite having just one operational vessel, the navy has promised the Government the subs will be available for an extra 160 days of duty next year.  Documents released with the Federal Budget show that the navy plans to increase the number of "unit ready days" for the fleet next year from 762 to 914 or more than 300 days each for three boats. "There is less docking maintenance scheduled for FY09/10 hence the URD forecast is higher," it said.

Military expert at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute Andrew Davies said many issues needed to be sorted out before the nation invested $20 billion in a new submarine fleet. "Do we spend more time thinking about buying new things than we do looking after what we have got?" he asked.

When they are working the Collins boats are the Australian Defence Force's most important strategic weapon. However, the subs have been dogged by major technical problems including leaky welds, excessive noise, and unworkable combat systems.

Waller's battery problem, the second inside a year, is reportedly so serious it could cost more than $3 million and take months to fix. The navy denies any problem with Waller and says the maintenance stop was "scheduled".

Planes to Shoot Lasers to "Talk" to Submarines?
Richard A. Lovett, National Geographic News

Lasers that can create loud bangs under the sea might someday replace sonar for sending messages to submarines, Navy physicists have announced.  Conventional sonar mapping uses pulses of sound, which require towed arrays of speakers and receivers.  "You have to pull [the array] with a vessel," said Ted Jones, a plasma physicist with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C.  "It's slow and expensive. It might take hours or even days to search a large area."

The new technique - a 21st-century form of Morse code - uses self-focusing laser beams to superheat BB-size quantities of water up to 70 feet (20 meters) beneath the waves. The result is "a little piston of steam" that expands at supersonic speeds, creating an underwater bang loud enough to be heard miles away, Jones said.

Laser Search
The laser pings could also be used for any of the other things normally done with sonar, such as searching for underwater objects or mapping the seabed.  To conduct a search, users could disperse passive-sonar buoys, which are designed to listen but not transmit.

Then an airplane could fly overhead, beaming laser-generated pings across the search region.  "You could quickly do a sonar search over a large area," Jones said.

Come on Boof and Niggs, time to put the chooks to bed.............

Sunday, 17^th May 2009

Last week a chicken pecked me in the eye and it has been a bit of a problem, have a patch on my eye and the locals keep asking where my parrot is.....  Still painful and difficult to work with one eye that is not all that good.

Guy Burton really knows how to help!  Planning for the trip across the Nullabor by Big Bro and I was progressing well, Britz camper all arranged, fishing gear sorted and long undies packed.  Then this from Guy "Not wanting to put you off or anything but this is what happened to the last person I know (work colleague) who hired a Britz campervan. Happened recently, 50 km south of Exmouth. All passengers safe, can't say much for their gear though."  My statement last week "I have booked my Britz campervan for the trip to SUBCON and as usual got burnt.  There was a 50% reduction for the period I was away but when I finally decided to book the discount had been reduced to 30%."

I hope that my trip is fire proof. As some that know me are aware that I have a history with fires; a caravan I was living in in Frenchs Forrest caught alight, the curtains were too close to the grill.  Then there was the tent that went up while camping near Coffs Harbour (not sure what happened but when we got back from the pub all that was left was the charred remains of my tent and belongings). But the flat at Artarmon that I shared with Squizzy Taylor takes the cake, I was cooking fish (Barramundi no less) for expected guests when Squizz rings to tell me he was bringing more guests home, so I slipped down the road for more and stopped in at the pub on the way. The sounds of sirens soon reminded me that I had not turned off the oil (big legal case over the 'faulty stove' that I blamed).  Thanks again Guy!!!

No headhunters have rung offering me Greg Tunny's job at ASC? Maybe my asking price is a bit high, but if they want quality they must be prepared to pay for it.  

One of the things that I am really looking forward to in Fremantle is the 40th Anniversary meeting of Ovens plank owners.  Especially pleasing is to see that our XO Tom Harrison will be there as will be Rip Mahoney, John Morrison, Ray Clarke, Roy Cross and others.  Unfortunately age and health will prevent many from attending.

Time and input has run out, so a short entry this week, remember, I shut for business at the end of the month and as i am not on wireless access to computers may be limited.

Onslow Update
Just a short note to say thanks for all your help. Most of the Ships Company have contacted me and I have had the opportunity to pass on some information to them. There is a Dedication function for a plaque commemorating the toxic gas incident planned for 20th June 2009 at the Sydney Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) commencing at 0930 completing at 1000. The Deputy Chief of Navy will be presenting the plaque to the ANMM and hopefully the Passlow Family will be there along with ex- Onslows. Any other ex-submariners who wish to attend could they contact me by 1 Jun 2009 as I need number to supply to the museum.

Michael Carew
M.A. CAREW
Commander, RANR
Manager Navy Governance (MS)
R1-04-C126
Phone: 02 - 6265 7318
Fax: 02 - 6265 6192

Full details of future Events are available in the Events page of www.submarinesaustralia.com.

Eternal Patrol - Ron Lemon
Colin Broad has advised me that his wife (a nurse) informed him of the death of an ex submariner at the Nepean Hospital this week.  Unfortunately I have no record of Ron and if anyone has any further information on him please send to me.

Peter Nielsen reports "I came across a "Submariner Wannabe" at the Battle of the Coral Sea memorial service at Cardwell on Sunday 3rd May 2009. The imposter's name is Jean Gontier.  I knew him back in the mid 80's, when he was a member of the Seafarers' Association of Townsville. (He still wears their badge). He was known as "Frenchie" because of his broad, very hard to understand French accent, and I understood that he was ex-French Merchant Navy. I asked him, at Cardwell, on which Submarines he served and he could not remember. I did not spoil his day, but that evening I phoned him to advise him that if he did not serve on RAN Submarines, then he was not entitled to wear the RAN Dolphins."

Kevin Marengo has also encountered this imposter adding "That's the bloke who came up to me on ANZAC Day last year in Bowen and wanted to know where he could get a set of dolphins because his wife gave his away. When I asked him which boats he was in he said Ovens 74.When I told him I was there at the time and the boat was in refit with only about a dozen crew and he wasn't one of them he took off and I didn't see him again. He's obviously got his dolphins somewhere. Danny was there so he'll probably remember him as well."

Eric Jones (WOSN) wrote "I was gob smacked with the number of ex vens guys going to the reunion! I counted 21 that I served with in the boat! Given the time that you spent in it, you probably counted 42! The best part was that I have good memories of all of them...Even Woolly Hayton! Tuff man if you were a Pt 3, but a genuine bloke! I learnt very quickly. "The length of a night ashore with the TI correlated to the tactical range required to avoid battle damage."  Onya Kevin! I bet you don't know of too many Box Packers that could fire the FWD or AFT SSEs any time the boat required it. Your good training!" 
Mike 'George' Washington wrote "Hi Norm, hope this finds you well? I am still settling in to my new career as a teacher and have to say it is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It is a real challenge, but it does not give me much spare time at the moment. I am down the school preparing 7 days a week, but I think this is also because I am a 'new' teacher and learning the ropes. Anyway mate, take care and hope to catch up with you real soon."  Mike is teaching at the Dauan Island campus (via Thursday Island), a real challenge for a new teacher but he should catch on pretty quick.

SUBCON 2001

The AE2 Website is now up and running and looks really great, worth a visit.  Shows what a bit of enthusiasm, money and computer skills can do.

Dave Luck is currently in the UK and writes "Visited the Museum with an old mate, Terry Goodship, ex Chief Stoker on Grampus. Chief Stokers and Tiffies (green ones) can be friends. Terry is the Chairman of the Gosport Branch of the RN Submarine Association, and also Chairman of the British Branch of the International Submarine Association."  Alliance is looking pretty tatty, a bit of TLC wouldn't go astray.

This is amazing - I hope you have time to check it out: At the train station in Liverpool , T-Mobile did this great commercial unbeknownst to the daily commuters. They practiced for 8 weeks and late at night at the station. On January 15th, 2009, with hidden cameras and 400 dancers at 11:00 a.m. their plan was put into action. They have carried out similar filming at several other sites too.

Lee Bond sent this information on Melbourne's new super cameras. Victoria Police announced 30 non-fixed red light cameras around Melbourne will become fixed, digital and upgraded to catch speeding drivers. These are going to be almost impossible to detect. Check it out

2007 - Chinese year of the Chicken - Bird Flu Pandemic devastates parts of Asia
2008 - Chinese year of the Horse - Equine Influenza decimates Australian racing
2009 - Chinese year of the Pig - Swine Flu Pandemic kills hundreds of pigs (and people) around the globe
And please take note, next year?
2010 - Chinese year of the Cock ... what could possibly go wrong?

WA here we come for SUBCON so top up your Wine Cellars now?  For this week's specials go to GetWineDirect and save enough to buy heaps more, you can never have enough wine, especially with a bunch of thirsty foreigners about to arrive like a a plague of locusts.  Please visit the website and when you place your order be sure to include the CLUB ID number to go onto your order so the SAA can claim the 5% of sales. SAA ID Number is 3558 or for WA Members  the ID Number is 9375.  I have just taken delivery of my latest consignment and continue to be very impressed with the quality and price of these wines.

SUBCON 2002

Les Thurgood writes "I cannot make SUBCON as I head of overseas again on 11 Jun, back on 10 August, too tight a schedule. Will not make next years either as I have a tour booked for Normandy all of June." Another that cannot attend is Phil 'Sno' Roberts "Will you please note my apologies at the AGM SUBCON 2009, due to a stomach op in late February and a slow recovery I am still not fully recovered and therefore unable to attend. Hope it's a bottler, and ave a good one! See you in Coffs Harbour 2010."

Paul McCallum picked me up on my entry "At five minutes and six seconds after 4 AM on the 8th of July this year, the time and date will be 04:05:06 07/08/09. This will never happen again !!" I stand corrected, he wrote  "The above is the American time.  The Aussies get to do it on the 7th of August."

A Pakistani dies and goes to Heaven. He knocks on the Pearly Gates and St. Peter opens them.
"Yes?", asks St. Peter.
"I am here for Jesus", says the Pakistani.
St Peter turns around and shouts, "Jesus, your taxi's here"

Looking for a cheap holiday in Queensland? St George's Holiday House is operated by the Service Personnel Anglican Help Society (SPAHS) to provide a tranquil and inexpensive beach side holiday experience for Service and Ex-Service Personnel. St George's is located opposite the Beach at Rainbow Bay, Queensland, Australia and has easy access to the world renowned surf breaks of Snapper Rocks, Greenmount and Kirra. It faces North to the ocean and offers good quality accommodation at affordable rates for currently serving and ex-service members of the Defence Forces, War/Defence widows, their husbands or wives, and dependent school-age children. Most bedrooms are twin, but some single and two double rooms are available. A communal kitchen, dining areas (both indoor and outdoor), bathrooms and laundry facilities are provided. St George's is close to all amenities, including two major shopping centres, movie theatres, restaurants, clubs. A variety of sports and other entertainment are all within an easy stroll of the house. Surfing and fishing are at your doorstep.

Richard Coathup has gone into hospital for minor surgery to remove blood clots.

Kevin "Woolly' Hayton has advised me that ‘Jelly’ Barnes is now out of hospital and travelling OK, doctor’s confident they got all the cancer. So everything is looking positive.

Rod Peters has put in an apology for me at the AGM as he will be recovering from knee replacement surgery on his left knee. He wrote "I will be going under the knife on the 25/5/09, I had the right knee done in August last year. It must be because I retired ,I seem to have all sorts of medical problems."  Not because you retired mate, it is because you are OLD!!!

SUBCON 2003

HEALTH, WELFARE & ENTITLEMENTS
2009-10 Veterans’ Affairs Budget
Australia’s veterans will benefit in the 2009-10 Veterans’ Affairs Budget which provides funding of $11.8 billion including funding of $6.5 billion for compensation and income support, and $4.9 billion for health and health services.

Flowing from the Harmer Review of Pensions, the Government will allocate $1.1 billion over four years to provide extra financial support in the Veterans’ Affairs portfolio. Over 320,000 service pensioners and war widow(er)s will benefit from the pension changes.

Single service pensioners and war widows will receive a boost to their pension of up to $32.49 a week. Service pensioners paid the couples rate will get up to an extra $10.14 combined a week. These increases are in addition to normal indexation and will apply from 20 September 2009. The current system for the payment of allowances will also be simplified.

An additional $9.5 million in extra funding has been allocated to boost mental health services for veterans and ex-serving personnel, implementing all of Professor David Dunt’s recommendations arising from his Independent Study into Suicide in the Ex-service Community. Mental health programs, including suicide prevention, will be strengthened, and administrative procedures faced by those transitioning out of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), or applying for compensation, will be further simplified. More experienced case managers will be assigned to support clients with complex needs and access to mental health clinical expertise will increase.

The Australian Government will provide $10 million to develop the Western Front Interpretive Trail in partnership with local communities. The project will improve facilities and interpretation at seven sites in France and Belgium where Australians fought during the First World War. Visitors from all nations will be able to trace the course of Australian sacrifices and achievements and learn about Australia’s role at these key battlefields.

The 2009–10 Budget provides $1.0 million for a review of military rehabilitation and compensation arrangements, and a review into the cost of pharmaceuticals for war caused disabilities. This funding will help deliver on two election commitments.

Australian veterans and war widows who live overseas will no longer have to maintain an Australian bank account to receive their DVA payments, saving them from paying ongoing fees for international transfers.

Measures will be implemented to improve co-ordination across programs that support veterans and war widows in their homes, to streamline the assessment process, and to enhance service delivery through better identification of veterans’ needs. Together with administrative efficiencies, this will result in savings of $4.2 million over four years.

The Government will spend $5.3 million in 2009-10 to pay a lump sum to all recipients of the Dependant's Pension. This pension, which has been frozen for more than 45 years, aside from a one-off GST increase in 2000, will be converted to a one-off payment equivalent to three years of payments. New grants of the Dependant’s Pension ceased in 1985, and current payments range between 29 cents and $8.42 a fortnight. This lump sum will be paid to all recipients at the end of September 2009, after which the pension will cease.

The Government will further extend the Defence Services Homes Insurance Scheme to eligible members of the popular Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme. This will benefit an estimated 7,500 ADF and Reserve members and is part of the Government’s strategy to encourage ADF personnel retention.

During 2009-10, the Government will also complete its consideration of the recommendations of the Clarke Review that were not implemented by the previous Government.

SUBCON 2004

Come on Boof and Nigs, time to round up the chooks.............
 

Sunday, 10^th May 2009

I am taking forever with the log today as a chicken pecked me in the eye yesterday and unfortunately it was my good eye.  So toady, not only do I have a sore eye but everything is blurred beyond belief. It's a long story, so I will not tell it.

I see that there is a chance that I may get a job with ASC, Greg Tunny has pulled the pin and they are searching for a replacement.  Only problem will be the same as when I first started with ASC in 1987, I was living in Queensland and realised that I had no shoes, shirts or trousers and my stubbies and thongs may not have been considered suitable office attire.

Another dent in the car this week, backed out of the driveway and hit one of the posts, I am sure it moved.  My car is looking like a real bush basher and i think I will hold off buying a new one for a while.

I have booked my Britz campervan for the trip to SUBCON and as usual got burnt.  there was a 50% reduction for the period I was away but when I finally decided to book the discount had been reduced to 30%.  They say the early bird catches the worm.

SAA NEWS  

WA Branch
Despite the economic doom and gloom around just now we have had an excellent response for SUBCON 2009 in Fremantle this June Long Weekend (5th -8th). Our SUBCON Committee has finalised all arrangements and are just fine tuning the minor details. I seek your support and request that you complete registration if intending to come to SUBCON and also for those who are registered to pay the balance of their account ASAP. This will all help the Committee to finalise all prepayments required by the venues and also to calculate how much can be provided for free drinks. If paying by Bank Transfer members are advised to include their surname on the form to assist the Treasurer to identify you.

Queensland Branch
It is now only about 10 or 11 weeks to go to the to the Dinner Dance on 1st August 2009 and of course the AGM on the following day. Rob Woolrych notes "Some of you have already made your payment and for that we thank you and to the rest of you who have indicated you want to join us on this big night could you please think about of making your payment in the near future. We hope you are all still coming. All the Committee want is to have a get together and we want you all to be in it with us."

AROUND THE TRAPS

Greville (Snake) Knight got a bit pissed at the Anzac post celebrations, but still managed to get home. He didn’t bother to hang his jacket up when he got home, not that many of us would do either. On Sunday, hanging up the jacket he thought; where the F……. is my ASM? It had fallen off somewhere between the Metropolitan Hotel and Osborne, some walking, a tram and a train in between. Monday, Snake gets a call from the local police, it had been handed in. What goes around, does come around (we all hope).

CPO (AWASM?) Trevor Forster has been appearing on MasterChef over the last few weeks and is doing quite well, although he almost ended up on chooks (with a hint of garlic) this week for mutinous behaviour, he took over from his team captain and was seriously chastised when he fronted the table.  The Judges were not impressed.  He was only using his initiative..........   The appearance of Trevor, a submariner for the last 22 years, playing 'cook' caused ex POCK James 'Arnie' Arnold to have a fit, he thought that the mullets had taken over the kitchens as he did not know this 'Cook'.  A self-taught cook, Trevor makes all sorts of food, from traditional fare to anchovy doughnuts, they sound yummy.......... where's my barf bag!

Adrian Jallands has been jet setting in the UK and reports "We are back home in Tonga, A good flight although very long, managed to get everything in NZ, so the fridge and freezer is full again!!! Had a great time in England and it was great to catch up with everyone."

Jock Hutchison has been busy tracing his family tree and has found relatives that he never knew he had, in Canada, NZ, Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria and one in Cyprus. He wrote "I traced my Dad's mum's family back to 1279, Lord of Barra and Bourtie (Aberdeenshire). They eventually got their marching orders from Alexander Seton (Mary, Queen of Scots Chancellor) for not "doing their feudal duties". Seton, later Lord Fyvie, passed Barra Castle, and the lands to his nephew, which he sold and it passed through several hands and was purchased again in the 1990's and the Castle used now as an upper class hotel."  I bet the pub wasn't upper class when Jock's mob lived there.........

A small boy was lost at a large shopping Centre.  He approached a uniformed policeman and said, 'I've lost my pop!'
'The cop asked, 'What's he like?'
The little boy hesitated for a moment and then replied, ' Bundaberg Rum and sheilas with big tits.'

Bill Burgess said they a good day was had in Narrabri on ANZAC Day. "Attended dawn service with Polly Pindar and had top breakfast helped with generous servings of Rum! Then marched with Polly, Pat Cullum and my family to a well attended town following. We then had lunch at RSL compliments our sub branch. Pat C is doing well after his major operation. Polly just celebrated his 80th so all had a good get together."

Stuey Milburn has returned from his NZ trip and has just visited the Cowra Japanese Gardens, POW Camp site and cemetery. He said "A sad reminder of World War 2. I am really glad the Cowra Council maintain the Japanese War Cemetery to a high standard just like the Thai people do for the POWs who died on the Burma Railway."  It has been a while since I visited Cowra, but the gardens are were a visit if you are passing through.

Dave 'Pee Wee' Petherick's daughter Dianne has come home from the UK and he sent a picture of wife Chrissie (who's Scottish accent seems broader now than when she married Dave), Dianne, and himself taken on Anzac Day at the Caloundra RSL.  Dianne obviously got his good looks from her mother..............

Do you know that when a woman wears a leather dress, a man's heart beats quicker, his throat gets dry, he gets weak in the knees, and he begins to think irrationally???
Ever wonder why? It's because she smells like a new Ute.

Can you help......................
Garry 'Chook' Fowler from the submarine school in WA is trying to find info for friends on HMS Sahib. If anyone has information on James Frederick Wilde please contact Chook. HMS Sahib was a S class submarine lost north of Sicily to Italian corvette Gabbiano after sinking several transports in April 1943. In January 21, 1943 U-301 was sunk by submarine Sahib west of Cape Bonifacio.

Graeme Caesar asked "I notice that you have a “Tony Hewitt” listed on this month’s birthdays. Would this be the same Tony Hewitt that I would have joined up with in July ’61 and who stayed in the UK when he married a local there in about ’67 or ’68? If so, can you please send me his email address as I thought that he must have dropped of the edge of the world."  GC and TH have been reunited.

Phillip Walker sent an email requesting information on joining the Association. Phillip served on boats between '80 & '86 and paid off as LSROSM and lives in Brisbane.  He must be OK, he is an old Maryborough boy so knows a little about the delights of the Bauple area and agrees with me "Nice part of the world".

At five minutes and six seconds after 4 AM on the 8th of July this year, the time and date will be 04:05:06 07/08/09. This will never happen again !!!

POPHOT Cameron Martin sent the following photos: Dragon boat action, that's him with no hair and glasses, Fruitbat and Dave Perry - HMAS Otama in Hong Kong basin 1989,  Snake Apps and Geoff Godeke (now a CMDR in skimmers - recently drove HMAS Ballarat) in drinking shirts with a mean green mojo and Whale Curren in a PR shot taken in the COMCEN.  Cameron added "Just a point of interest, the Navy dragon boat team competed at the National championships on the Sunshine coast a week ago and came away with a medal in all 4 events we entered. Submariners were well represented, CMDR Paddy O'Dwyer, LCDR Bert Slape and myself were all part of the team. Bert and myself were also in the NSW State team where I won 1 gold and 1 silver medal. The gold medal earns me the right to represent Australia at the World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic in August."

Brett Hinton reminisces "I was working at DSMR one day (having a break from the usual cocktail circuit in Navy Office) when I get a phone call from Jim and Tom who are about to pay off and advise me that DSMR needs the benefit of their combined knowledge on CSAW and C Stoker matters. I sweet talks Cmdr Tom Brinkley (ex Pom) and arrange travel at DSMR expense.

Jim and Tom left Sydney on the Sunday. On Wednesday, they finally appear in Campbell park and I lie and say they were busy at Russell Offices for two days. (There are a lot of pubs between Sydney and Canberra and a very nice one called the Bushranger at Collector.

That night we have a bar-b-que and the next morning Jim wakes up and swears a big black dog slept on him all night. Although offered a bed he slept on the floor. Just then, a big black dog, our dog appears and Jim says "That's the mongrel".

When I first went to DSMR I was a bit taken aback. The first week I went to a bar b que where Bob Madden gave a speech. Half way through he says "I can smell something burning" and looks down to see his shoes melting on the bar b que hot plate. That night we went to a party and Cmdr Brinkley's wife said to my then wife "I am Commander Brinkley's wife and you may call me Mrs Brinkley." Quick as a flash my ex said "I am Petty Officer Hinton's wife and you may call me Mrs Hinton". That went down like a pork chop in a synagogue.

Tom Brinkley (he said to call him Tom) came over and asked me what it was really like on HMAS Orion so I told him. He called me a liar by saying "No submarine I have ever been on has been like that". I told him he was a dickhead and asked how many Australian Subs he had been on or indeed how many subs he had been on period. Give him his due, it was not brought up next day and he ensured I was  promoted on discharge. Not all Poms are bad."  For those that were around in those day I am sure you recognised the two miscreants as Tom Johnston and Jim McCarthy.

UK visitor to Up Periscope Terry 'Nobby' Hall wrote "Over the weekend 'Google' celebrated Kew Gardens with the logo attached. It personally reminded me of the Fieldhouse Building 'shape' at the S/M Museum when you approach it by boat! Someone did remark it could be a 'Spanish' Submarine for reviewing their Fleet on the bottom! Anyway I found it intriguing."

Alan L Jamieson (ex stoker) sent the following: "How has things been going with all the fellows over the years? I ran in to Garry Winn a few months ago and he told me of this site that I have just been looking at some faces that I have not seen for a while and sorry to hear of those that have passed away.  I have sent of a quick note to CMDR Carew and hope to here from him one day regarding the Onlsow incident. I would like to get my details on your site when I get to figger out how to do it have had a stroke and things are note easy to remember how to do things, but I am getting there."  It is always nice to add another MIA into my address book.

Bill Hollas thought you might be interested in these photos he received from Wayne 'Sandy' Sands. They were taken at Mt Ives Station which is a sheep station 200km west of Port Augusta in SA. There seems to be no link to any submarine connection. It appears that someone found an old Boiler and thought 'if I add a couple of bits it will look like a submarine'. They did a pretty good job of it though. It’s at the main entrance to the property according to travel sites. Maybe the design for the new boats?

Jim Joyce writes "I believe the fire on Astute was reported as being in some tiles in the fin and of no major consequence. Although I believe it led to a Dockyard Emergency. Truth be to tell it was probably the Signalman up there skulking and having a fag, He may have been smoking as well, who knows with them people." No Jim, be careful, the PC police are watching....

Barrow Branch Member has 'Crossed the Bar'.
Chief MEA (P) John Edward Dixon P/MX 75075 died at the age of 88 on 29th April 2009. John served in submarines from 1940 to April 1972 to and in Submarines Severn, U1023, Sea Devil, Sturdy, Thorough, Tradewind, Truncheon, Finwhale and HMAS Otway (RAN).

John retired from the Navy aged 55 and then worked for Vickers - retiring at the age of 67. He had suffered for Parkinson’s disease for a number of years and moved to Leeds to live with his son about five years ago.

HEALTH, WELFARE & ENTITLEMENTS
$9.4 million in additional funding to boost mental health services
The Australian Government is allocating $9.4 million in additional funding to boost mental health services for veterans and ex-serving personnel, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Alan Griffin, announced today.

The Government has accepted all of the recommendations of the Independent Study into Suicide in the Ex-service Community, which was released today. The study was a 2007 election commitment by the Rudd Government, and was undertaken by Melbourne University public health specialist Professor David Dunt.

The study examined broad issues of suicide in the ex-service community and a number of specific cases of suicide in the past three years. The Government has already met with ex-service organisations to discuss the report.

Several recommendations have practical implementation issues that will need to be discussed with the ex-service community. Mr Griffin said the Government would continue to work in partnership with the ex-service community regarding these issues.  “Changes that will be made include the strengthening of mental health programs, including suicide prevention, and the further simplification of administrative procedures faced by those transitioning out of the Australian Defence Force, or applying for compensation. More experienced case managers will be assigned to support clients with complex needs and DVA will increase access to mental health clinical expertise.

“The Government has ensured that funds are available so that Professor Dunt’s programs and initiatives can be implemented in a timely manner.

“Mental health in the ex-service and veteran community is a critical issue and the Government is allocating $9.4 million to fund the appropriate support. “This funding is in addition to the Government’s recent commitment of $83 million over four years to address the gaps identified in mental health care in the ADF and transition through discharge,” Mr Griffin said.

While the suicide study found some evidence to suggest veterans may be at increased risk of health problems, and studies have shown some evidence to indicate elevated suicide risk among Australian veterans, this evidence is by no means conclusive. However, Professor Dunt has made a series of recommendations that will help ensure the system will be more ‘user friendly’. This should ensure those who use DVA services, and are at risk of self harm, will find it easier to get the support that they need.

Full text of the study and the Government’s response can be found at www.dva.gov.au

Unclaimed Australian Service Medals
LSUCSM David Costello requested advice on how to receive his medal after being advised that his name was listed in the SAA website, http://submarinesaustralia.com.  I have passed on the information to David who is living in England at the moment.  The list is very out of date, if you have claimed your ASM but your name still appears on the list please let me know so I can update the list.

What causes arthritis?
A drunk man who smelled like beer sat down on a subway next to a priest.  The man's tie was stained, his face was plastered with red lipstick, and  a half-empty bottle of gin was sticking out of his torn coat pocket. He  opened his newspaper and began reading.

After a few minutes the man turned to the priest and asked, "Say Father,  what causes arthritis?"

The priest replies, "My Son, it's caused by loose living, being with cheap, wicked women, too much alcohol, contempt for your fellow man,
sleeping around with prostitutes and lack of a bath."

The drunk muttered in response, "Well, I'll be damned, " Then returned to his paper.

The priest, thinking about what he had said, nudged the man and apologized. "I'm very sorry. I didn't mean to come on so strong. How long have you had arthritis?"

The drunk answered, "I don't have it, Father. I was just reading here that the Pope does."

MORAL: Make sure you understand the question before offering the answer

Are you suffering from "PC Rage"?
Are you sick and tired of your computer taking forever to start up and load programs and crashing all the time? Here are a few tips on how to keep your computer in shape:

• Delete Temporary Internet Files. When you visit a new website its content is stored on your PC and takes up hard drive space. Go to "Tools", then "Options" – as each browser is a bit different, click through tabs to find an option of deleting temporary files and cookies.

• Use a registry cleaner such as Registry Mechanic. Windows® registry can be a common cause of crashes, slow performance and error messages. Registry cleaners will stabilise your system and help improve its performance.

• Ensure automatic Windows® Updates is turned on. You can turn this feature on via the Control Panel and then click on Automatic Updates to configure the settings.

• Eliminate unused files & desktop shortcuts. Every file and application that sits on your desktop takes up extra space, delete them to free up your hard disk space.

• Uninstall unused programs. The more programs you have installed the slower your system will become. You need to use the "Uninstall" command in the Add/Remove program feature in the Control Panel. You can’t remove a program just by deleting its folder and files.

• Empty the Recycle Bin. Files that you delete from your computer are still stored in your recycle bin and will continue to take up a valuable hard drive space.

• Schedule regular anti-virus & anti-spyware scans (I use Spyware Doctor and Internet Security) - quick scan daily, full scan weekly. Computer viruses and spyware can take over your computer’s memory and slow performance.

• "Defrag" your computer regularly. Each time you work with a file your computer stores changes in a different place on the hard disk. A defragmentation tool in Desktop Maestro or Registry Mechanic will bring all the fragmented files together for faster file access and reduced load on your computer. You can also do it yourself by right clicking on hard drive, choosing "properties" –"tools "and "defragment now”.

DEFENCE NEWS
ASC welcomes AWD block preferred suppliers 
ASC – shipbuilder for the Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Program – has congratulated the FORGACS group and NQEA Australia Pty Ltd on their selection as preferred suppliers of blocks for the AWD build program. Greg Tunny, Managing Director of ASC, said the selection would see NQEA and FORGACS build seventy per cent of the blocks before subsequent fit-out and ship integration by ASC at its Adelaide shipyard.

The full Press Release shows the blocks that make up the new targets.

ASC farewells Managing Director Greg Tunny
ASC Chairman Mr John Prescott AC has paid tribute to outgoing Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Greg Tunny, who resigned this week. We are naturally disappointed to lose someone of Greg's calibre, Mr Prescott said. Greg made a significant contribution to ASCís performance and direction in his four and a half years with the Company, Mr Prescott said. Greg felt he had achieved all that he could with ASC and, particularly now that the proposed sale of ASC had been deferred, wanted to pursue other interests.

He led our successful bid to be shipbuilder for the $8 billion Air Warfare Destroyer Program. Other achievements under his tenure include the $120 million upgrade of our Osborne shipyard, and the development of ASC West, our $35 million submarine support facility in Western Australia.

He leaves the company well-positioned to compete for future naval programs. Mr Tunny joined ASC in October 2004, and will finish in the role on Friday, 15 May 2009. Mr Graeme Bulmer, a non-executive director of ASC, has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer while the Board undertakes an executive search to find a replacement Chief Executive Officer.

First new submarine contract awarded
A battery-manufacturing company from Adelaide's western suburbs has been awarded the first contract to work on research and development for 12 planned new submarines. Pacific Marine Batteries already supplies batteries for the Collins class submarines.

The company says it has hired 20 engineers and technicians to design a battery that may be used to power the new submarines.

The South Australian Premier, Mike Rann, says the research and development contract for a battery is an important one. "At the moment each Collins class submarine carries about 450 tonnes of batteries, but the next generation of submarines is going to need about 650 tonnes of batteries and they're going to have to have a longer life, because the new submarines are going to have a longer range and are going to spend longer under water," he said.

PMB is a sponsor for SUBCON 2009

MoD picks Faslane as home for submarine fleet
Faslane in Scotland is set to become home for the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet under plans unveiled by the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday, which also see a downgrading of the role played by Devonport in Plymouth.  In an announcement that was greeted with dismay by some Devon MPs, the MoD announced all of Britain’s nuclear-powered submarines will operate out of Faslane on the Clyde by 2017.

At present Faslane is the home to four Vanguard-class submarines, which provide the UK’s nuclear deterrent, and one S-class submarine, while Devonport is the home to seven other nuclear-powered submarines. However, under MoD plans, three of the Devonport vessels will move to Faslane in the next seven years while the four others will remain in the south-west England base until they are decommissioned by 2017.

The MoD said the new generation of Astute hunter-killer submarines and the submarines that will replace the Trident nuclear deterrent will all be based at Faslane. The decision will mean about 1,000 extra personnel will be based in the Scottish port by about 2017, the Royal Navy said.

Wednesday’s decisions were also another boost for Portsmouth, which reasserts its position as Britain’s premier naval base. The MoD announced Portsmouth will be home to a new class of frigates, known as the future surface combatant. They will be berthed alongside the new Type 45 destroyers being introduced to service at present as well as the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers on order.

Devonport will remain the home for amphibious and survey vessels along with a force of Royal Marines’ landing craft and personnel. It will also be the main centre for surface ship refits.

Someone once said that when a black man becomes President, pigs would fly. Sure enough, 100 days later "Swine flew"!

Here is a chance to pick up stationary cheap (or even free) from VistaPrint. When you click through to their site and place your first VistaPrint order, you will receive a special promotion and the website will earn VistaCash that helps pay for the site's stationary.  So order your own personal "business" cards now

Come on Boof and Nigs, nap time.............

Sunday, 3^rd May 2009

How come I never have enough time in a day to achieve anything.  Maybe the long morning coffees on the front verandah with whoever drops in may be a part of the reason.  My big project this week was a new chook pen to keep the new chickens safe, but they are still in their makeshift arrangement.  I am leaving for WA at the end of the month and have a lot to do before i go.  Boof is coming with me, I am hiring a 'Brits' camper for the trip so I suppose that I will need to go and buy some sandals and singlet's, I already have socks to wear with the sandals.

The nights are getting chilly and my little 'pup' Niggs has discovered the doonah, much to Boof and my discomfort.  He is starting to grow at an alarming rate and I am trying to tempt him into his own bed with his own doonah, not having a lot of luck as he has a mind of his own.

I discovered white ants in one of the sheds this week, went to hang up some tools and the wood, which looked perfect, just crumbled.  More expense, the termite man does not come cheap. 

A blast from the past surfaced in my email this week, David Holthouse was an addressee on an email that I received regarding Ken Bromback.  I was a Stoker on HMAS Melbourne (the real one with wings, air wings that is) with David when he was a LCDR, worked fuelling party. I reminded him by email and pointed out in the email that he tried to talk me out of joining submarines, I am glad that you did not succeed, I loved them.  I was surprised that he remembered me, he replied:

"I certainly do remember you and the reason I tried to talk you out of S/Ms was that I thought you were a good career prospect for the surface Navy and that there was more variety on the surface. (You may remember me saying that I had served in HMS Anchorite and liked it but for engineers, at least in our Navy, each sea posting was going to be back to the same job in the same class, and maybe even the same boat). It seems you had a pretty good career anyway.

I am interested to see that you are Secretary to the SAA. In my view there has been insufficient debate, or none, about the nuclear option for a class of submarines which will still be in service 60 years from now. I was surprised when told that the SAA favoured diesel boats, notwithstanding the peak oil issue amongst others. Maybe we will get a chance to talk about it some day.

Meanwhile, very good to hear from you, and my very best wishes, David."  David was just being nice, I suspect that the real reason was that I made good Kai!

SAA NEWS  

This week I received a request from Chris Fogg "Could you please remove Jim Fogg from the Email List? Jim is no longer reading his emails due to ill health which will not improve."  This information was passed to ACT Secretary Geoff Burns who in turn passed it on to Mick Carew to follow up.  Mick reported "I rang Chris up and asked if we could help at all and she said she was pretty right for now. I gave her my phone no and said if she needed assistance at all to give me a call – she was appreciative of this and said it was good of the Association to follow up. He is physically a bit frail but has a care package in place so he is well taken care of in his residential unit."

It is good to see that the system works as demonstrated by the ACT Branch which followed up on the health of Jim Fogg. We have quite a few of our Members getting on in years and I would like to set a challenge for our Branches, establish a 'Buddy System' to monitor the health and well being of these guys.  Ask volunteers to 'partner' one of our older Members and keep in touch with them by phone or the occasional visit.  If you are interested in partnering someone in your postcode give your Branch Secretary a call or send me an email.

It is really great to see interest in joining the Association from serving submariners is increasing.  We have had several requests for information this week, including requests from LSCTSSM Adrian Harrison, HMAS WALLER and, as he put it,  "my partner in crime and career ABSTDSM Fiona Judge (HMAS FARNCOMB)". After spending many years at the submarine school I got to know many of today's submariners and it would be great to see more join us old bastards, just to keep us on our toes.

Acting National Secretary

SUBCON 2009
John Rana has received a payment by EFT for $509 from "Swift" ref: 325195 and assumes that it would be a payment for SUBCON has no no clues to who it is from. If it is you or someone you know please contact  John.

HMAS Onslow Crew search Update
Mick Carew reports:

I sent Emails off to the addresses that you sent me and am yet to receive a reply. I included the names of those I have not been able to contact to see if someone can help me. Possibly not all are connected to the net nor receive Emails I would assume. I really appreciate your help with this as we are trying to get as much info as possible to the ex-members, particularly in regard to DVA issues.

Michael Carew
M.A. CAREW
Commander, RANR
Manager Navy Governance (MS)
R1-04-C126
Phone: 02 - 6265 7318
Fax: 02 - 6265 6192

Email: Michael.Carew1@defence.gov.au

UWs Robert Dobson Bob Mellowship Mark McLeod ROs John Griffin Anthony Zegenhagen Bradley Howell

MTs Ken Passmore Bernard Utteridge Garry Winn John Breen RPs Lawrence Hooper Calvin Rudd

UCs Stuart Campbell David Colman William Nelson Larry Cousins Anthony Gonska Terry Bannear Robert Young

Exec Paul Cripps Kevin Halsted Michael McCall Colin Richards Greenies Bob Hibberd Marcus Gale Ralf Wichnat

BRANCH NEWS

North Queensland Branch
Garth Schmidt, Secretary NQSAA reports "A handful of us attended the Anzac Day parade in Ingham. Rob Roberts is in extremely poor health, but insisted on attending the ceremonies. So the hospital put him in a wheelchair with oxygen and he led the parade, under the SAANQ banner. Rob has now gone into high care at the Blue Haven Home in Ingham, room 31. He can now be contacted on 4776 9222. He was considerably lifted by previous phone calls he received in the Ingham Hospital. Rob's family have all visited and the prognosis is not good."

The next meeting of the Branch will be our AGM and is scheduled to be held over the weekend of 4 & 5 July in Cairns at the RSL. Members will be advised of the final details in the near future. Members will also be asked for nominations for Office Bearers and Agenda Items.

AROUND THE TRAPS

Eric Jones (WOSNSM) wrote "I have only met Max Shean a couple of times. The first being in the early 1990's when HMAS Stirling couldn't find any submarine qualified officer to volunteer for a Saturday RN ex-submariner luncheon at a Hotel on the south side of the river. I volunteered in order to save face.  I entered the Function Room in uniform feeling a little more than anxious! Who the hell was I to represent CAPT SM in uniform? The kid form Kalgoorlie who failed Cadet Midshipman testing in 1972? (Only just...I think).  Max was absolutely fantastic! Exit Warrant Officer Jones. Welcome Captain Jones! Max slotted me in with all the head honchos as per the seating arrangements, and away we went! Speeches, beers and a banquet to boot! I'll never forget the way that Max made me feel so comfortable in a difficult situation. I had written a short speech to deliver on behalf of CAPT SM, but returned it to my pocket. I didn't need it. Solely due to Max' endearing qualities and attitude to the situation. Thanks again Max Shean. You saved the day again."

Alan 'Bluey' Butler was browsing through the Log and tried to send an email with data from contacts list but email was returned as the email address was out of date.  Alan wrote "I live in Greenock, Scotland, as you are well aware this is where all of our Oberon submarines were built."  Greenock, I remember it well............... Well actually I don't, I was too pissed while standing by Ovens.  Alan went o to say "If anyone has any old memorabilia the James Watt Museum is looking for items to add to the Australian submarine section and I would be pleased to hear from you."

Laurie Reeves sent information on ABC's 7.30 Report item on submarines and although nothing new, well reported.  Laurie said "Basically it talks about our inability to man our existing fleet of boats, the troops are tired etc. HQ makes a suggestion that the solution is to have more troops on boats to alleviate rostering - Briggs makes a few good points about our inability to crew 3 existing boats let alone increase the staffing for all. Discussions also about replacing the boats because they are 11 years old (!!!!!!) so time to look around for suitable replacements. Enjoy when you get the time."

The AE II, was been honoured with a commemorative plaque unveiled at HMAS Kuttabul 94 years after it left Sydney and sailed into history.  Ian Appleby reports "It was a good commemoration service with several familiar faces. Attached is a photo of the plaque. Sorry for the quality, it was taken with my phone." Watch the news clip.  Ian went on to say "I had the pleasure of running into Harry Churchill at Hornsby RSL after the local ANZAC Commemoration on Sunday. He is holding up well for his 91 years of age and was great to chat with. Harry unfortunately didn't make last years march, his taxi didn't show.
I believe he has arrangements for this year but not sure if it includes the march as he is not very fast moving and would most likely be run over by the WRANS."

Ken Perkins of Nowra is seeking assistance "I am a ex member of the Australian Army after serving 21years and now a member of the Salvation Army in Shoalhaven. Every year we have an Anzac weekend at our church and we do a theme. Next year I wish to do a theme on Submariners. To help me with this I am asking for any information that you could provide in the way of contacts in or around his area that could help with the setup of this theme."  I have contacted the few Members on our list in that area but have had no response.  Is there ANYONE interested in assisting Ken?  Might be a good place to spend next ANZAC Day.

David Bryant asked "Attached recent photo is of a fire at the Barrow Shipyard in the UK onboard an SSN. Any information?" I have not seen anything, has anyone any information? Footnote:  The fire was onboard HMS Astute, full story in news section.

Leo Roberts writes "With reference to Max Shean’s illness reported in the Log, I thought that it may be of some interest to the Members to know that when in my short time as President of the Queensland branch, I had the pleasure of welcoming Ken Briggs DSC into the Association where he still graces us with his company and support. Ken was one Max Shean’s two divers in XE 4 on the Saigon operation, for which he was awarded the DSC at the same time as Max received his bar to the DSO and the Bronze Star (from the United States)."

---

Edith Walter (nee: Briggs) wrote "My father (Walter Briggs) is mentioned on your Website (Ref: "History of the Submarines Association of Australia" - Paragraph 3). He served in the Royal Navy during World War 1 on warships, and subsequently in submarines. He was the original secretary of the "Submarine Old Comrades Association".  Do you have any additional references to his service history in the Royal Navy, or any history of his involvement in the Submarines association of Australia?". 

Our Historian, Peter Smith responded "I have probed our files and I cannot find any information on the submarine service of Walter Briggs. Information prior to 1980 is very scarce as previous secretaries did not save their documentation and we have lost some historic information. We have a document, which was a signed program of the very first submarine meeting where the executive was nominated and voted to their positions hence we know that Walter was the first Secretary, after that I cannot add any more information to his service.

The last founding member of our Association, George Fredriks passed away several years ago. I was unaware at the time of his work in establishing SOCA, if I did, I am sure I would have sent many an hour picking his brain for information, he was quiet a character!

I cannot find Water's name listed in submariners here in Australia when the 'J' boats were decommissioned or his service in the first Oberons. Unfortunately we do not have a list of the submariners who manned the 'J' class during that time. I can only suggest that you contact the Royal Navy Submarine Museum at Gosport, UK as they have a very up to date listing of all submariners who served in the RN. The email address for them is archives@rnsubmus.co.uk

I am sorry that I cannot be of much further help. I wish you all best and luck in researching Walter's service life."

In a follow up email Edith adds "I have subsequently located some additional facts regarding Walter Briggs, that may jog memories in some of your older members. Maybe your Historian will have some facts regarding the following vessels, and where they travelled during the periods mentioned below."

Name: Walter Briggs
Service Number: 239537 (Chatham)
Service History in Royal Navy Submarines:
"Dolphin" (Submarine Shore Training Facility) 18/01/1916 to 15/04/1916
"Titania" / Submarine G3 (Submarine Depot Ship) 06/10/1916 to 26/05/1918
"Dolphin" (Submarine Shore Training Facility) 27/05/1918 to 12/07/1918
"Platypus" / Submarine R7 (Submarine Depot Ship) 13/07/1918 to 20/10/1919
"Dolphin" (Submarine Shore Training Facility) 21/12/1918 to 20/10/1919
"Lucia" (Submarine Depot Ship) 21/10/1919 to 26/01/1921

If there is anyone out there that can help solve a part of our history please contact Peter.

Note for your diary: Vietnam Veterans’ Day - Tuesday 18th August 2009

Terry Wyatt wrote "You can remove my name from the Sick List. I was at the back specialist today all is OK, still have a very active nerve, so travel within reason is OK, so I charged up the GPS (Sat Nav) and rearing to go.  I spent ANZAC Day at our local RSL Sub Branch (Edmonton), we mustered 5 Dolphin wearers, two still serving in GS. Over 4000 locals watched on, all our local school were doing their bit. Bandsand choirs, the Kiwi’s really got into it even bought a touring group along for the National Anthem and Military Hakka. Navy had 20 plus in whites. 51 Far North Battalion mounted a guard and their Major (who is the XO) took the Salute. I am not sure how big the turn out in Cairns was, as I was back home by 1300."

John Hillier is selling his comfortable 40ft motor home. Professionally purpose-built for two, providing all the modern comforts and conveniences of home. No expense has been spared in preparing and maintaining this vehicle in the interests of safety and reliability for long distance touring. A long list of quality features available. Contact John if interested.

A man charges into a bank wearing a balaclava and wielding a handgun. He shouts ‘this is a raid - everyone get on the floor!!', and proceeds to empty the cash drawers. As he runs towards the door with the loot, a brave customer yanks off his balaclava.

The robber immediately shoots the customer in the head and shouts. ‘Did anybody else here see my face?' The robber notices another customer peering from behind a counter and goes over and shoots him in the head also. ‘Did anybody else see my face?' he shouts again, waving his gun around.

There is silence for a few seconds before a male voice is heard from a distant corner. 'I think my missus caught a glimpse....'

---

I was walking down the street when I was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless man who asked me for a couple of dollars for dinner. 

I took out my wallet, got out ten dollars and asked, 'If I give you this money, will you buy wine with it instead of dinner?'  'No, I had to stop drinking years ago’, the homeless man told me..

'Will you use it to go to play a round of golf instead of buying food?' I asked. 'No, I don't waste time playing golf,' the homeless man said. 'I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive.'

'Will you spend this gambling instead of food?' I asked. 'Are you NUTS!' replied the homeless man. I haven't had a bet in 20 years!'

'Well, I said, 'I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, I'm going to take you home for dinner with my wife and me tonight.'

The homeless man was shocked. 'Won't your wife be furious with you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting.'   I said, 'That's okay. It’s important for her to see what a man looks like after he has given up wine, gambling, and golf.'

---

Vale Ken Bromback ESM
Well-known Queensland Coast Guard member Ken Bromback ESM passed away in February after a busy career in the Coast Guard and an even busier life. Ken, who was 79 years-old, was an active member of QF6 Mooloolaba, a former Commodore of the Sunshine Coast Squadron, member of the National Board and Chair of the Queensland State Council.

As son Mark remembered at Ken’s funeral “Dad left School in 1946 to join the RN as a Midshipman. He did one term at Eaton Hall in Chester and then to HMS Frobisher a training ship where his initial cruise was to the West Indies followed by another to the Mediterranean. His first posting in 1947 was to the Cruiser HMS London where he came out to the Orient and saw the exotic sights of French Indo-China and China. After returning to England in 1949 he completed his Junior Officers Staff course at Greenwich. Then in 1950 he moved on to a life under the sea.

After a period of training, he transferred to HMSM Telemachus. This tour based in Sydney also took him to ports abroad such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Sasebo and Guam. It was during this time that his itch to live in the sunshine of Downunder was born. The next important event was June1957. Dad was advised that he had been selected to do his Perisher, the submarine command course. In 1960 Ken took command of HMSM Tapir where after a year in Malta we came to Sydney for 61-62 where during a wardroom party onboard HMAS Vampire he earned a Vampire tie by hanging upside down from an air-conditioning duct and sculling a beer. Later in 1963 Ken was seconded to USS Nautilus for month’s nuclear experience and Artic operations before the family joined him in Halifax where he took command of HMSM Auriga.

It was during this winter when 44 inches of snow fell that the decision was made that families and cold don’t go together and that we would emigrate to Australia. On returning to England in 1964 Ken took command of the training boat HMSM Token. In 1965 the family moved to Scotland and lived on Gareloch while Dad did his final UK posting with the Submarine Sea Training Group at Faslane. February 1967 we arrived in Sydney where Dad took up a position as Staff Officer (Exercises) to Flag Officer Australian Fleet. After retiring from the Navy in 1969 he began working as Money Market operator for Delfin Discount. The opportunity presented itself for Dad to become their Queensland state manager in 1972 and we moved happily to Queensland. After leaving Delfin Dad decided to work for himself and after a search decided that a news agency was the business for him. After 5 years of slog they decided to treat themselves by buying a property at Diddilibah and then in '94 received an offer for the shop and decided to move full time to the north coast and farm paw paws with mum till '99.The call of the sea was not totally covered by Coast Guard and when the opportunity presented itself to go back to sea as a Skipper with Boral from 1990 to 1995 he jumped at the chance and cruising the Pacific Islands with my mother were, I think, the happiest of times. In 1995 Ken finally retired for good and was able to devote his considerable energy to the CoastGuard and Mum.

ITEMS FOR THE MAY EDITION OF 'IN DEPTH' ARE TO BE WITH THE EDITOR BY THE 10th

HEALTH, WELFARE & ENTITLEMENTS
Navy Bereavement Pin
The Royal Australian Navy has commissioned a bereavement pin to recognise the valued contribution of all Navy personnel who lost their lives while in the service of the RAN, and the nation. The Navy Bereavement Pin is a distinctive 20mm gold lapel pin which has the crest of the Royal Australian Navy encompassed by wreath 'supporters'.

The Pin has been developed to meet an expressed wish by many families, who have lost a close family member while they served in the Navy, to have a tangible yet discrete memento of the service of their loved one. It is a symbol that can assist family members to commemorate the life and service of a relative who was lost while serving in the Navy.

If you are related to a person who has passed away, whatever the cause, while in the RAN and wish to receive this special pin, please visit the Navy website.

DEFENCE NEWS
ASC welcomes Defence White Paper
Leading Australian naval shipbuilding and repair company ASC has welcomed the release of the Federal Government’s Defence White Paper today.  ASC Managing Director Greg Tunny said the White Paper is an important document which outlines key priorities for defending Australia’s future security interests. “My first impression of the White Paper is very positive,” Mr Tunny said.

“Of course we will need some time to fully consider the White Paper and its implications, but it is encouraging to see that the Government is placing a strong emphasis on submarines and other maritime capabilities. “We look forward to working with Defence and believe we can make a major contribution to the development of its future naval platforms.”

ASC (formerly Australian Submarine Corporation) is the nation’s last remaining Australian owned prime defence contractor. The company designed and constructed the Collins Class submarines and today delivers design, upgrade and maintenance services for the submarines through-life. In May 2005, ASC was selected to build Australia’s next generation warships – the Hobart Class air warfare destroyers. ASC employs over 1,500 personnel in South Australia and Western Australia, including 300 engineering and technical specialists.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year 2010 intake - a great opportunity to get rid of the kids....
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP said the ADF Gap Year experience had proven remarkably successful in its initial two years. “The ADF Gap Year is about providing young Australians improved communication, leadership and problem-solving skills while having the opportunity to develop teamwork, camaraderie, integrity and self-discipline,” Mr Snowdon said.

“Gap Year represents a unique opportunity to undertake training, acquire transferable skills, gain independence and maturity, and become more self-reliant.”

The Gap Year program has been structured to offer a meaningful experience in the ADF that will expose members to military training and lifestyle in a way that would broaden their understanding and appreciation of Service life.  “This will assist Gap Year participants in making informed decisions to undertake further service in the ADF, should they so choose,” Mr Snowdon said.

“Many of them, we believe, will go on to full-time, permanent service careers, but those that don’t will find the skills that they have acquired during the Gap Year service in the ADF invaluable.

“Places are limited for those interested in the ADF Gap Year, and not all applicants are guaranteed enlistment, even if they meet the eligibility criteria for ADFGY entry.

There are 267 places available in the Navy, 317 in the Army, and 116 in Air Force.  For more information go to the Defence website

Commemorative plaque unveiled for HMAS AE2
On Wednesday 22nd April the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, together with the Sydney Consul General for Turkey, Mr Renan Sekeroglü will jointly unveil the AE2 commemorative plaque.

AE2 was the Royal Australian Navy’s second ever submarine. After five days operations in and around the Dardanelles she fell to Turkish gunfire on 30 April, 1915.

The plaque unveiling at the RAN Heritage Centre will create a permanent memorial for the AE2. The Plaque at Garden Island is funded by the AE2 Commemorative Foundation with sponsorship from ASC and THALES. It is fitting that the memorial is at Fleet Base East, Sydney as this was the site where she left Sydney for deployment, just over 94 years ago.

Radiation leaks at the Faslane submarine base
Radiation leaks at the Faslane nuclear submarine base on the Clyde have been exposed under Freedom of Information law. And it has emerged that environment watchdogs were so concerned about safety at the base that they would have considered shutting it down if they had been legally able to act against it.

In a confidential report, released under the Freedom of Information Act, the Ministry of Defence admitted there was a "recurring theme" of safety failings at Faslane. The worst breaches included three leaks of radioactive coolant from submarines into the Firth of Clyde. In 2004, radioactive effluent was discharged from the nuclear sub HMS Trafalgar.

A second incident took place on August 24 2007, when radioactive liquid from HMS Superb leaked into the Firth because a valve was wrongly left open.

The most recent leak to be uncovered took place on February 20, last year.  Radioactive waste overflowed into the water from a tank on a barge while effluent was being transferred from HMS Torbay.

Submarine bound for Victoria
The Canadian submarine HMCS Chicoutimi is scheduled to arrive in Victoria this week, riding on the back of a cargo ship. The Canadian Navy has confirmed the arrival of the submarine, although precise times were not available.

The cargo ship and submarine are scheduled to berth at Ogden Point and the sub will be later transferred to the graving dock in Esquimalt where it will eventually be refitted. Chicoutimi has not been considered seaworthy since 2004, when a fire on board killed one person and injured eight others.

It was one of four submarines acquired from Great Britain in 1998 that have suffered technical problems from the start. The Chicoutimi's arrival in Victoria will begin a five-year, $370-million maintenance contract for Victoria Shipyards. The company has said that about 175 jobs could be created by the Chicoutimi contract.

Two of the other three submarines are based in Halifax. The fourth, HMCS Victoria, is currently being worked on at HMC Dockyard in Esquimalt.

Astute delays after fire onboard
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
A fire occurred on the HMS Astute last week while 20 people were onboard conducting work according to the MoD and BAE. The blaze occurred at BAE's facility in Barrow, Cumbria. Engineers are still inspecting the scope of the damage but it is not thought to be too extensive. The engines and nuclear reactor were not damaged by the fire which was put out by Cumbria fire service.

The reactor is not expected to be started up until later this summer. "The initial investigation is that the damage is limited to the exterior of the submarine at the top of the bridge fin.

"A full damage assessment is now under way. We are not willing to speculate on the cause of the fire," said Chris Nelson, a spokesperson for BAE.

BAE has denied that the fire was serious although local residents claim they could see smoke and flames from a distance away. There is still no information on how the fire started and how it may further delay the Astute programme. BAE engineers will have a better idea once the full scope of the fire damage has been assessed.

The top of the bridge fin is where a number of multi-million pound antennas and masts are located. The fire most likely damaged them and will force BAE to fix or replace the communications equipment. A number of fibre glass tiles are also located in the fin.

Already the four submarines are several years late and £1bn over budget. This is the second fire on an Astute Class submarine. Last year a non-serious fire occurred on HMS Ambush, the second sub that will come into service.

There was a Scottish painter named Wayne who was very interested in making a penny where he could, so he often thinned down his paint to make it go a wee bit further. As it happened, he got away with this for some time, but eventually the Baptist Church decided to do a big restoration job on the outside of one of their biggest buildings. Wayne put in a bid, and, because his price was so low, he got the job.

So he set about erecting the scaffolding and setting up the planks, and buying the paint and, yes, I am sorry to say, thinning it down with turpentine.

Well, Wayne was up on the scaffolding, painting away, the job nearly completed, when suddenly there was a horrendous clap of thunder, the sky opened, and the rain poured down washing the thinned paint from all over the church and knocking Wayne clear off the scaffold to land on the lawn among the gravestones, surrounded by telltale puddles of the thinned and useless paint. Wayne was no fool. He knew this was a judgment from the Almighty, so he got down on his knees and cried:

"Oh, God, forgive me; what should I do?"

And from the thunder, a mighty voice spoke...

"Repaint! Repaint! And thin no more!"