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August Log
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Sick Bay
Sunday, 30th August 2009 Where has this week (year) gone? What a terrific week, sun shine all over and my pool has finally reached a temperature that is attracting the locals........... I have even had to relocate several frogs that decided they needed to cool down. Things quiet in the egg front, still only getting two eggs from the four hens! Time to show them the axe again I think. Mind you, I am starting to have my doubts over one of the bantams, it is either a lesbian or a rooster disguised as a hen as it keeps mounting the other bantam. Is this normal I ask? I have completely abandoned the idea of vegetables and worm farming, none left so i have dug the tree up again and this week I am planting more fruit trees. Mind you, the three I put in several years ago have only produced one mandarin so far and are no taller than when first planted. Maybe I should try sugar, that is the local crop and I get the added advantage of having a bushfire in my yard each year. Niggs met his first possum the other night, bloody wimp came running in and hid behind me. Mind you, the night one entered my room I was a little rattled. Took the dogs into the pine forest for a walk the other day, we have thousands of acres around our area and I love it. I did not see any snakes for a change, but did come across three very large goannas, they were a dark green, the first i have seen that were not grey. Beautifull!
Crime is rife in Bauple...... My neighbour bought a new fridge for his house. To get rid of his old fridge, he put it in his front yard and hung a sign on it saying: 'Free to good home. You want it, you take it.' For three days the fridge sat there without anyone looking twice. He eventually decided that people with two heads were too mistrustful of this deal. So he changed the sign to read: 'Fridge for sale $50.' The next day someone stole it! Not saying that some of the locals aren't too bright, but......... the other day I was with a group of locals cleaning up the site of the old mill when someone shouted... 'Look at that dead bird!' The young bloke next to me looked up at the sky and said... 'Where?' Their not all slow though, the bloke that owns the property opposite my place which features a large pond. We are having a bit of a heat wave at the moment and last night the old farmer decided to go down to the pond to feed a pair of Black swans that were breeding. He grabbed a bucket full of seed and as he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee. As he came closer , he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny-dipping in his pond. He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end. One of the women shouted to him, "We're not coming out until you leave!" The old man frowned and replied, "I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim naked or make you get out of the pond naked." Holding the bucket up he said, "I'm here to feed the crocodiles." Back in for another minor operation on Friday so don't be surprised if there is no Log next weekend. Till next week..... keep smiling! SAA NEWS Our treasurer, John Rana, is back on holidays. He and his ex army truckie partner, Leonnie, have joined forces with Ray Clarke, Lyall Hart, Joe Bishop and their better halves for a trip down the Murray, starting at Albury - Wodonga. They have promised regular updates on the planned 5 week trip. Volunteers wanted: The Association is seeking volunteers to be the Associations representatives and attend meetings with several kindred organisations, in particular the Naval Association Australia (NAA) and the Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council (AVADSC). Our Executive either have jobs or are scattered across Australia and cannot always attend the meetings which are normally held in Sydney. To gain maximum benefit of our affiliation with these organisations it would beneficial to have one representative for each, that would report to the National Committee. If you are in a position that would permit you to represent us please contact me for further details. This is an ideal opportunity to get involved in the Association. Have you given us your details lately. I still have over 450 Members that have not submitted a Members Update Form. It is amazing the number that I have got back with information that did not match what we have on record. How can we contact you if we do not have the correct information? Not getting emails from me, that may give you a clue!
Norm Williams Mobile: 0419 863 558
Northern Queensland Branch
Victorian Branch
Mr Stuart Gill The British Consul-General,
and his wife Maggie. The Honorable Amanda Fieldhouse-Chalmers.
CMDR John Goss AM RAN, representing SNO and the CO of HMAS
Cerberus. LEUT Troy Battishall RAN. HMAS Cerberus/RMIT Liaison
Group. LEUT Adam Masters, representing the CO of HMAS Waller
(CMDR Manfield RAN.) Ms Carman Tom, Mr Ray Gill and his wife
Dot, Mr Ben Solar - Members of the Royal Navy Association,
Ganges & WRNS Associations President and Members of the Royal
Marines and Special Forces Association President and Members of
the RAF/RAAF & Battle of Britain Pilots Association President
and members of the Normandy Veterans Association. And the Ladies
of our own members who have "Crossed the Bar". A special thank you to our Chaplain The Reverend Vernon Collins, he and his band of readers are the ones who made the service special, invoke memories of absent friends and days past. For that is what this commemoration is about, a time to reflect and not to be lectured at.
Following the commemoration service, two
presentations to the branch took place; LEUT Adam Masters RAN
presented us with a HMAS Waller Insignia Plaque, on behalf of
his CO. And then Mr Ivor Porter presented the branch with a
pictorial collection of Normandy Veterans from around the world.
I thanked them both on your behalf, and assure them that the
items will not be 'locked in the cupboard and forgotten.'
ACT Branch Officers for the 2009-2010 year are as follows
The ACT Branch is currently having a new banner manufactured so we decided to donate our original banner to the Holbrook Submarine Museum. This will take place on Sunday the 18th of October 09, they are having an official opening of a Hologram section of the museum on that day. The following are upcoming Association events, full details of future SAA Events are available in the Events page at www.submarinesaustralia.com.
AROUND THE TRAPS In response to an email from me asking for his
current whereabouts (he was in Brazil I heard) Paul Green said
"In Phuket at the minute still flogging
time share. Things are very slow as we all know with the
recession and every thing. If any one up this way can call me on
(mob) 0899 710 073 from Thailand or from Australia +66 899 710
073." Scottie Christie sent a photo of HMAS Canberra last week, ready for her scuttling nexrt month. In a later email he wrote "This makes me feel a little bit better, back in the late 80’s on Onslow, we were playing games with (I’m fairly certain) Canberra, we were the target for practice weapons. The practice Mark 48 decided to keep chasing us instead of shutting down about 1000 yards away. After Angles and Dangles from RN LCDR Edgell, the boat shook from an impact. A Nice big hole on the side of the dome, replaced in a couple of ours at Codock and back to sea. Onslow crew became pretty efficient at Dome changing, 1 from Mark 48 Dummy, one from Electrical Officer Dummy in Bass Straight. I’m happy Onslow will be floating longer than the Left Hand Plastic bubble gum machine turbine powered target. Still, I hope the scuttling goes well." The target date and time for the scuttling has firmed up and is scheduled for Saturday 12th September 2009 at 0900. Naughty Jim Joyce!!! "Sewell was that Doctors name. I recall a certain Killick being trooped by her when she grabbed his goolies and he said "You don't get many of them to the pound" I know your not going to print it but just an anecdote. Love your work Bung." Graham 'GJ' Smith wrote
"Been following your exploits on The Log good to see your
handling retirement well! In the last issue of VETAFFAIRS News I
noticed a post from a bloke looking to make acquaintance with
old shipmates, as I recognized the name I sent him an email. He
replied and we exchanged several emails. After a few weeks he
rang me and we talked for quite awhile, we touched on the blokes
we knew and the drinking sessions (couldn’t remember many, no
idea why), we haven’t seen each other or been in contact for 35
years but we talked as if it was only yesterday when we last
spoke. Bloody amazing! Keep up the good work with the Log. I’m
taking note of your trials and tribulations as I’m thinking of
retiring at the end of the year and moving to the Victorian
“High” country." In response to a query I received last month the Association's Historian Peter Smith reports "The names Lisa Mary Smithies and Kim Adrienne Wilson are engraved in the HMAS Oxley bell dated 7-9-69." NSW Member and one time Platypus Phot, Cameron Martin, writes "Just a quick note to let you know I'm in Prague in the Czech Republic competing for Australia in the world dragon boat championships. We won a bronze medal today which was an enormous buzz. Attached are a couple of photos - gotta love these Czechs there are beautiful women everywhere even on the back of cars. Also a photo of the boats lined up for the start of the 2000m race and a photo of me hanging out of the 14th century clock tower in the centre of Prague. This city is just amazing there is a photo opportunity around every corner."
Help.....
Another on the move is Bruce Dunster, although I
think this is not a holiday..."I'm in the
process of moving to Thursday Island within the next month."
he replied in response to an email from me. Eternal Patrol Another that was saddened to hear of the death of Tom Brinkley was Jock Wilson. He wrote "It is with sadness that I heard of the passing of Captain Tom Brinkley. I was with him in DSMR from Sept 77 to April 79. He was a Commander at that time and had arrived at DSMR on loan after time in RN 'Bombers' and at an earlier date the HMS BLAKE (I think). He had a very wide engineering knowledge and was very capable. He came to DSMR at a time when the work load was steadily increasing as we were tasked with the requirement to challenge CODOCK's costings for refits and dockings - the costs were just running away unfettered. This, to a degree, was achieved through much negotiation and diplomacy with CODOCK. Tom's door was always open and he was most approachable. He saw a need to bring all of the branches of the submarine world in Canberra together socially, at least once a month or so. With his blessing I suggested a DSMR BBQ down by the lake. The BBQ became a major feature within the submarine organisation and eagerly looked forward to. Tom was always involved with the event and thoroughly enjoyed these get-togethers. I was made up to WOMTP4SM in Feb 79 and this created a problem for Tom as there was no billet for a WO in DSMR staff. He set the wheels in motion to have a WO, as we now had the 6 boats, but before that came about I was seconded to Plats for the school., which didn't exist except on paper. In April I was really sorry to leave his service. I have many happy memories of my time in DSMR." I see a few familiar faces enjoying the 'Meeting'. I enjoyed attending these BBQs while I was posted to Canberra and had to offer a few apologies to my boss for failing to return for work (or for returning to work pissed).
It seems that all of us stocky, not too tall types have
a habit of picking up long signature blocks. Check out Thommo's at
the end of this email. He had more to say than this but I'll save
the full email for a later day and as for his funny walk, I had thought
of another reason for that!!!. He
wrote "Hope all is well is paradise. Things
continue the same here in the puzzle palace. I am going into hospital on
the 11th Sept to have my kneecap 'straightened'. Apparently that is why
I have been walking strangely all these years! I had a thought
today ......................."
On Friday June 22nd 2007 Channel nine’s program A Current Affair lifted the lid on traffic police deliberately misusing their own radar equipment in order to get bogus high readings on motorists. They showed confidential documents that categorically prove at long last that the police obviously consider themselves above the law by flagrantly violating legislated guidelines for radar use and further putting motorists lives in danger by also ignoring their own occupational health and safety guidelines when it comes to pulling motorists over for allegedly speeding. I recommend that you visit this site, very interesting indeed, it may save you a few dollars and points.
Health & VETERANS'AFFAIRs In a covering letter to Senator Nick
Sherry, the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law Mr Trevor
Mathews wrote: The terms of reference required me to review the current indexation methodology for pensions paid from the Australian Government's civilian and military schemes. In doing so, I was asked to consider whether there is a case for a change to that methodology, having regard to the occupational nature of those schemes; the form and value of the benefits payable under those schemes; indexation arrangements in similar defined benefit schemes in Australia; the interaction with government safety net benefits: and the full cost to the Commonwealth. In completing my review, considered submissions from over 190 individuals and organisations. I also conducted hearings over two days, where I heard from representatives of some of those organisations that represent scheme members and pensioners, as well as from others with expertise relevant to the review. Further, I considered the original purpose of the current indexation methodology and the various earlier reviews that have considered this methodology. The most consistent argument made in support of change to the indexation methodology was that fairness and equity required a change from CPI indexation to wage based indexation. Notwithstanding the strength of feeling amongst those who made submissions to the review, I have not found that there is a case for change. A change to wage indexation is not supported by any of the matters listed in my terms of reference. Accordingly, my recommendations are for no change from CPI indexation for civilian and military pensions. I thank you for the opportunity to lead such a stimulating and interesting review. I would like to acknowledge the assistance of my secretariat team, both the United Kingdom and in Australia, whose professionalism and support has made it possible for me to complete the review.
The report is available at the
Finance Department
website. Mike Bennett, Victorian Branch
President reports "WE are finally proved
correct....For years Sailors have claimed that moderate drinking is the
best thing for your health, the two hundred plus odd years the Rum
Ration was provided to personnel on R.N. Ships and establishments proved
that, and the proof is finally official:
DEFENCE NEWS
The SIA President, RADM Peter Briggs, today congratulated Allan Behm on
his appointment as Chief of Staff to the Hon Greg Combet AM, MP, the
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science and regretfully
accepted his resignation from the Institute. "Allan's contribution to
the SIA has been significant and particularly noteworthy in the
development and delivery of arguments for the future submarine. His
strategic insight and provocative perspectives have stirred, challenged
and inspired us all." he said.
Escape
for MoD after submarine deaths
Niggs, get Boof and we'll go for a drive to Hervey Bay for a
swim............. Sunday, 23rd August 2009 Just got back from the local Band Hall where they were holding a 'car boot sale'. Want there long, as it doesn't take long to check out five stalls. I still managed to buy something though, a few more plants for the chooks to dig up. I have discovered that most plants can be re-planted four times after being scratched up by the chooks, or knocked over by Niggs chasing his ball, before they go to God. I am lucky that I have a good neighbour who keeps me supplied from her garden. Free range eggs continue to be on the menu, I am now getting one chook and one bantam egg a day. I even got three one day. However, Niggs continues to get his share, bits of shell keep appearing all over the place and Niggs' shiny coat is looking really healthy. It has been like summer here this week, high 20s and getting hotter. It had to happen of course, after spending a fortune on two loads of firewood and $500 on a wood splitter, and many hours splitting and stacking the wood, it seems we are not going to have a winter. However, the up side is that all the trees are starting to bud and my Mango and Macadamia trees are in full bloom. A market stall at the front gate is looking more likely every day; Nuts, eggs and Mangos and possibly a tomato on the odd occasion.
I was invited around to a have a beer with a new neighbours this week, a couple in their late eighties that have moved to Bauple as it was too quiet out on their property at Gootchie. I was impressed by the way he preceded every request to his wife with endearing terms such as: Honey, My Love, Darling, Sweetheart, Pumpkin, etc. The couple had been married for almost 70 years and, clearly, they were still very much in love. While the wife was in the kitchen I that I was impressed that after all these years he still called his wife those loving pet names. He replied, "I have to tell you the truth, her name slipped my mind about 10 years ago, and I'm scared to death to ask the cranky old bitch what her name is." It can get lonely out in the bush and sometimes the animals are not enough. This week temptation got the better of me so I visited a chat room to see if I could meet the woman of my dreams, big boobs. I soon struck up a conversation and on hearing my desire to meet someone with big boobs I was sent a photo. This was enough to get me interested so I convinced 'Salina' to send me a 2nd. Am I glad that I took the advice of a mate who said "Online Dating... Always ask for more than 1 photo ." Till next time, behave!
SUBMARINERS RECOGNISED FOR BRAVERY IN HIGH SEAS
RESCUE
SAA NEWS
WA President Fred Lawrence wrote "Kerry, on behalf of the WA membership, congratulations on your new appointment. Many thanks to Kim for all his work in the years past. We wish you and the Tassie branch good fortunes for the coming years."
North Queensland Branch
Victorian Branch AROUND THE TRAPS We assisted Michael Weatherall in finding out some information regarding his late brother Terry and this week Michael wrote "Thanks very much for all of your help. I have heard from a few people and all the information I required I now have. Alice and I are planning a trip to Sydney to commemorate Terry's anniversary and will contact Peter and hopefully be able to go to Spectacle Island and visit the chapel. It certainly has given me some peace of mind knowing this memorial was not lost." You may recall that in another item Joy Weatherall mentioned Terry and a few others made a poor investment decision. Goldie Horne responded "Yes Norm, I was one of the ten from Onslow who donated $100 to buy an acreage of pine forest in Oberon to make us a fortune. Not sure when we get paid!! I remember Joy informing us that when they caught the guy selling off state forest he had so many charges against him it wasn't worth our while taking proceedings against him. My fondest regards to Joy with fond memories of her and Terry ." I was surprised to receive an email from Rod Baker's
work email this week, I thought they woke up to themselves and gave him
the chop???? On further investigation he informed me that they had asked
him back to do some consultancy work and he agreed to work a 3 day week!
Now for Rod to agree to 'work' three days a week came as a surprise as
it normally take him about two weeks to achieve that. In his email Rod
said "Lyn and I are thinking of moving soon. She
wants to go south (Victor Harbor) and I want to go east (Coffs Harbor).
Guess who will win out? We are building a submarine community down
there: John Lennon, Reg Bichel, ‘Twister’ Hart, and soon to be Rod
Baker, ‘Max’ Merritt and Wayne (Sandy) Sands. No Cox’ns allowed ……"
I retorted "here goes the neighborhood, property values must be
plummeting!" To which he responded "Actually no –
we will probably form the next council, with me as the Mayor (of
course). Any excess proceeds from excessive rates will go to an extended
overseas ‘fact finding’ trip." In another email Rod said "I had to laugh at the regulations for crossing the line ceremony. I was drafted to Otama (as the ‘Cruise Director’) in the early 80’s for a trip to Hawaii. During the Crossing the Line Ceremony ‘Titch’ Parsons and I was sitting on a bollard, having a beer and watching the ‘festivities’. As the last person (CPO Ian Harvey OAM) was about to be thrown overboard, covered in the most obnoxious combination that came from the previous nights Chili Con Carne and Spaghetti Bolognaise, ‘Titch’ said he thought he saw a shark. We decided to say something after Ian was airborne just to lighten the moment. I swear Ian did an airborne about turn, hit the water running and scrambled onto the tanks and casing in a flash without getting wet. I thought the entire Crew (with the exception of Ian) would collapse in laughter. Some idiot (I think the CO) started firing the SLR at the poor old 3 foot ‘reef’ shark. His marksman skills were so poor I thought the safest place was in the water. Luckily the screams from the Casing made him stop firing before he put bullets into the main ballast tanks. I assume such fun cannot happen any more."
A note from someone who shall remain anonymous said "In reference to your "contest" in Up Periscope...Thank God that photo was of you. I thought it was someone I "knew" from Up Top (a purely platonic relationship). Anyway she was beeeautiful and I bought her many green drinks until my money disappeared (and so did she). Oh well...some you win..." The same person recalled the antics of ex greenie and form RAFF Chappie Trev 'Bam Bam' Babore and LEMP Al Cooper. He said "Bam Bam was involved in anything that could've (and probably did) happen. Between him and Allan Cooper (Leader EMP) they led me a merry dance and had Spud Murphy ripping his hair out. Many times I was dragged out of my pit by POLTO to go down the motor Room and sort out those two. I would have to remind him that POLTO looked after the troops and I looked after the machinery and I wasn't going to encroach on this turf, but the POLTO would insist I handle it. I would last until half way between the donks when I would start laughing out loud at what I was liable to find. By the time we reached the Motor Room he was yelling at me (which only drove those two into a further frenzy). Shit they got me into some strife - but I loved them both. Remind me to tell a couple of stories about them next time we meet, that I would not put into the airwaves - hilarious."
Ken rode the bullet train for the first time on a trip from Tokyo to Osaka and thought it was a blast to be cruising along at just below 300kph.I picked him up at the station and then we proceeded to have well, a pretty interesting weekend. It`s always good to catch up with Bung and I made the most of it by showing him the sights of Kobe, in particular the location of a few bars. Once inside the premises he forced me to teach him how to say a few important words in Japanese. Most notably, 'Beer please' and 'One more thank you'. That little lesson out of
the way we in no time were back in Up Top mode talking about old
times to any expat that'd listen. As you can see by one photo
Bung and Kurt the Yank hit it off like long lost brothers. Bung
also had the locals intrigued with one mother & daughter team
saying he looked like someone famous so wanted to have their
photo taken with him. I kid you not.
Once a Staff Officer Always a Staff Officer..... This week I was picked up by Guy Burton who wrote "Could I politely point out that there is a spelling mistake on the SUBCON website - the 'accomodation' (sic) button on the left hand side should read accommodation (2 x m). Looking forward to getting over to Coffs Harbour next year for the weekend and the gathering." I responded "Guy, you have been a Staff officer for too long........... I will fix it. One of those words I always have problems with." I heard that CMDR Tony Vine was currently on resettlement training at the University of Melbourne campus at Dookie in Victoria, completing a series of courses he needs to do before he can do humanitarian aid work with the UN after he retires in February. Humanitarian Aid? Tony is an MEO and we all know they don't have a kind bone in their body.............. His response to this was "I was a Chief Tiffy, not a Chief Stoker therefore I was full of Compassion, humility and good grace, unlike the chap who did the Trim book, brought on fuel,l oitered in the Senior Sailors Mess and yelled at Stokers and small children." I think this says it all, you are definitely not Human Aid material mate! Probably only wants to go to some third world nation (like NZ) to see the natives' boobs.
Jim Joyce is not a happy man "Bung, your item on the Submarine Sea Training Group Crest perplexes me in that I see no Dolphin on the crest. I see only what the USN chooses to call a Dolphin, and it isn't it's a fish. I also noted that in the DVD Submariners there is mention that it has been a long held tradition that Submariners, upon qualification, Drink Their Dolphins. Nonsense!! Mine came to me by mail from Australia House. The people that you and I called "Gens or General Servicemen" are now called "Skimmers" another "Americanism". We, as a group of Australian Submariners, are heading for the loss of our own unique identity. Not British nor American, but Us, and I for one would hate for this to happen!!" Jimmy mate......... The Dolphin shown is heraldic and you may recall the sausage on a stick that the RNrs had before the had (our) Dolphins. As for the language it evolves and is a living thing, it just happens with each generation. When we were developing the training for the Collins class we used as much Oberon speak as possible and this saved some tradition, but sailors are no different to anyone else and will always pick up new words to replace old. I received the following email from a potential Member this week. "My name is Adam Dryden, and I served in the Squadron from 1989 - 1995. I did my Pt 3 on the Otway and then served on the Ovens and finally the Orion in the West. I haven't had much to do with the Squadron since, after transferring to the Army in 1996. I would like some information on becoming a member of the Association." Adam is a SGT Marine Supervisor at Campbell Barracks and will make a great addition to the WA Branch, he could lead the raid on the Mess at Fremantle to look for (and recover) the missing Leeuwin Bell. Sea Training Group to
muster
Eternal Patrol - CAPT
Thomas Brinkley MBE I had very little information on Tom and I would like to thank those that helped me with the following information. CDRE Chris Elsmore (Rtd) wrote "Tom was a nuclear qualified RN submariner recruited to the RAN in late 1977. He was a very experienced engineer and senior Commander. On transfer he was posted to Canberra to relieve Wilf Carroll as DSMR in the rank of Commander. Shortly after the positions of DSMP and DSMR were upgraded to Captain's billets and Tom was promoted A/Captain. I first got to know him when I was PNO (CODCK) in the late 70's and ventually I relieved him as DSMR in August 1982. During his time as DSMR he was instrumental in developing refit procedures to accommodate the early lessons learnt in the SWUP programme and to maintain sensible timescales and costs. He was a key focus in the collation of information on which to base the requirements for the Oberon replacement relinquishing this role on the formation of the NCSP in mid 82. He was very well liked and popular in the Navy, and was very well respected by CODOCK Management. I'm not sure why he decided to leave in 1982, but I recall my posting was arranged at very short notice. I suspect his short term commission was expiring and contrary to expectations he decided not to extend it. He moved to WA shortly after leaving the Navy, setting himself up in business. I must say I lost contact with him in the late 80's but always thought he would stay in contact with the Submarine community over there" CMDR Tony Vine wrote "It
is sad news about Captain Tom. When I was a Warrant Officer in
Canberra in 86-88 he did a special project as a reservist. When
he was ready to finish he had to go over to Russell Medical
Centre to do a medical. He made the mistake of saying that he
wasn't looking forward to it as he was booked in to see Doctor
Liz Sewell, or Rosa Klebb as she was known in the submarine
Community. On a serious note Tom was
DSMR during the early years of our submarine service, and I am
sure that there were many battles fought and won in Canberra to
ensure that the submarines were managed and maintained safely,
battles that those of us at the coalface would have had no
visibility of." World's Shortest Fairy Tale.......
Keith 'Scarpa' Broomfield wrote "Thanks for keeping me informed via the website. I thoroughly enjoy reading of your adventures with the dogs! I retired from the public service last October and left the maintenance planning for the FFG's to ....... who cares? I read with interest Jumping Jack Flashes article about boats carrying a portable organ. On our transit on Oxley's maiden voyage, the CO (David Lorrimer) cleared lower deck in the forends on Sundays and lo and behold this crazy little organ materialised (I cannot remember who played it - it could have been Polly Lloyd (tiffy)). Whilst waiting for the festivities to start Tich Parsons and I used to give our rendition of Onward Christian Soldiers, probably with much displeasure from those more devoted!! (mind you we were hiding up by the tubes!)." Scarpa added "I am digitising my submarine scrapbooks, especially the OXLEY BULLHORN that was published during the up top trip in 1970. The originals, being Roneo-ed, are starting to fade - they are a good read. I think that I have every publication as I used to scavenge anything (in print) that could be saved for the future." Don Fleet (and many others) sent me a promotion for China Flee Club pennants and posed the question: "That place brings back memories, did you ever go to it ?" I certainly did, A great starting place for a run ashore. I also got the worst hair cut I have ever had there.......... had been at sea for ages (as we always did on Ovens) and my hair, which goes curly when long, was due for cutting. Sat down and said 'not too short' which was immediately ignored and he ran the shears across my scalp almost to the skin. I said "NOT TOO SHORT" and this time he trimmed away but hardly touched my hair. I left with a reverse Mohawk running from era to ear.
VETERANS AFFAIRS
DEFENCE NEWS Malaysia's First
Submarine Makes Port Call At Cochin
Niggs, Boof let's go for a swim............. Sunday, 16th August 2009 Free range eggs are on the menu, the advice that I received (show them the axe) worked. This week I ended up with three but Niggs has also been scavenging for them and by the number of shell fragments, has had more than I. I am going to try and check the yard out more often next week and investigate every cackle I hear. Mind you, Niggs has a very shiny coat now...... Last week I reported that Boof had a good week but had been the cause for concern on a few occasions. Victorian member (and we all know what a MEMBER is) Boot Hatfield sentr the following "Bungy, thought it apt to imply a form reversal for your comments on Up Periscope. Never mind old fella, your eyesight will improve once you stop jerking your ‘tail’. And the confusion in the dark will alleviate with stopping this practice also. If you purchase one of those new-fangled necklaces, it will assist your poor old pets in finding you, I believe they can be put to any frequency and alert any of those neighbours of yours that you are lost in your laundry." You will keep, I have friends in the Victorian underworld!!! Who said snakes don't come out in winter? They lied!!! I was across the road in the paddock this week and a nice big black bastard slithered past behind me, scared the crap out of me. They are burning off the sugar cane at the moment and i think that has got them on the move. The are phasing out burning off, the waste is now used to create fuel to supply power to the mills. A pity, I will miss the spectacular displays and having to clean the solar [panels to remove the soot a few times a month during the sugar season. Minor surgery due this week was postponed, my doctor was sick, hope to have it later this month. Got to go, started this late and now it is past dinner time for all the animals and Niggs is looking at my leg and salivating, a bad sign. Till next time, behave! SAA NEWS Our Secretary, John Rana, is back from holidays in Bali so the collection of subscriptions and Membership applications is in full swing. Unfortunately over 60 of our Members are now EX MEMBERS as they have failed to send in the 2009 subscriptions and despite being given an opportunity to renew their membership after the end of the SAA financial year. This is a real disappointment and I have to ask myself why we bother. Many (and I mean many) hours are spent chasing up a lousy $10. The names of due Members has been online since March and email and snail mail have been sent regularly asking for advice on these Member's intentions, but with the exception of one response that told me to shove it, no responses have been received from them. I can think of better things to do with my time and I am sure John's golf could do with a bit more of his time. IF YOU ARE NOT RECEIVING EMAIL FROM ME WEEKLY IT IS BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE YOUR CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESS! 70 ADDRESSES IN MY LIST HAVE BOUNCED. The SUBCON website went live this week, still a work in progress as I am waiting on a bit more information from the NSW Branch, but at least you can start to register your interest in attending.
Norm Williams Mobile: 0419 863 558
Queensland Branch The response to our request for information about writing to the Federal Government complaining about the terrible treatment being accorded to DFRDB/DFRB pensioners was quite overwhelming with more than 30 of you asking for a copy of the “draft” letter to send off in your own name – well done crew, stick it to ‘em, you deserve better.
Well, we now that we have our own website
www.saaqld.org and we hope you look in to see what Queensland is
up to..
Victorian Branch Also our trip to Holbrook for the presentation of the Jolly Roger is just about booked out. There are 2 seats remaining. We will be leaving the area of Spencer Street/Lonsdale Street approx. 10am - to give country visitors time to get to Spencer Street (Southern Cross) Station. This will be held on the weekend 17-18 October. Reception of some sort will be held Saturday night. Presentation of the HMS Unsparing Jolly Roger will be on Sunday morning and return to Melbourne some time Sunday afternoon - after we pour you all into the bus. AROUND THE TRAPS Bob Hibberd's wife Marie reports that he is being moved
from the hospice in the next few days to a nursing home. Unfortunately
with the nature oh his tumour, and how it affects his moods I have been
told I can't nurse him at home. John 'Smudge' Smithies reports "I visited Merv Kidd the other day, he is in good spirit but having lost one lung 12 years ago and down to 25% of the remaining lung now he is restricted. Also young Frank Schiebel has been replumbed with five stints in veins around his heart but he is up and about and we will be having one together soon." CO HMAS Stirling, CAPT Brett Dowsing, RAN
received the following 'Thank You' from the Shean family for
Navy's contribution to LCDR Max Shean DSO* RANR funeral on Mon
22 Jun 09:- I received the following from Joy Weatherall this week "My cousin David Matthews noticed an entry in Up Periscope looking for details of the memorial plaque which honours Terry, along with several others. There also some photos. I also noticed that Dave (Goldie) Horne is going through some health problems at the moment. Dave (Goldie) was another shipmate of Terry's. (Gets a bit confusing with all the 'Dave's doesn't it?), can you please pass on my best wishes?" Joy continued "I'm
pretty sure that Dave (Goldie) and Dave (Dutch) were two of the
ten who formed a partnership with Terry to invest a total of
$10K in pines trees back in the 1970's, only to find out some
years later that lots of other people had been sold the same
lots and that we were never going to make any money out of them.
(I should have learnt my lesson, in recent years I have lost
even more money investing in a company called Timbercorp - not
all bad though, at least I did make some money along the way
from the same investment). Congratulations Norm on the success
of your web site and 'Log', there must be lots of people whom
you have helped in much the same way as you have helped us." Another that contacted me re Terry was Jim
Joyce who wrote "Bung your bit on Terry
Weatherall brought back a few memories and a question. I went to
school with Terry, at Fawkner Tech in Victoria, though he was a
year ahead of me. I also joined boats and went to the U.K. at
the same time and I well remember Navy P.R. taking photographs
of myself, Terry and a couple of other blokes, for publication
in our local Newspapers, although I don't believe they ever
were. The date would have been 10/11 July 1968, and they must be
held in archives somewhere in the system. My question, how do I
find out where. Maybe Pete Smith could help." Don't
like your chances mate, but over to you Peter. Phil Solomon was another that was re-united with family members through the Log. His cousin Rod Glass is living in Scotland and was looking for Phil. I passed it on and Phil replied "Thanks Norm, yep, he's my first cuz. I'm in touch with him. I'll send you some photos and a dit soon. He added. PS. EAT THE BLOODY CHOOKS!!!" CMDR Lachlan King writes "Having just finished viewing 'Eternal Patrol' on the 'upperiscope' website following a chat with Peter Durrant earlier today, it occurs to me that you might consider including LEUT John Jeffrey (JJ) Melton, RAN who was a submariner for a time in the mid 1980s and died in 1989." Thanks Lachlan, I am sure there are others that we have missed and I will update the page.
Roger 'Jumping Jack Flash' Cooper is jet
setting and reports from the UK "Brenda
and I are staying at Penbroke in Wales at present, (you have to
have to be chewing a bit of carpet to pronounce most names
here). We have been to Ireland for my son's wedding to
Susan McGuiness in Killmessan county Meath and touring England
and Scotland for the last couple of months. An interesting thing I found there was the early submarines carried an small organ for church services at sea. Gosport is now a massive marina and Portsmouth was hardly recognisable from 1970 when we were in Dolphin, Great to read Jim Redwood is stable and will pay him a visit on our return. The Holograph in our Museum should be close to being finished and I will keep you advised as to the opening later this month." Peter Reid sent the following details of a
small incident which he said occurred of the coast of Scotland
in 1966.
"With the new movie about Radio Caroline – The Boat That Rocked
being made brought back the memory of an incident that occurred
when I was on the HMS Sealion.
I was amused when I received a copy of the above (Name of ship deleted to protect ME) 14 page COD. Amusement turned to amazement when I realised it was for real. 14 pages - I would hate to see the amount of paperwork required for something more complicated!!! The COD had included a sketch of the quarterdeck, obviously so the poor souls could find their way to the ceremony and stated "The ceremony is intended to be a fun occasion for all participants and observers. Humiliation, harassment, verbal or physical abuse and the treatment of people in an undignified manner are not to be features of any ceremony." I wonder if a COD with a sketch of the forward casing was prepared for the ceremonies in the pictures.
I received several copies of the COD and one from Les Lever who added "How things have changed...................... But great to see it is happening again!!!!!! I can remember returning from the States after being there for six months in refit, and some of the married guys were allowed to bring back their gear they had acquired while living there with their families. A few of them looked better in their wives clothes than the wives themselves . I think some of them may have done it before hahahaha" Brian (Matt) Mathews has taken me to task for my sexism "Just a quick one now there are female submarineressess maybe having Gents at the start of your log update message might seem a little outdated. The word Gents and submariners seems to be a bit of an oxymoron anyway, was it Kitchener who said that submariners were like tradesmen as it didn't matter what your rank you all had to put in to get the job done. Maybe instead of Gents at the start you can just call us Tradies or is that to close to Ladies well it's something to think about or not." I'll think about it mate. Did you write the above COD? I went into my local chemist
today and on a shelf I saw a carton containing a tube of cream it was
labeled 'Treatment For Jock Itch' Positions Vacant Graeme 'Klepo' Klepzig and some of his mad mates are
doing a ride for Camp Quality and you can go to the
web site for more details. He adds "We
aren't after sponsors or donations, I'm just hoping that some of the
guys that live in the area might get out to the show on the 9th of
September at the cafe next to Victor Motorcycles its just a group of
guys and their bikes. We are hoping to have about 50 M109s on show."
(Select image for larger view)
PO Jeff Calderbank was wondering about the history on
the Submarine Sea Training Group badge, was it an official badge and why
was the red fish chosen for the design? He posed the question to Gary
Kinkade (Manager of Navy Badges in Canberra) and received the following
interesting response: Telstra Phone book The three sailors in the picture I believe are Cocky Roach, Dutchy Holland (Greenie) and Peter Horobin A man asked an American Indian
what was his wife's name. He replied, "She called Four Horse". DEFENCE NEWS
Pressurised Submarine Escape Training
Boof come on, it's dinner time............. Sunday, 9th August 2009 Last week I mentioned that unless I soon get some free range eggs on the menu I will be having home cooked chicken instead!!!!. Shorty Carter sent me an email with a handy hint "Normie to make the chooks start laying eggs, take one of those lovely hard wood logs before you split it into bits and stand it end on in front of the chook shed so the chooks can see it, Then take your tomahawk axe and drive it into the log with intent (that's hard) then very slowly turn your face towards the chooks with one of those 'eggs or else' looks on your face and leave it there overnight. Hey presto eggs and bacon for breakfast tomorrow morning or roast chook and vegies for dinner either way a winner!" Sounds like a good idea mate, but they have names............ I am the sort of person that starts a lot of little jobs and finishes few. The house is full of part finished jobs and this week's biggy was the back verandah. Replaced some old decking and removed the lattice work to open it up. I even started to paint it, but unless I get motivated again, it will have to wait for a while for it to be finished as I have just been given the wood to start the back toilet repairs. Renovating can be fun. I was so happy with the log splitter I have bought another load of wood, will be able to have fires every night for months to come. mind you, the weather forecast for the next week is for 28 degrees and 12 at night. I DON'T CARE, I AM HAVING A FIRE!!! Boof has had a good week, he has perked up a little and has even attacked Niggs after being provoked. Boof does not like his tail being used as a handle, he is not a carryall. He caused a slight panic the other night, he disappeared and I thought that he had gone walkabout again, which is a worry with his eyesight, he gets confused and lost in the dark. After 40 minutes pulling my hair out and scouring the neighborhood he was found in the laundry. I had looked all through the house and don't know how I missed him. I will be out of touch for a few days, go in for minor surgery next Tuesday but hope to be back to normal in time for next Sunday's Log. Till then, behave! SAA NEWS Our Secretary, John Rana, is on holidays in Bali so please be patient if you are waiting for your payments to be acknowledged. Been a busy week printing and sending out In Depth to those that have requested hard copy as a result of them not having computer access. They have only been sent out to those that have responded to my letter advising them of the requirement to inform me that they want it. I am getting many of the Members update forms back, thanks. However, there are still many of you that were sent letters that have not responded. The information that we currently hold is either outdated or incomplete and I request your support. This has become a drawn out affair. My thanks to those that have cooperated, a curse on those that have not. If you have not updated your records you can do so on line at http://submarinesaustralia.com/details.html One thing that has become obvious from the information we are getting on the update forms is the number of Members that have changed contact details, be it address, email or phone numbers without letting us know. It is also evident from the number of email that I get returned. IF YOU ARE NOT RECEIVING EMAIL FROM ME WEEKLY IT IS BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE YOUR CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESS! The SUBCON website will go live this week,
waiting on a bit more information from the NSW Branch, but at
least you can start to register your interest in attending.
An email will go out to let you all know.
Norm Williams Mobile: 0419 863 558 AROUND THE TRAPS
Since English singer Susan Boyle has been on TV there's been a marked drop in suicide bombing. Apparently, a lot of the terrorists didn't realise what a virgin looks like.
John 'Buster' Keating asks "I have some overseas visitors staying with us at the moment, my mate John Allsopp (ex-CPOTASISM RN SM's) and his missus Irene; we go back a long way together. Taff Griffiths and John served together on HMS Sailsbury (frigate), in 1957/58 and they then both joined SM's; John went to Canada in 1959 and he believes Taff went to Sydney and joined the 4th Sqn there; he believes that he may have married an Aussie girl and settled out here? That was the last time John heard from him, can you help (he's not on the RN SM Assoc list, either here, or in the UK), however ex-4th Sqn people over East may know, or remember him!" Can anyone help? Brian (Mat) Mathews notes "I see there's more trouble with Collins again and Otama is looking a bit under the weather but still afloat. I suggest we fix two problems with one boat. Put Otama up the slip a quick refit and a paint job and put her back in service giving us a boat that has already proven her worth. Hastings isn't the place for Otama or any boat they don't want Otama or deserve Otama. If Otama isn't looked after soon the only place Otama will be going is the wreckers." She is looking sad and it is going to take a lot of TLC and money before she realises any 'tourist attraction' status.
Bill Mitchell (07
38208484) has just the ideal item for those that want to feel
like being in Bali but don't want to take the risk.
Regular contributor Jim Joyce wrote "Bung I read your Site at every available opportunity, I find it Informative and Entertaining, as I am sure others do. But I have to say, I am computer ignorant. Forgive me then if it appears that sometimes it seems that I, and no doubt others like myself, would seem to be "Non Caring". I for one, have a great belief that the way to keep our Submarine History alive, is through such venues as yours and such history must not be allowed to fade. I write this in response to a comment you made that indicates, to me at least, that you are not in receipt of sufficient information for the Log. So here is a little bit of history for the Log." I understand that we all have more important things to do than write bits for the Log and do appreciate it when I get something, it makes the Log interesting and save me hours trying to find stuff.
Jims dit: "One night, whilst in Singapore,
myself and a well known LRO were ashore in Bugis Street. The
bars closed at 0100hrs but our need for a beer, however had not
been satisfied. So we adjourned to a "House of Ill-Repute in
Sembawang" to slake our thirst, we were incapable of anything
else. Whilst in said premises, my Stepping Mate, espied a cat
and proceeded to stroke, in an un- amorous manner, the feline,
whereupon one of the girls stated that it had just had kittens.
My mate, whose mother bred cats, inquired as to the cost of one
such kitten and was asked, by the House Pappasan "Why,
what's
wrong with the Girls?' Anecdotes are our greatest source of
History and I am sure we all have many." Regards Jim.
Competition: The first person to get
all of the questions correct wins a bottle of wine... Peter 'Arab' Clark is getting touchy in his old age. He wrote "If you ever put an E on my name again I can arrange an F18 to modify your spa, to it's detriment." He then went on to ask " Norm, an interesting question. In days of old (when Bubbles was a Part 3) when docking a boat she had to send a signal to Giant Poo Bear Admiral that the boat had 'sued, sewed' as in the boat is now on the blocks, does this still exist, is it applicable to ship lifts and what is the correct spelling for sued / sewed or whatever?" Being the font of all knowledge (a pre requisite for Chief Stokers) he came to the right man. SEWED, the situation of a ship which rests upon the ground till the depth of water sufficient to float her is diminished by the reflux of the tide. Thus if a ship runs aground on the tide of ebb, and it be required to know if she has sewed, the water line or mark on her side, stem, or stern-post, where the surface of the water reaches when she is a float, is examined, and this mark being found above the water, she is laid to be sewed by as much as is the difference. What do you get when you mix PMS with a GPS: A crazy bitch who will find you! Ken Dobbie of the JR Memorial Committee
writes "We have received advice from John
Perryman who is a historian with the Navy in Canberra (John is
also an ex JR) and he has located a film on life at Leeuwin.
This has been digitised and can be accessed on the following
link at the
navy's web site.
The film runs for about 10 minutes and is of very high quality
and gives a clear insight into Leeuwin at that time, you might
even recognise a few faces. I am sure you will all appreciate
John Perryman's efforts in making this available." The first came from John Culnane
"With regards to the HMAS Leeuwin bell I
heard a rumour some years ago when I was a permanent “Rocky” at
HMAS Stirling that it had been passed to the “Army waterborne
transport company” that was based just up the road from Leeuwin
and was in the officers mess, but it was only a rumour… It may
be a place to start looking though as the army did move into the
“Leeuwin Barracks” after we vacated…" Andy Clowes responded "I suspect the Leeuwin bell would have gone to Spectacle Island where it would have been held until a new Leeuwin was commissioned. Not sure of the size of the original but it would have either transferred to the current HMAS Leeuwin or it would probably still be at spectacle island or perhaps try the museum at GI." On advising Andy that this had been done to no avail and that men in green from the water mob were suspects in it's removal he replied "Ah I see. Filthy Army water rats! Definitely wouldn't have been a submariner......"we rarely cheat and never lie". Bob McGuigan also had his thoughts "Norm, it sounds like you have heard some information about the morals of submariners being a little questionable whilst imbibing on the amber stuff? How the hell would you get away with nicking the good ship Leeuwin’s bell? Gee now I remember- forget I asked that, after some of the little treasures I saw bought back onboard in various ports, Kiwi bases etc. Even worse waking up in your bunk with said little treasure under your pillow or worse, stuffed down the end of the sleeping around your toes and having absolutely no idea how it got there? Ah memories Norm, but Leeuwin’s bell Nah not me chief stoker, must have those dishonest greenies." After mentioning the men in green theory Bob responded "Knew several in the water mob in East Freo. Used to get smashed on Sundays in their senior rates mess many years after I got out of the mob and used to share a house in my single days in Perth with another guy who was a corporal in water transport as well. Plus they had a nice little mushroom patch around their flagpole that we all used to get into. They were real mushrooms by the way Norm, not the “magic” variety. Bunch of nice guys, but weren’t too fond of the Navy down the road (Leeuwin). If they could swipe it they would have. Their booze messes would be good place to start the search methinks."
'Viagra' is now
available in powder form for your tea. It doesn't
enhance your sexual performance but it does stop your biscuit
going soft..
How Much Do You Know
About Golf??? Who said we were not a multicultural navy. This photo was taken at the Anzac Day March in Hobart 2009. David Costello is returning home from the UK. The Navy has accepted his application. He said "I now have to go through the introduction process which should take a max of 6 months. I cant wait! I will have my career back and I will be back in boats. I have a lot of work to do before leaving the UK, contracts and other financial matters to wrap up. I am so happy and cant wait for diving stations." John 'Boot' Hatfield wrote
"Bungy, I read with interest your encounter with the log
splitter. You once told me you had moved to North Queensland to
‘cut down on expenses”. Sh*t mate, all you’ve done since you got
up there is spend your hard-earned retirement money. Pool,
heating, concreting, decking, chooks, dogs, log splitters – you
never give up do you?
Boot continued "It was good to scroll through Up Periscope and see the old photos, it brings back good memories to see Bob and Dave when they were younger, flashback of Bob coming around to the Cottage Bar and trying to find all his ‘greenies’ – ably led by Drapes, and that shot of me and ‘Old Man’ Radford – taken at the George in St Kilda aka 1966, just before I became Pussers best storeman! Ahhhh memories are made of this. Keep up the good work, and I hope this fills in a bit of space for you. All the best, Boot." Israeli Sense of Humour at
the UN: An ingenious example of speech and politics occurred
recently in the United Nations Assembly and made the world
community smile. A representative from Israel began,
"Before beginning my talk, I want to tell you a story about
Moses." When he struck the rock and it brought forth water, he
thought, "What a good opportunity to have a bath!" He removed
his clothes, put them aside on the rock and entered the water.
When he got out and wanted to dress, his clothes had vanished. A
Palestinian had stolen them."
Training Ship Tyalgum
50th Anniversary Presentation Ball and Reunion - 19th September
2009 VETERANS AFFAIRS
Health Matters.............Men's Health
* helpful information on health and lifestyle issues Health
Matters............. DVA Research Newsletter
Health Matters............. C The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin has opened a world-class centre for trauma-related research in East Melbourne. “Almost one-third (50,000) of Australia’s disabled veterans suffer a mental health disability, so the treatment of illnesses such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related conditions is very close to the hearts of those in the ex-service community,” Mr Griffin said. “The Australian Government has provided base funding of $5.5 million (over 5 years) to the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health (ACPMH) –– an important contributor to the development of ADF and veteran-specific mental health initiatives–– and I am pleased to see the centre move into new, larger premises which will assist it to continue its vital work.” Mr Griffin said the $5.5 million over five years would assist ACPMH undertake research, develop policy and provide education to support organisations and health professionals who work with people affected by traumatic events. “This amount is in addition to $92 million of extra funding announced in the 2009-10 budget to boost mental health services for current and ex-service personnel, by implementing all of Professor David Dunt’s recommendations arising from his Independent Study into Suicide in the Ex-service Community and Review of Mental Health Care in the Australian Defence Force and Transition through Discharge,” Mr Griffin said. “The Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ $9.5 million share of this allocation is being used to strengthen mental health programs and simplify administrative procedures for those transitioning out of the ADF or applying for compensation. Veterans with complex needs will be supported by more experienced case managers, while access to mental health clinical expertise is being increased.” Further details about mental health services through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs is available on its website www.dva.gov.au For more information about ACPMH visit www.acpmh.unimelb.edu.au 
Veterans'
Affairs On-line
$4 Million to help
members of the veteran community
DEFENCE NEWS
SLOPS VAN SALE
Come on Boof, lets look for the axe ............. Sunday, 2nd August 2009 I drove down to BrisVegas this morning to attend the AGM and as a result I am a little behind in putting the Log together. It was a good meeting and as usual it was good to say g'day to some 'old' (I mean that literally) mates again. I mentioned to Dick Culey's better half that I was having trouble getting my chooks to lay and the news is not good! She gave me a list of reasons why they may not be laying, I think that unless I soon get some free range eggs on the menu I will be having home cooked chicken instead!!!!. The weather in Bauple has been great and yes, I am swimming in the pool again, thanks to my solar system. Kev Marengo and Bob Moores would be proud of my engineering achievement, I laid piping, cut it into the existing system and put valves in all the right places. It is a pity that the trees block the afternoon sun, it would be much warmer than it is. I noticed a sign for firewood last week, only $80 for a ute load and couldn't resist. I hate going into the forestry behind Bauple collecting firewood, the prospect of picking up a snake or two leaves me cold. The wood arrived, a very decent amount of wood and I was pleased with my purchase. Only one problem, it was a hard wood tree cut into 18 inch lengths and had not been split. No problems, my trusty log splitter would do the trick. On my first swing the splitter hit the wood with a resounding thud and bounced off it like you would never believe........... I recovered the splitter from over the fence and tried again, same result. Not to be beaten I asked my neighbour to hold the splitter while I took to it with a sledge hammer. Now I have mentioned that most locals in Bauple have two heads so I was not surprised when he agreed to hold the splitter. However, he was surprised when I hit the splitter with the sledge hammer and the shock wave that coursed through his bony little body was sight to behold. He declined to hold it again and went home shaking. I could his his missus calling him all sorts of things (none flattering) for hours afterwards. That'll teach him for volunteering!!! However, the wood had to be split and I could only see one other option, so for the low price of $485 I purchased an electric/hydraulic splitter on the web. It arrives in the morning so I can put all my Outside Stoker experience to use. I have the local SES on standby in case of any emergencies when I try it out. It would probably be cheaper to burn $5 notes in future. Come on guys, need input to the Log, getting harder to find gossip. All you Collins guys and gals, how about some photos for the galleries?
SAA NEWS
I have done the costing for producing and mailing out In Depth and it comes to a tad over $15 per Member that get it by mail. As the annual subscriptions are only $10 a year (less if you pay for 5/25 years) it becomes evident that we must look for a sponsor to replace our previous long term sponsor, Raytheon. I know things are tough out there but if anyone out there can suggest a possible sponsor/advertiser that may wish to sponsor In Depth for about $1500 a year? If so, please contact me. I am getting many of the Members update forms back, thanks. However, there are still many of you that were sent letters that have not responded. The information that we currently hold is either outdated or incomplete and I request your support. This has become a drawn out affair, thanks to those that have cooperated, a curse on those that have not. If you have not updated your records you can do so on line at http://submarinesaustralia.com/details.html The SUBCON website will go live this week,
waiting on a bit more information from the NSW Branch, but at
least you can start to register your interest in attending.
An email will go out to let you all know.
SAA Historian Peter Smith recently had his email account tampered with and changed the password and he could not get in. So if any member wishes to contact him on his new email address. If you sent mail to Peter's gmail account he had it deleted so please send again if you have had no response.
Norm Williams Mobile: 0419 863 558
Queensland Branch This year saw the retirement of Barry McKeown after five years of excellent service as the Branch President. The Members at the AGM thanked Barry and presented him with a SAA crest. It also seen Rob Woolrych hand over the secretary's role, but he didn't manage to get away as easy as Barry, he is now the vice President. The turnout for the AGM was excellent, 53 Members and guests in attendance. A most welcome guest was Les Dwyer, the President of the Naval Association Australia who offered some valuable advice on what the benefits of our affiliation were. It is always good to see a change in Committees, it adds new life and ideas and it gives the long standing incumbents a time to take it easy before (hopefully) taking on other roles in the future. The new Committee is;
North Queensland Branch AROUND THE TRAPS It was good to see that Greg Doodson has
finally been given the Commendation awarded to him by the Chief
of Navy for his actions onboard HMAS Onslow so long ago.
He received a letter from Davyd Thomas today with a gold
commendation badge. There was some confusion, the badge looked
more like bronze than gold, but this was soon sorted out.
It took a long time mate, you deserve it.
The Defence Force Recruiting team had
been out on the road for five weeks and stops at Kalgoorlie. A
Chief on the team goes to one of the local brothels, walks
straight up to the Madam, drops down $500 and says: “I want your
ugliest woman and two burnt chops.”
“HMAS Leeuwin’s Bell”- Where is it?
A Catholic sailor goes into the confessional box. He notices on one side a fully equipped bar with Guinness on tap. On the other wall is a dazzling array of the finest Cuban cigars. Then the priest comes in. "Father, forgive me, for it's been a very long time since I've been to confession, but I must first admit that the confessional box is much more inviting these days." The priest replies: ....."Get out...you're on my side."
VETERANS AFFAIRS During Veterans’ Health Week, from 24 to 30 August, a range of activities will be held in many locations across the country encouraging members of the veteran community to remain active and be stronger, healthier and happier. More than half of Australian adults don’t do enough exercise to stay healthy and just 30 minutes on most days of the week is enough to make a difference. Find out more about the activities you can get involved in during Veterans’ Health Week.
DEFENCE NEWS
HMAS Collins
breaks down Niggs, put Boof down, it's walk time.............
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Thanks to Thales Underwater Systems for their sponsorship.
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Welcome
Aboard
Birthdays
Leo
Virgo
Jet
setting......
And
Noel Robinson is off to Indonesia on business
"I’ll be away for a couple of weeks, then
home then up to Balikpapan for a wee while. Any drama’s you can
get me on my mobile or via email." Am I the only
one that stays at home looking after the chooks and dogs and
fish and birds and Buk Choy?
David
W Holland said "On the way to Mt Hotham , to watch
the kids ski and to enjoy a the 'odd' red wine, we called in to take a
look at Otway - great memories of the 'old girl' - especially the Rimpac
trips in 75'& 76'. She is in good shape - BZ to those responsible. As
one of the original Submarine 'Photographers ' who was taught Periscope
photography and developing photos onboard, ( fun days) I decided to try
my hand on the Periscope at the Holbrook Submarine Museum (another BZ)
which is located nearby Otway which can be seen from the Attack
Periscope. The Holbrook Submarine Museum is really something to visit-
the team responsible have done themselves and the submarine community
proud. - I will put together a copy of the Otama 83' Patrol book and
send it to them. Hope to also see it on the Website one day."
Dave has sent me a copy of the Patrol Book for the web, but due to a few
problems (size mainly, and my desire to change over to new software) I
have not been able to do this yet.
In
an attempt to improve my soil in the vegetable gardens my
neighbour raided her worm farms and gave me a couple of buckets
of them. I spent ages getting the soil; ready for them and
was pleased with myself when I finally put them into their new
home. Next morning when my neighbour came over I took her
down the back to show her my handy work, the new beds planted
with Pak Choy, Buk Choy and lettuce. I now know that
chooks not only like fresh greens, worms are highly regarded on
their menu. They were all busy feasting in the garden beds, it
looked like the place had been hit with a MK48! My
neighbour just turned around and left, I am sure I could just
hear her muffled laughter over my loud sobs.
Also
on the subject of CTL ceremonies is this from Andy Keagh
"Read with interest Les Lever's comments on crossing the line
COD's. I had the same experience last year when crossing over on
the Navy's largest ship (no prizes for guessing which one). Of
interest was the section relating to bodily contact, in
particular with females, as well as the bit that if any
participant felt "miffed" about their treatment they could make
this known and were then to be left alone. While this may all
sound like political correctness gone mad, we still managed to
have the usual entertaining show without getting the CO and XO
in hot water with the press. The only bit I felt was missing was
the old fashioned grunge the chef's used to brew up for the
ceremonies, as the now acceptable version is made with only
wholesome ingredients, in fact some of the girls commented that
it would save them paying for one of those new fangled skin
treatments when we hit Singapore. As you can see from the photo
the XO (Pete Ashen a former submariner) was dealt with in the
normal manner, as was I, because apparently crossing under the
line umpteen times doesn't count (according to the skimmers).
Note the New Generation Navy "healthy" grunge!"
Carl
Smith, Supervisor of foreign studies at Amagasaki City Board of
Education in Japan wrote "I just thought I'd fill you in
on what's been happening up in my neck of the woods. Been pretty
busy since June, with several visitors popping in. That was
followed by a little jolly over to Hawaii for most of July
(someone`s gotta do it) to recuperate. Then, only two days after
my arrival back in Japan I met up with another visitor. None
other than Ken Williams. (He`s the good looking Bungy).
Not true Carl, the Chief Stoker IS the good looking Bungy,
how much did he pay you to say that!
Wayne
Stephens took this photo (and plenty of others) of ex HMAS
Canberra alongside in Geelong prior to it being scuttled as a
dive site. It will be located about two miles offshore
between Point Lonsdale and Barwon Heads in 30 metres of water.
It will be keeping company with four J class submarines which
are dived regularly and were all scuttled in the 1920s. 
Dave
Bryant sent a photo of the ORIGINAL SSTG Badge. He said
"It was designed and worn by the first
members of that elite organization when it was inaugurated under
a Canadian Submarine Training Coordinator (STC) in the
Australian Submarine Squadron in 1980. I relieved Graham
(Jumper) Collins as the Chief UCSM in the Group in 1982, and
served with the second STC LCDR Bruce McLean RCN for three
years, along with such luminaries as Mick Lynch and Bill Hollas.
We took the role of the SSTG to a new level, with combined
emergency and tactical evolutions, thunder flashes and smoke
bombs! (No distinctive green overalls in those days, but
we still managed to smuggle the odd “bomb” onboard a working-up
submarine alongside PLATS)."
Motor
Home for sale
Repco
World Rally
Rodney
Norman Baker (another Norman, he is probably a much nicer guy
than I thought) was re-united to a relative through the log this
week "Your website has come through again.
My cousin Gary went to South Africa over 25 years ago and
decided to finally return to Australia to retire. He tried to
get in contact with me without success. Out of desperation he
‘Googled’ Rodney Baker and to his surprise found me via your
website. We have since made contact and I will catch up with him
later this year. He now lives at Port Macquarie. He mentioned
what a nice person you were – shows how wrong a person can be!"
Rod added "The person in the photograph at Terry Weatherall’s
service is Dave Holland. I had the pleasure of being ‘Admiral’
Weatherall’s watchkeeping ‘oppo’ and I thought the world of him.
We socialized often with Terry and his wife – they were a great
couple, and I hope she has found happiness."
SIA
Update
No
one won the Competition, I will drink the bottle of wine...
Greg
Pennicuik sent the following email that he received from Jim
Lomas "I got to see Jim Redwood yesterday
pm. I haven't seen him since 62-63 but recognised him
immediately. The beard is grey, the features a little more
prominent but the sparkle is still in the eyes. As I introduced
myself, he looked at the namebadge on my shirt and said
"Leeuwin". Bowled me over! 
He
writes "We have a very beautiful,
complete, traditional and authentic Baliness Gazebo for sale.
This Gazebo was fully imported from Indonesia and would make a
great feature and add value to any home and entertaining area. A
flyer is available
In
a follow up email Michael added "I
hope you can help me by the email. I better start from the
beginning: About 2 years ago I contacted the Navy in Sydney
enquiring about an honour board with my brother's name on it.
After his death he was cremated and the RAN conducted a burial
at sea. This was at his request, the only memorial to his life
was this honor board. I was told that on the
de-commissioning of HMAS Platypus, everything concerning
submarines was sent to HMAS Stirling WA. 
Seriously,
I reckon I should ring the local council to go around and see
what you and your next door neighbour are up to – for safety
sake. Have you ever considered that maybe it would be worthwhile
taking a handyman course at the local Tech college? It would
fill in all those idle hours you have on the evenings!!
Cheeky bastard!!!
gsmarine,
and the Soviet/Russian Navy. Each book contains a listing of
every submarine, both projected and commissioned, for each navy.
Each entry contains the builder, milestone dates, commanding
officers, associated patrol data where applicable and the fate
of each boat. The illustrations are not with each boat but, as
indicated in the Russian excerpt, with each class of submarine,
along with specifications.
am
veterans experienced a higher incidence of certain conditions,
including coronary heart disease, prostate cancer, high alcohol
consumption and related conditions and diabetes.
Garth
Schmidt reports that the HMAS Townsville function room of the
Townsville RSL has been booked from 1630 to 1830 on Saturday 29
August for the North Queensland Branch AGM. The restaurant has
also been booked for dinner following the meeting, if members
and visitors could kindly let Garth know the numbers requiring a
nose bag. One of the agenda items will be the formation of a
steering committee for the 2013 NQ SUBCON. So members are asked
to give this prior consideration. We have indication of a
healthy roll up so far, but would love to see new faces to come
along and share the fun.
I
received a threatening letter this week from well known biker
Phil Solomon which said "Saw the bike
fitness photo ..... you'll keep!!!!!!" These WEEOs
can be a touchy lot. Here is a recent photo taken of Phil
on his bike, the exhaust is in need of repair.
Our
man in Noumea Roberto Lunardo writes "Here
are some of my paintings of submarines that I have done over
many years. I am going to the Submarine Congress in San Diego on
5th September." To view Roberto's painting go to
this 
The
Bell mob have been on a trip. "Got back
last Sunday from 10 days away with the lad and friends we tagged
along with for a while. Started out at Birdwood, Broken Hill,
Tibooburra, Camerons Corner, Merty Merty Homestead, Innaminka,
Coongie Lakes, Innaminka - back to Birdwood via outback SA. Had
a great time, hanging out to bugger off again already!"
