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December Log
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Sick Bay
Now that is all good and exactly
what I wanted to hear. But then it goes on to say that they have
discovered abo In fact I am so optimistic that I
have just registered for SUBCON. In the meantime it is back to Chemo
(next one 3 days before Xmas Day, you beauty) for another 9 weeks then
another scan. Keeps me off the streets Mate, what else would I be
doing in retirement? See you all at Coffs."
Jeff Aldred writes
"I have been in touch with Darby's Allen's wife Pip,
Darby was the LCDR Weapons Officer in Plats in the
eighties. Life has not been to good for him over
the last year, had bowel cancer last Xmas and was
operated on and appears to have got over that. Three
months ago was diagnosed with cancer of the throat which
required him to have a nine hour operation to remove the
cancer and take part of his stomach to rebuild his
throat. If any one wants to pop in please phone first as
he is having a lot of treatment and according to Pip
sleeps a lot. Address is:14 Allandale Road, Green Point
2251 (02 4365 4378)."
Max writes
"Biff was my neighbour, it was due to our many
chats when we invariably talked about his life on submarines that
provided the inspiration for me to design the project. It was to Biff
that I made my now famous ridiculous statement while standing in Biff's
lounge room. I proudly stated "I am going to get a submarine and bring
it to Hastings on a truck" Ken's calming response was "son, you better
sit down I have a few things to tell you". I remember the fateful day just
six months ago when Biff walked in to my house and said he had a
problem. He had just driven his car the wrong way around a roundabout
and then, could not remember where he lived. Luckily his devoted wife
Helen was there to guide him home. Just yesterday I was thinking
about Biff ( he had been living with his daughter north of Melbourne)
and looking forward to catching up and having a drink with Biff over the
Christmas break, he had already bought the bottle of scotch. But
unfortunately the hand of fate has intervened to change that plan.
Biff will be sadly missed and I am sure we can find a way to honour his
contribution to the project in some way in the future." Our condolences and prayers go out
to Helen, a real submariners wife, and family and friends. Obituary Biff 'upgraded' to
the Australian Navy in 1963 and in 1964 heeded the call
for volunteers for submarines and travelled to England
to undertake his initial training at HMS Dolphin. On
completion of his training and the Tank, Biff was
drafted to HMS/m Walrus on 24 March 1964 to undertake
his part three. He left the boat on 29 November 1965. Compiled by Peter Smith,
SAA Historian.
I would have been
worried if he had been nice to me. We had a magic
afternoon together and spun a thousand dits and said
Farewell. I am so sad he has gone and I am so
happy that I pulled my finger out of my bum and made the
effort to go and see an old mate who was not travelling
well. This only backs up
your Christmas wish for us to make the phone call or
contact some mate that we shared so much with and
touched our lives in more ways than we may acknowledge
until its to late to let them know."
Friday, 25th December 2009 - Christmas Day .
Sunday, 20th December 2009 The Longest
Walk......
Again the Log starts with the loss of another good mate
and the story of the battle that some of our mates are fighting in an
attempt to restore their health. Sad, but the result of an ageing
community that we are a part of. I started the Log this morning and realised that it was
Christmas THIS WEEK!!! There has been a lot going on around me and this
fact had been bypassed by my brain, probably because it is still in the
BAH HUMBUG mode of old, I forgot to tell it that this year I am
celebrating along with the rest of you. This means a foray into
town in the morning to spend my hard earned cash on overpriced presents
that the recipients will feign thanks for and will disregard once I
leave. Maybe I will only buy wine and Gin and make sure that I get
to drink some of it before I leave. The brats get nothing though,
the bastards are all spoilt, rude and ignorant. Maybe a cowpat
wrapped in nice paper would be a good idea. I will also save on cards, I can tell everyone that I
sent one but that it must have gone astray in the postal strike!
All the pretty lights and decorations that the new me planned to put
around the pool and trees can go to, they are unnecessary and only
attract people with nothing better to do, driving miles just to see
pretty lights, a waste of petrol. These actions will save many of my
superannuation dollars as well as saving the environment, imagine how
many green house gasses that these measures will save. Kevin may even
consider me for an 'Environmental Award', something he missed out on in
Copenhagen. Wow, the new Christmas friendly Green Me, no more Bah
Humbug for me! My neighbour is in Christmas mode and she turned up last
night with a bottle of wine and a homemade Mango pie............. she
was getting in early adding "seeing you won't be here for Christmas".
Not sure if she knows something I don't? Jim Joyce is obviously sampling the cooking sherry a bit
early too as he wrote "Bung, take it easy over the
Christmas period and I hope the New Year, will be a better one for you.
I happen to think you are of value to us all. Though I will never admit
it." We are getting touchy feely aren't we? I am being distracted at the moment by a magnificent
sunrise, it is very overcast this morning (we even had a few drops of
welcome rain last night) and the dust storm that came over from the West
has made for an impressive display. Have you cleaned up your computers recently. I
spent most of yesterday cleaning up the PC and laptop, they had become
slow and unreliable, just like a Chief Tiffy. I will admit that I
have neglected them for ages and it showed, I had to run all of my
'tools' to clean up the registries, delete potential threats, free up
disc space and defragment the hard drives. Still got one bug that
I have not been able to get rid of, but I think that it is inside my
monitor? Now this may sound very technical, and beyond the capabilities
of the normal man (or so the propeller heads would have you think), but
I did it!!! Mind you, it took many hundreds of $$$s in software
that i have in my arsenal to do the deed. Both are running as
smooth as an ASR1 and I think I have found my calling, watch out for the
new franchise opportunity "Bung's Bytes". Not many buzzes and gossip to report this week, the
impending holidays leads us into a quiet period for the log, so this is
your lot for
SAA NEWS & EVENTS National Seven cheques totaling $520 have been received to date
but the amount deposited by EFT is not known at this time.
Donations will be acknowledged when Tim can supply the information. Donations - large or small - will be acknowledged in
The Log and can made by cheque or EFT;
Norm Williams
Western Australia Branch
CONGRATULATIONS
ABMT C. READWIN - HMAS
FARNCOMB
Around the Traps Some of you may remember an RN exchange
Engineer, LEUT Nick “Scouse” Brough, that served with me on Ovens and
later in Platypus. I think Australia came as a bit of a culture shock to
Nick, but I really enjoyed having him as our engineer. I was pleased to
receive the following "Its 03:15 here and I am on
shift at the island's (Isle of Man) main hospital, I am on duty until
07:45 however its snowing at the moment so God knows what time I shall
get home as I live a good 20 miles away. Sorry I have not
been in touch in such a long time, I see you are having a rough time, my
thoughts are with you mate and I hope you come through safe and sound.
May I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year and would you be so kind as to pass on
the season greetings to all serving and ex submariners down under"
I recall one incident that happened in the after ends one night
when Engines was doing rounds. He got oil on his hands and asked
for a rag. Graham 'Slinga' Woods handed him one, unfortunately for
Engines slinga had just finished using it to satisfy his carnal desires.
Engines was not impressed!!! Victorian Member, Fred 'Freddo'
Bottrell, said "Thanks for your efforts in
establishing contact between Tony Smith in New York, myself and
RSL mate Barrie Swindles. A good result, I have mailed off a
donation to the Welfare Fund." Thanks Freddo,
setting a good example with the donation.
Ian Sinclair
would like to hear from crew members that served in Otama in
1987 as he is working on a DVA claim that he has in the pipe
line. Jettseter Wayne Stephens repots that
his "submarine tour" of the United States in October didn't go
exactly as planned, but at least did get to see the USS Nautilus
and the USS Torsk in Baltimore. Bill O'Reilly commented on the need
for me to travel to the Sunshine Coast each day for treatment.
"I was reading about your drive for
treatment, you can think of me while your doing it . I do
the Jervis Bay to Redfern trip and return daily, it takes a bit
out of you but you can sleep on your days off. I understand that
sleeping when you have nothing to do goes against the instincts
of a Chief Stoker but you have spent enough time living in
messes with greenies to have a working knowledge of how its
done." If you are looking for sympathy for
your daily travel mate, you've come to the wrong chappy, anyone
who does that on purpose needs his head read. And why is
it that the poor greenies get picked on all the time for their
ability to sleep longer than anyone else? I know a few
seaman types that can outsleep a dog! The new part three Dib Dab was watching some
divers 'working' alongside and asked the COB "Why do scuba divers always
fall backwards off their boats?" To which the COB replied, "Well, if
they fell forward they'd still be in the bloody boat!" Tim Everard reports that if you need
hospitalisation the Royal North Shore Private also offers a glass of
wine with meals, but RN Hospitals offer sailors a beer and officers a
"short" whisky, brandy etc. Yes, Rank has its Privileges!!! Did you ever wonder why there are no
dead penguins on the ice in Antarctica - where do they go?
Wonder no more ! ! ! 47th International Submariners Convention
I received this puzzling email from
Aspro Alpha who I assume was a birdie that used to fly Fairy
Gannets? He obviously found our
SM4 page and started reminiscing. If you were on
Tabard at the time,
please let me
know.
HEALTH AND VETERAN'S MATTERS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS TO CONTINUE AS
SEPARATE AGENCY This change will ensure a more efficient and effective mailing system for all. Mail sent to old post office addresses will still arrive safely. Separate post office box addresses for individual VAN and VVCS offices, the OAWG, RMA, VRB, DSHI and DSHL will remain unchanged. To access contact details for all DVA offices visit the DVA website.
Urban Myths - Maybe, but still worth
considering GPS: A couple of weeks ago a friend told me that someone she knew hadtheir car broken into while they were at a football game. Their car was parked on the green which was adjacent to the football stadium and specially allotted to football fans. Things stolen from the car included a garage door remote control, some money and a GPS which had been prominently mounted on the dashboard. When the victims got home, they found that their house
had been ransacked and just about everything worth anything had been
stolen. The thieves had used the GPS to guide them to the house. They
then used the garage remote control to open the garage door and gain
entry to the house. The thieves knew the owners were at the foot
ballgame, they knew what time the game was scheduled to finish and so
they knew how much time they had to clean out the house. It would appear
that they had brought a truck to empty the house of its contents. The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text 'hubby' in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.. Moral of the lesson: Do not disclose the relationship
between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names
like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad,Mom, etc.... DEFENCE NEWS UPDATES ASC welcomes new directors The new Board members join ASC at a pivotal time with construction on the Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer commencing shortly and a renewed focus on the Collins Class maintenance program. "This appointment coupled with the recent announcement of ASC's new CEO, Mr Stephen Ludlam, is a clear sign that ASC is continuing to forge its path in the Australian naval defence industry." Vice Admiral Ritchie thanked the retiring directors Dr Bill Schofield AM and Mr Mike Terlet AO for their services to the Board of ASC. ASC is the nation’s last remaining Australian-owned prime defence contractor. The company 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. Russia signed defence contract
with Vietnam Come on Niggs, lunchtime
Sunday, 13th December 2009 The Longest
Walk...... Boof has made many friends during his long life and
although some say that he was spoilt, he would have replied "A just
reward for all the joy that I bought into our relationship."
Boof has had 12 months to train Niggs, the new dog in my life, and has done a great job. He is just like Boof, demanding, full of life and has a mind of his own - but a bundle of love. Boof will be missed. Been a busy week and yet it seems as if I have achieved nothing. The loss of Boof took the wind out of my sails, but I know that he is in a better place and the indignity and frustration of old age will bother him no more and he would be proud of his own little garden under the Mango tree. I had to drive to the Sunshine Coast twice this week and it proved one thing, driving there every day for the next 6 weeks for treatment is going to be a real pain in the arse. At least I will be able to go to have a swim in the surf, visit Bunnings and other places that we lack in the area, this should make up for some of the inconvenience. I have four Mango trees in my yard and they are all heavy with fruit and although the possums, bats and birds are having a feast, most are going to end up as compost as it would be impossible to eat them all, a shame. I have just looked up a recipe for mango chutneys and jams, may go into production. Giving away most of the chooks has proven to be a
success, the one remaining hen (Lucky) continues to lay daily, more than
meeting my demand foe eggs. The bonus is that the bloody roosters
no longer waken me two hours before sunrise.......... Lucky (she
is called that because had a few near misses as a chicken) sneaks into
the house whenever she can and was accidently locked in while I went to
Coast on Thursday. She had tried to get out the kitchen window and
in the process made a right mess, things were everywhere. This was
bad enough, but the tap was also running and if you are reliant on tank
water like I am, it is almost enough to make you cry. Fortunately
I have an 18,000 gallon in ground tank so I may survive without having
to buy more - let's just hope this dry patch doesn't last much longer. I think I may have upset a LEUT that rang me during the week concerned that visitors to the site may pass on classified information on the Collins class propellers following a request for non class specific information from model makers. I served long enough to know about security and would not take any action that I believe would compromise security and I think that anyone who has access to the Collins class data knows it's security classification and would not be silly enough to pass it on. The LEUT may have a heart attack if he knew I sent Captain Nik in Russia, a regular correspondent, a parcel last week with some Christmas goodies and I am getting a free copy of Alexander Terenov's book on Rusian subs sent to me. I am all for supporting charity, you will notice later in The Log my appeal for support for the SAA Trust Fund, but regrettably I had to say no to a little old lady that called yesterday. She was selling tickets in a raffle for orphans and I explained to her that I wouldn't buy one as the way my luck has been lately I would probably have won. She walked away with a confused look on her face........... Bah Humbug is my normal cry this time of the year, but this year is going top be different, I am breaking out the decorations, buying presents and giving what I can afford to the needy. Life is too short and if others can get some enjoyment out of the festive season let's make it so. Till next week................
SAA NEWS & EVENTS National The Fund was established in 1991 when the late Mrs Elsie Harris bequeathed in her Will a sum of $10,000 to establish a charitable Trust that would be available to Members of the Submarines Association Australia and their families in times of financial need. The Fund is not managed by the Association, it operates under a Trust Deed managed by Honorary Trustees, Tim Duchesne, Tim Everard, Sid Czabotar and David Bryant. Income is derived from donations and income earned from investments. Many of us have done OK over the years and are more fortunate than others. Nothing was given to us, we have worked hard and been wise with our spending and deserve the benefits that we are enjoying as a result of this. Many of you have charities that you donate to, many of you don't and the last thing we want is some old Chief Stoker trying to prise 10 of your hard earned dollars out of your wallet before you buy another bottle of Chardonnay or invest it in the pokies... However, I am going to try! In the spirit of Christmas I would like to think that all of you that can afford to make a SMALL (lots of little makes a big) donation to the Welfare Fund. Who knows, your fortunes may change and one day YOU may need help. Donations - large or small - will be acknowledged in The Log and can be sent to;
Norm Williams
North Queensland Branch
Garth Schmidt
Queensland Branch
I am also concerned to ensure the RAN Torpedo Maintenance
Establishment [RANTME] with its connections to the firing range
in Pittwater and explosive facilities at Newington and Kingswood
is also properly displayed and interpreted
CONGRATULATIONS
The President, Members of the Association joins with all members
of the submarine community to congratulate the following for
their achievements, e
SUBJECT: 2009 SUBMARINE FORCE AWARDS A. COMMENDATIONS
B. RECOGNITION OF TEN YEARS SUBMARINE SERVICE:
C. RECOGNITION OF TWENTY YEARS SUBMARINE SERVICE:
D. LONGEST RAN SERVING QUALIFIED SUBMARINER: WOAWASM RALPH JEFFREE (QUALIFIED: 5 NOVEMBER 1975) E. AWA CATEGORY ANNUAL STANDARDS EXAM AWARDS. THE EXAM REQUIRES CATEGORY MEMBERS TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR RETENTION AND ANALYSIS SKILLS IN A WIDE RANGE OF ACOUSTIC RELATED PRACTICES. IT IS DIVIDED INTO THREE SKILL GRADES BASED ON THE CATEGORY MEMBERS CURRENT LEVEL OF TRAINING.
F. CHRISTOPHER PASSLOW SHIELD (SAILOR TRAINEE OF THE YEAR) - AWARDED TO THE SAILOR WHOSE EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND DEDICATION TO THEIR SUBMARINE QUALIFICATION TRAINING MAKES THEM STAND OUT FROM OTHER TRAINEE SAILORS:
G. DOLPHIN CUP (OFFICER TRAINEE OF THE YEAR) - AWARDED TO THE OFFICER WHOSE EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND DEDICATION TO THEIR SUBMARINE QUALIFICATION TRAINING MAKES THEM STAND OUT FROM OTHER TRAINEE OFFICERS:
H. WO TIM HENRY - AWARDED TO THE MEMBER WHOSE WORK AND COMMITMENT TO QUALITY WITHIN THE SUBMARINE FORCE MAKES THEM STAND OUT FROM OTHER PERSONNEL:
I. SUBMARINER OF THE YEAR - AWARDED TO THE SUBMARINE QUALIFIED SAILOR OR OFFICER WHOSE EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND DEDICATION TO DUTY MAKES THEM STAND OUT FROM ALL OTHER SUBMARINERS:
J. PLATYPUS CUP - AWARDED TO A SUBMARINE FOR EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING BY OBTAINING THE HIGHEST STANDARD IN TRAINING AT BOTH THE WHOLE OF SUBMARINE AND INDIVIDUAL LEVELS:
K. SUBMARINE SILVER PLATTER - AWARDED TO THE CATERING DEPARTMENT THAT PROVIDES THE HIGHEST OVERALL STANDARD OF SUPPLY SERVICES AT SEA:
2. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO SEE THIS YEARS AWARDS SO HIGHLY CONTESTED 3. BZ TO ALL AWARD AND COMMENDATION RECIPIENTS. COMSUB SENDS.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR
PROMOTIONSTO LCDRDIXON, L.T. ME SM 8113780 HMAS WALLER Around the Traps
Sandy Freeleagus writes "I read with much
interest about HMS Spartiate ensign from Trafalgar and how much
it sold for at auction. When I drafted off (rather hurriedly due
to Australia House's incessant screaming for me to return to
Aussie) from HMS Opossum alongside Dolphin at 0750 one morning,
I accidentally took their Jack and Ensign with me. I don't know
what (if anything) they pulled up at 0800. But I have both flags
in my rumpus room, so what are you gonna give me for them?
Please keep it quiet as the RN Dockie Cops could still be
looking for me. Since almost the whole crew came to my good-bye
party (and nigh on wrecked our rental) I presume they forgave
their "tame Dink". Anyway I'm open for offers. Wash your mouth
and mind out Bungy!!!" A Vicar booking into a motel asks the
receptionist, "Is the porn channel in my room disabled?" John Culnane ex Taciturn (I commissioned her and I took How tough are Australians?The scene is set - a dark night, cold wind blowing, campfire flickering,
stars twinkling in the dark sky. Three hang-glider pilots are
sitting by the campfire, one from Australia, one from Seth Efrika and
one from New Zulland. Each embroiled in the bravado for which they are
famous. The night of tales begins... A name I have not heard for a long time popped up in my in tray this week, Tony Coghlan. He wrote "Hope all is well... Was cleaning out a cupboard and came across the attached picture! If I find anymore I will forward." The gentleman in the prisoner's overalls is former Governor General Bill Hayden, the first Governor-General to have no title, although as a former Federal minister, he has the style "The Honourable".
Hopefully the latter is not the case as I have the Queensland Police on Standby (providing the local constabulary can find their car keys). A worried POLTO." He got a to e right and I was feeling good that I had managed to evade him, but the sneaky bastard rang me from a different phone number and I answered. It was too late to hang up (I didn't want to be rude, after all, I am a Chief Stoker) so I feigned interest of what seemed like hours before he finally said goodbye. Bloody greenies, they think that some of us have got nothing better to do than chat all day!
Defence News
Washington is likely to agree to the sale of submarines to Taiwan as a gesture of good faith, according to a high-ranking ROC military official Dec. 10. The comment was made in response to the latest Reuters report that the Barack Obama administration is moving toward possible new arms sales to Taiwan, including Black Hawk helicopters and design work on diesel-electric submarines. Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) missiles and military equipment included in the Po Sheng command and control program are still under discussion, the report said. Reuters cited Robert Kovac, acting deputy assistant secretary of state for defense trade, as saying that the White House was ready to notify the U.S. Congress of its decision. According to this official, the U.S. Department of State is still reviewing the submarine deal. Once it notifies Congress, it will mean the administration has approved the sale. However, as far as is known Congress has not been notified, because if it had been, the ROC military should have been informed, the official pointed out. “The purchase of these submarines has been put off in part due to pressure from mainland China,” Lin observed. “The U.S. military has also objected to restarting production of diesel-electric subs in the U.S., and some European countries, such as France, Spain and Germany, are unwilling to work with the U.S. to build submarines for Taiwan,” Lin added. Under these circumstances, Lin said, the ROC Navy has adopted a two-stage submarine construction approach with regard to the purchase of American submarines. The first three-year stage involves asking the U.S. Navy to conduct a “feasibility assessment” for the design work and construction costs, with a maximum budget of NT$11.7 billion (US$362 million). “The Legislative Yuan already passed budgets of NT$200 million in 2008 and NT$1.5 billion in 2009. But the U.S. has yet to provide Taiwan with a Letter of Offer and Acceptance, thus making it impossible to proceed as planned,” Lin added. (LC-THN) Labour campaign targets BAE Systems Barrow The Barrow branch of the Labour party has sent leaflets to thousands of Barrow BAE workers claiming only Labour is committed to building a new generation of Trident missile submarines that will keep the yard busy into the 2030s. Labour has seized on an admission the Conservative defence team is considering the option of refitting the existing Vanguard class submarines instead of building new vessels if they win the election. The hard-hitting Labour leaflet turns round a slogan that the Conservatives used to devastating effect against Labour in the 1980s – “If you vote Labour on Thursday, what will the lads do on Monday?”. In the 1983 general election Conservative candidate Cecil Franks triumphed after he taunted Labour members of the anti-Trident lobby with the jobs mantra in the shipyard. But 26 years later, Labour prospective parliamentary candidate John Woodcock has turned the tables. He claims it is only Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown who has given a firm commitment to build the successor class submarines. The Labour leaflet cites a spokeswoman for Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox, who told The Times on September 11 the Conservatives may have to consider refitting the Vanguard boats rather than building the successor boats. But the Tory leader in Barrow, Councillor Jack Richardson, dismissed the Labour leaflets and said the party had been pushing the same old line for months. He said: “This was going around the town soon after John Woodcock was selected. It has been going round different places. “The shipyard workers are more sensible than Labour give them credit for. They know who has ordered ships and submarines over the last 20 years and it certainly has not been Labour.” He said if there turned out to be a need to extend the life of the existing Barrow-built Vanguard class it would only be because Labour had delayed getting the successor programme going. Cllr Richardson said since the Liam Fox interview William Hague had been to Barrow and declared the Tories were committed to the new submarines and to building them in Barrow. He said: “David Cameron and William Hague, have 
both said we are committed to nuclear deterrence by
submarines and these submarines will be built in Barrow.”Around 150 designers and engineers from BAE, the Ministry of Defence and other organisations, are currently working on designs for the Trident successor submarine programme in Barrow. Come on Niggs, get the ball...................
Sunday, 6th December 2009 I am finally getting through most of my email, although still a lot of actions outstanding, and I wish to thank you and the many others for your kind thoughts. It is amazing how things can change in such a short time, it was only months ago I was complaining about getting a 'cyst' cut out. As I explained last week the cancer (a soft tissue sarcoma) that was removed from the arm has turned out to be quite aggressive and has been detected in the lung, it wasn't on scans taken three months ago. They are starting radiotherapy on the arm on the 14th and watching the others to determine the next step. This means a 3.5 hour return trip to Nambour every day for the next 6 weeks. I have been told to expect a long battle. I am fortunate
that I have family and (lots of) friends that have shown support and I
go into battle determined not to let it get me down. Been an interesting week with the wildlife.............. three snakes in the yard but two were non venomous whip snakes and the other a black. I, with the assistance of the neighbour, moved them back to the creek area (which is flowing again after some heavy rain last week) with a stern warning. The possums have returned after a short absence and they are fighting the bats at night over the peaches and mangoes, and they have no fear of Niggs, they just ignore him. I also had a night chasing cane toads, they have multiplied considerably since the rain. Armed with rubber gloves and plastic bags I ventured out and caught 45 in one night. They are as ugly as a chief tiffies knackerbag..... The chooks, with the exception of 'Lucky' have gone. A sign in the local shop offering them free resulted in several calls within hours and one bloke took the lot.... I am not sure what he had planned for them, but he looks a bit like the bloke that runs the chook raffles for Lions. While on the subject of Lions, I bought some raffle tickets off John Head in Maryborough this week. He looked sad and rejected sitting their with no customers so I took pity and spent my lunch money on some. John's wife Ailsa is having eye problems that have meant driving to Brisbane for medical attention. Boof is still with us and as it will be his last Christmas I have bought a tree that I have planted and will be festooning with lights, a first for me as I am the original 'Bah Humbug'. It will be his little memorial in the garden. It seems that i am not the only one that doesn't
celebrate Christmas! The WA Branch has, again, had to cancel their
Christmas Dinner due to lack of numbers. Why anyone bothers to
organise anything has got me beat. And yet, I so often hear
complaints from Members that nothing is ever arranged? In future
you can go and complain to someone who cares. Till next time...... SAA NEWS & EVENTS National So participation of representative cases is important
and we ask the ESO leadership to encourage people to come forward. Of
course names will not be included but we really need actual cases to
highlight the situation of those who are trying to meet the costs of
living to maintain a lifestyle, which over time has been eroded because
retired pay has fallen behind the level of salaries in the community."
Norm Williams
South Australia Branch
Western Australia Branch
I will be proposing a new social program for your enjoyment next
year shortly but unfortunately due to lack of support (only 4
couples registering) the Christmas Lunch has been cancelled.
Let's plan for more involvement in your association in the New
Year. Around the Traps Greville Knight is the only one to pick up my 'deliberate' mistake in last month's Log. He wrote "Just checking out the birthdays, damn, I thought I was a nasty old Scorpio all these years. Apparently I am now a Virgo!" Relax mate, you are a Virgin no more....... problem solved! LEUT Matt Young, currently serving at the Submarine School, wrote " Just a quick email to say G'day. I am half way through instructing my first ICCC course and the powers that be saw fit to double up Steve Thomas with me, so you can imagine the disruptive influence the vertically challenged mobile noise short is to the students. He is a little perplexed about some of the systems, and complained that he was just starting to get the hang of this PSI stuff and now they have changed to Mpa and Kpa?????" Thommo is still pounds, shillings and pence mate, remember, he was a UW!
Cooking is the 'in thing' and it seems that Arnie has a
challenge on his hands. Jim Moon wrote
"Thought I'd share my
Mike Shepherd writes "I have attached an
old photo (52 years ago) taken at TOT time in the RN Submarine
Telemachus. I am on the left and I was an Able Seaman. Also a
photo of all the sailors. I wondered if any of the ex 4th
Squadron were around that time?" Let me know if you
recognise anyone? Angad Singh (better known by some of us as Buck) has asked me not to send any funny jokes to Stoker Saltmarsh, he's come a gutsa of his mountain bike and has broken ribs. Not nice Angad, poking fun at old farts that should not be on a bike at his age! Russian submariner Captain Alexander Terenov (Rtd) writes "This month will see a new book on the first Russian-Indian nuclear submarine project (SSGN Charlie) Under Three Flags. The Saga of the Submarine Cruiser K-43/Chakra. Written by a Russian submarine captain and translated into English by an Indian admiral, the book describes a unique period of interaction between the Indian and Soviet Navies (1983-1991) and tells the story of the submarine K-43 in the Soviet Navy and the Chakra in the Indian Navy, which spent a small part of her chequered career flying the Indian flag and brought the Indian Navy into the bygone era of nuclear propulsion. Concurrently, second edition of the Russian version of the book has been published. The book has 64 pages of colour photos out of total 224 pages (published in Moscow, Russia)." Should you be interested, please contact me and I will find out the cost.
Jim Joyce wrote "Bung, around this time of
year I am reminded of an old Icelandic Legend I learned as a
boy. Some Christmas Trees, are decorated with a Blonde Female
Angel seated on the top, this is in fact a Valky Santa, by this time had become very Grumpy and quite angry with the Gods. The night before Christmas the beautiful blonde, female Valkyrie knocks on Santa's door with a Christmas Tree tucked under her arm and announces to Santa "Odin and the Gods in Valhalla have seen your trials but cannot help, they understand your pain and frustration. They have sent me with this tree as a present, where would you like me to stick it?" "And that is why some Christmas Trees have an Angel (Valkyrie) seated on top." Hamid Yoosji asks "We are student group that want to make a RC Submarine and need some information about propeller design and geometry, like, the skew, rake angle and pitch, diameter size. We found good information about our RC Submarine Hydrodynamic, but we couldn't find any handbook information for this factors. We were wondering if you help us?" Does anyone want to help?
Veterans' Affairs
Accordingly, it would be appreciated if your organisation could
distribute this request for case studies amongst your members or
constituencies and request their consideration of it. Any
queries or responses to this letter should be sent to
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness
Centre
Pension pay days will not be affected by the Christmas shutdown arrangements. “I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all veteran, defence force and ex-service communities and their families, a safe and happy Christmas and New Year,” Mr Griffin said. Defence News
Union Jack from the Battle of Trafalgar
has sold at auction
Seventh Virginia Class submarine will
be christened today in Connecticut
HMS Trafalgar retires from the
submarine fleet
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Thanks to Thales Underwater Systems for their sponsorship.
Disclaimer: The Web Manager accepts all responsibility for articles and comments published on this site and they may not reflect the thoughts, opinion or policies of the SAA, the RAN or any submarine or commercial organisation portrayed within.Send email to
Norm Williams with
articles, questions or comments, or contact him on 0419 863 558 or by snail mail
to PO Box 63, Bauple Qld 4650.
|
Welcome
Aboard
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Max
Hardy reports "I spent a couple of
hours yesterday with ex WOUCSM Ken 'Robbie' Robinson (ex
RN/RAN paid off 1995 and went to AJAAC with Jumper
Collins and Bob O’Grady. His beard has gone and his hair
is following suit. He asked me to ask you, to let the
world know (now that he has informed his family and the
word is sneaking out) that he now knows what chemo
therapy is all about. He has a very positive attitude
and his last comment was, after the mandatory few
schooners, I intend to beat this bastard that’s why I
have given up smoking, see you in Coffs Harbour."
Tid
Currie has reported in with an update on his problems
"I have just had my mid-treatment scan to see how
the Chemo is working on my tumor. The news is part good and part not so
good (maybe). As far as the original tumor near the right
pisstrainer is concerned, they say it has shrunk quite a bit and has
also retreated away from the aforementioned PS.
ut
6 tiny spots on my lungs that were not shown in the first scan. I
near spewed when the Oncologist pointed them out. Another But - he seems
to think they may have been there originally but not picked up with the
CT Scan machine that was used at Modbery Hospital. The machine at St
Andrews is a later model and takes much narrower slabs of pictures,
these spots may have been there from the start and shrunk the same as
the main one, anyway that's his story and I am going with him.
Eternal
Patrol - ex WOCOXNSM Ken 'Biff' Mills
months ago. 
Bill
Hosie writes "It was via Up
Periscope I learnt Biff was not well. Rather than do
nothing and then regret it forever, June and I got on a
plane and flew to Melbourne. I rang Biff and said we are
here and the sole purpose of the visit is to see YOU.
Biff as usual prefixed every other word with an
expletive. The gist of his conversation was , Christ all
mighty That's the bloody Trifecta. I am on ''#%^*+#'
radiation treatment, I am on ''#%^*+#' chemotherapy. and
now bloody Hosie is visiting me.
the week, see you all again next week.
Top
up your Wine Cellars now and have 5% of the cost donated to the
SAA? For this week's specials go to
ll
AO have been appointed for three year terms and Mr Bruce Carter and Mr
David Miles AM for two-year terms. "All of the new directors bring a
wealth of experience to the Board which will bean invaluable
contribution in leading ASC into a new era." Chairman ViceAdmiral Chris
Ritchie AO RANR said.
king it dry quickly. The Yarn CoolDry moisture management
process offers the ultimate in
comfort to the wearer. 
Navy and White
White and Navy - Other colours by request.
HMAS
Platypus Update
her home) writes "I was raking
through some old photos recently and came
across these gems of history taken 44 years ago come Xmas day... Time
goes fast when you're having fun. You may have them in your
archives already but if not you may be able to use them in future
"Logs"... I may come across more as I clear out the "debris" of many years
of moving around... The first photo is of Tot time for the duty watch
HMS/m Taciturn on Xmas day 1965 alongside RANTE (Now HMAS Platypus)
Neutral Bay... Picture courtesy of the Sunday Herald
The
other photo is of HMS/m Taciturn "posing for pictures" at Sydney heads
just prior to sailing for the UK in August
1966... Only 7 of the original commissioning crew of September 1963
sailed home with her on her final voyage before the scrap yard..."
You
can't hide from some people - after ignoring his phone calls for over a
week I received this from Rod Baker "Tried to call
several times. Thought I got through once, but got cut off. I assumed
the following:
I have written so many words of support to others over the years, but it
is not until it affects you do you realise the full impact of a serious
illness and how shallow those words may sound. 
Tony
Stone sent this photo of his labour of love (keeps him from
under his good lady's feet) and said
"Truly sorry to see that you have had to include your name on
the sick list. Still, you're keeping good company even if Rod
Baker is still sitting on the fence. Be sorry to see you move on
from Bauple (if that is what happens). We have probably all
spiritually joined with you on some of the renovations and
trials, not to mention the proliferation of Joe Blakes. For all
the attractions of country living, we ended up staying in
Canberra to cope with the future needs of closer medical
services. I can certainly agree with you on that. Visited
friends at Lake Cargelligo recently and they have to go to Wagga
for their routine Chemo. Bloody long round trip."
latest
hobby with you. I'm cooking now as all the RC planes I was
smashing up was costing me a fortune. In readiness for my
surprise invitation to star in the new OzMegaChef series, I have
been honing my ‘de-regeux’ (or should that be de- rigour) dish
of that well-known pussers breakfast of champions,
Shit-on-a-Raft (merde-sur-flat-bateau). Complete with (unwashed)
kidneys-au-naturale to provide that wonderful
stale-sheep’s-urine aftertaste that lingers in the back of the
throat, this dish of delight squats proudly on its over-buttered
Oz County Split to tempt any gastronome with eye-rolling
delight. Uncannily, master chef Jacques (moi) has also captured
the ability for the cooking process to harbour small pockets of
the dish’s foul cooking odours throughout the house, which defy
any known off-the-shelf air freshener. (Recipe is available upon
demand)."
rie
of Norse Legend. Norse Legend has it that one Christmas
Santa Clause, (Saint Steven, whoever) was having a very hard
time. The weather was very bad and his Reindeer were
ill,it was in fact a very bitter winter. Seeing that Santa
was having a bad time, and was in fact becoming quite grumpy, he
had asked the Gods in Valhalla for help but the Gods could not
comply, Odin called upon his most beautiful Valkyrie and
instructed her to go to Earth and present Santa with a Christmas
Tree on his behalf. 
