BRANCH ACTIVITIES, NEWS & NOTICES

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Written by Reg Bennett on Dec. 27, 2011
Reg Bennett WW11 - mid upper gunner on Lancaster 186 Squadron, Stradishall, Suffolk, UK is trying to make email contact with Austrtalian Air Force pilot Eric Barton DFC, who flew with Reg during the war. Eric now lives in Cronulla, NSW.


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Written by Blake on Dec. 13, 2011
This is a very interesting site. Thanks for doing all this work.


Website: http://www.blakelivelystyle.com/
Written by Andy Woolley on Oct. 25, 2011
During WWII my grandparents billeted countless commenwealth flying crew at their home near Northampton in the UK. Many of these were Australian. My grandparents kept an amazing record of those that stayed with them including pictures, service numbers, notes, details of casulties and letters,one even from a prisoner of war camp. All of these details were recorded in a book which I have in my possession. I have been to a number of airfields in this country to try and find more information about these men, but have so far been unsuccesful in locating any surviving men or indeed their families, who I am sure would be interested to hear and see details of their brave relatives. One such chap was Dermot John Hegarty from Pymble in Sydney who was tragically killed in 1944. He made a wonderful impression on my Grandparents as well as my Mother, Auntie and Uncle. I actually know that Dermots plane, whilst flying out of Coningsby airbase, suffered full engine failure at around 1000 feet. Dermot's bravery enabled three of the crew to bail out whilst he battled to keep the plane in the air. I am visiting Sydney early next year and would be more than happy to bring this book if anybody would like to see it. If after reading this you may know of any aircrew that were billeted in Wellingborough,Northampton and would like to see if I hold their details please do not thesitate to e-mail me.

Many thanks
Andy


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Written by RAAF ASSOC. NSW DIVISION on Sep. 28, 2011
RAAF Veterans in World War II, who served in UK, North Africa, Italy and the Mediterranean
I would like to make contact with veterans and their families, of those who served in World War II RAAF squadrons, or individually in the RAF, particularly in the Desert Air Force in Tunisia and Italy, but also in the UK and the Mediterranean. From my initial research I believe RAAF Squadrons Nos 3, 450 and 451 served in the Tunisia and Italy campaigns, flying Tomahawks then subsequently Mustangs and Spitfires, until the end of the war. Of course many Australians served in other air forces, notably in the RAF, and such as 454 Squadron in the Med. I have begun research and writing a book on these air campaigns, which were indispensable to bring victory for the Allied armies in North Africa, Tunisia and Italy, from Operation Torch in November 1942 to May 1945.
My book on the air campaigns in Tunisia and Italy, will have a focus on the role of RAAF squadrons and Australians in the RAF, and tell the story through their voices.
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with RAAF veterans from those times, and their families, to hear and document their stories and experiences.I can be contacted as follows:
Bryn Evans 8 Nicholson Street Wollstonecraft Sydney NSW 2065
Tel 02 9438 1939 Mob 0428 108 081 Email: bryn.evans@ozemail.com.au



Written by RAAF ASSOCIATION NSW DIVISION on Sep. 26, 2011
70TH ANNIVERSARY BOMBING OF DARWIN
The Darwin city council will mark this with a two week commemorative program of events from 11-26 February 2012.
Full details can be found on :
www.frontlineaustralia.com.au


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Written by RAAF Association NSW Division on May. 16, 2011
Vacancies exist for part-time Senior Members, Members and Services Members on the Veterans' Review Board in Brisbane.
A list of nominees can be sent to the National President of AVADSC at P.O. Q314 QVB Sydney NSW 2001 before Friday 3rd June 2011


Written by RAAAF ASSOCIATION NSW DIVISION on May. 16, 2011
Notice has been received that an enquiry has commenced into unresolved recognition for past acts of Naval and Military valour, in particular Navy and Army personnel who fought in WW1. Recommendations should be forwarded to Defence Honours and Awards accompanied by conclusive proof in so far as the circumstances allowed and attestation of any facts.
DH&A website is www.defence.gov.au/medals


Written by RAAF ASSOC. NSW DIVISION on Jan. 29, 2011

The NSW Division offers merchandise to association members of red or blue ties, car stickers,drink or table coasters, tie pins, RAAF Association Crest mounted for home,bar, den or office walls.
Larger picture and price list on the Merchandise page. To order phone (02) 9393 3485 or email raafansw@bigpond.com
Email: raafansw@bigpond.com


Written by RAAF ASSOC / AVADSC on Jan. 29, 2011
An $83M four year progam to boost ADF's mental health care was announced on May 1 2010.
This boost of financial support is in response to a comprehensive review by independant public health specialist Prof. David Dunt who submitted a 52 item recommendation for improvement.
CDF ACM Angus Houston has already committed to 49 of the 52 recommendations.He said "But it is clear from Prof. Dunt's report that more work needs to be done."
The reform will include:
Providing improved mental health governance and policy.
An enhanced mental health workforce and improved mental health training support given to ADF personnel and providers.
Enhanced prevention strategies including better research and surveillance.
Enhanced mental health rehabilitation and transition services and greater involvement of families in the mental health of ADF members and better facilities from which mental health services will be delivered.

AVADSC

(Australian Veterans And Defence Services Council)
Sydney 02 9393 2320


Written by RAAF ASSOC. NSW DIVISION on Jan. 28, 2011
The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has now released a new Business Line that states that as from 1st August 2010 all GOLD CARD holders are eligible for all required vaccinations to be covered under the GOLD CARD arrangements.
Any GOLD CARD holder that may have incurred charges from 1st August 2010 are able to seek reimbursement via DVA. If so please contact the nearest DVA VAN office.


Written by Des Peters on Jun. 18, 2010
I am researching into my father's war service in Bomber Command. He enlisted in RAAF in Brisbane on 21 May 42, trained in Narromine and Bradfield Park before going on to Canada for training in Air Observer and Bomb & Gunnery Schools. He commenced with Bomber Command Dec 43, and after surviving a crash in a Wellington into the North Sea on 17Mar44, after months of rehab rejoined to serve in 106, 630 and 44 Squadrons.
Dad passed away in 1987.
His name: Warrant Officer Walter James Peters 425962
I am seeking anyone who knew or served with dad to please contact me.
Attached is a photo of dad(3rd from left) and the crew of a Lancaster, probably taken in 1945 whilst with 44 Sq but not sure, also other crew are unidentified as is the aircraft. Dad was Air Bomber.

Kind regards, Des Peters (residing in Melbourne)


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Written by RAAF ASSOCIATION NSW DIVISION on Jul. 13, 2009
EAST TIMOR SOLIDARITY MEDAL

The East Timorese Solidarity Medal was introduced by the President of East Timor in recognition of forces involved in the contribution to stability and peace operations in East Timor. The commencement date is 6 May 2006 and qualification for the medal is:
a. Having served a minimum of 180 days continuous or accrued service in East Timor from 1st May 2006; or

b. Nominations will be considered for personnel that have served a minimum of 120 days from 1st May 2006; or

c. Nominations will be considered for personnel who served with a start date in May or June 2006 for a period at least 90 days; or

d. The President of the Republic may consider extra-ordinary cases outside the above time-periods. Apllications for extra-ordinary cases must be approved and submitted through the Department of Defence in Canberra, to be considered and approved by the President of the Republic.

Eligible Defence personnel who may be approved for unrestricted acceptance and wearing of the medal are ADF personnel assigned for service as part of the ADF contribution in East Timor and Defence civilians serving in East Timor under the auspices of the Defence Force Discipline Act.

Application can be made to the;
Director,
Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal
Locked Bag 7765
Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610



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Website: www.simplesite.com/raafansw
Written by DEPARTMENT VETERANS' AFFAIRS on Jul. 13, 2009
PARTICIPATION OF ex-AIR FORCE and ex- NAVY PERSONNEL IN THE VIETNAM VETERANS' FAMILY STUDY.

Air Force & Naval personnel who served during 1962-1975, whether they deployed to Vietnam or not, are welcome to participate in the VVFS.
The VVFS will help us obtain a better understanding of the impact of war service on the health and well being of the families of veterans.

More information on the study is available by contacting the DVA Health Study Line on 1800 502 302 or on the website at www.dva.gov.au/vvfs


Website: www.dva.gov.au
Written by RAAF ASSOC. NSW DIVISION on Apr. 9, 2009
AUSTRALIAN GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL - KOREA FOR POST ARMISTICE SERVICE.

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN HAS GIVEN HER
IN-PRINCIPLE APPROVAL TO THE AWARD OF THE AUSTRALIAN GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL FOR KOREA
(AGSM). THE AGSM WILL BE ISSUED TO THOSE FORMER DEFENCE FORCE PERSONNEL WHO COMPLETED 30 DAYS IN SOUTH KOREA DURING THE POST-ARMISTICE PERIOD FROM 28TH JULY 1953 TO 19 APRIL 1956. THE 30-DAY ELIGIBILITY CRITERION FOR THE AGSM IS CONSISTENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE POST-ARMISTICE KOREAN SERVICE REVIEW REPORT,WHICH WAS RELEASED IN DECEMBER 2005.
ALTHOUGH THE AGSM HAS NOW RECEIVED IN-PRINCIPLE APPROVAL, IT STILL NEEDS TO BE FORTMALLY ESTABLISHED THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF LETTERS PATENT AND REGULATIONS WHICH AGAIN REQUIRE APPROVAL BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN.
THIS,TOGETHER WITH THE PROCESS OF FINALISING MEDAL DESIGN AND THE MANUFACTURING ASPECT CAN TAKE SOME TIME, BUT DEFENCE HAS MADE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS NEW MEDAL A PRIORITY SO THAT IT SHOULD BEGIN BEING ISSUED IN EARLY 2010.

ISSUED BY
DIRECTORATE OF HONOURS AND AWARDS
T-1-49
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
CANBERRA ACT 2600
APRIL 2009


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Website: www.simplesite.com/raafansw
Written by RADAR BRANCH on Jul. 5, 2008
" No. 131 Radar Station RAAF was a Royal Australian Air Force radar station formed at Richmond, New South Wales on 19 June 1942. After initial training the radar group was sent to Beverley Park, Kogarah on 14 August 1942, then Kyeemagh on 27 August 1942 and to its final posting at Ash Island, Newcastle from 7 September 1942."
Radar has progressed a long way since then and has become such an important and integral part of the RAAF's operational duties worldwide.
Come join the branch and listen to tall tales and true of those fascinating years of progress.


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Latest comments

15.01 | 04:22

I am an ex metal basher and seeking any info about the supposed inquiry into
Hercules C130A wing plank replacement program which started in
Sept 1966.

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