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Angeles City Sub Branch

Philippines

www.rslangelescity.com

‘Lest We Forget’

Clubhouse: Ponderosa Hotel

President

Vice Presidents

Secretary

Treasurer

Editor

BLOG SITE

James Curtis-Smith Rob Cairns Vivien Hart Dallas Drake Bob Young Larry Smith http://acrsl1.wordpress.com/

Email

address’:

president@rslangelescity.com

secretary@rslangelescity.com

treasurer@rslangelescity.com

editor@rslangelescity.com

Newsletter # 43 ** October 2010

PRESIDENTS REPORT – October 2010

It is my privilege to welcome the appointment of Rob Cairns as a Vice

President of the Sub Branch consequent upon the passing of Noel Roach. The

appointment was endorsed by a General Meeting of the Sub Branch last

September 21, 2010, after receiving the recommendation of the Committee of

the Sub Branch.

Rob has assumed part of the role that Roachy had in the organization of the Children‟s Medical

Missions, in attending to the logistic and physical arrangements with the Barangays (a role that he

assisted Roachy in for some time), and continues to assist as minute taker at General and Committee

meetings. My thanks also to Ron Parrott, Viv Hart and Lindsay Drury, who have assumed the

responsibility of obtaining and storage of our medical supplies.

Talking of the Children‟s Medical Missions, the October mission was held on 2nd

October at

Barangay Pulung Maragul where 1060 children were examined by local Medical Professionals who

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prescribed medication where required, and who then received free medicines sourced and dispensed

by the Sub Branch. My thanks in particular to the very strong contingent of nurses from Holy Angel

University (HAU) who assisted, and I look forward to a continuing association between the RSL and

HAU in the conduct of the missions in the future. To all others who volunteered and assisted,

including our members, my thanks. The next mission is to be held at EPZA Re-settlement area on

November 6 (a map and details appear elsewhere on the web site) and I hope we can continue to get

the support and help we need for the four hours of the mission.

Our raffles, upon which we rely for our Charity Account, continue to occur at Emotions every Friday

night, and I thank those members who assist Mal Morris in the conduct and organization of this

raffle. Mal needs a few more members to assist on Friday nights and if you are available on any

Friday night, please come at about 6.00pm, and see Mal, who will give you a job. The new Sports

Bar, “Phillies” will open on October 22 and we have been given permission to resume our Saturday

night raffles there soon after the opening. Further advice will follow.

Some of you will be aware that we have commenced a Blog page on the web. Not being very

computer literate, I will leave it to others how you can make comments on the blogs, and contribute

to discussions. I think the blog will give us valuable feedback as to what you think about our

activities and the Sub Branch and look forward to your contributions. Thanks to Col Savage who

has already made two substantial contributions to the page of what might be classed as controversial

matters. My thanks, in particular to Graeme Birkett who set up the blog, and is moderating the page.

A tutorial on the use of the blog will be part of the computer training session next Tuesday 19th

October at 10am at the Ponderosa. This is the day of our next regular General Meeting which starts

at 2.30pm.

Enough for this month.

JAMES E. CURTIS-SMITH

President

Thank you to our members

In the last newsletter we slapped in an advertisement seeking someone to set up a BLOG site to

supplement our newsletter in the dissemination of information to our members.

Thanks to you, two members have stepped forward and, as a result, we now have a blog site up and

running and also have a member to prepare other articles for posting to other websites and

magazines. (see Presidents Report above)

So please go to http://acrsl1.wordpress.com/ and have a look at what is there and leave your

comments, good or bad. It is a very simple method of getting access. There is a sign up area right on

the top where you will be automatically sent an email when new blogs appear.

You will get an instant email as response to signing up. There is also an area where you may decline

further notices (but please don‟t do that).

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Right hand side on the page is a category of subjects already posted. Just click on them and read

what is there. I have already, so don‟t be shy !!! Ed

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS SPECIAL NOTE: Our November Committee meeting have moved to second Tuesday due to Melbourne Cup being held on the First Tuesday in November.

MEMBERSHIP Matters !! Yes Membership does matter as it is the heart and soul of this Sub Branch, help us to grow

stronger and Keep your Membership Current.

Service Members may pay once only for Life Subscriber . See Dallas for these Special Rates or email:

secretary@rslangelescity.com

We are now approaching 500 Financial Members for 2010 and to assist us achieving that number your committee has decided

ALL new members that wish to join between now and 31 Dec 2010 will only pay P700.00 and be covered for ALL of the Financial year Jan-Dec 2011

Existing members may have a mate who they can ask to take advantage of this offer.

Current Financial Members are Now welcome to Pay Membership Dues for 2011. Payment can be effected as follows: Commonwealth Bank, Curtin ACT. BSB = 062 905

Account #10153195

Account Name RSL Angeles City Sub Branch

There ar so many member Cards are now held at the Front Desk Ponderosa that I am feeling really sorry for the Reception Staff who are looking after three Boxes FULL of Unclaimed Cards. There are just TOO many there (over two

hundred envelopes with the Thick Discount Book from Australia inside as well as the card) and again I request members to visit Ponderosa anytime and pick up your Membership Card.

RSL Lapel Badges are held by Colin Whelan who maintains the Badge Number Register. If you do not have a Badge please see Colin any Tuesday afternoon.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Members are reminded we have items for sale every Tuesday at Ponderosa. Shop opens at 1.30 and Closes 3.30pm Adult Medicines. Vitamin C 100 tabs =₱100 Muliti Vitamins 100Capsules=₱200 Vitamin B Complex 100Tabs=₱300

Salbutamol asthma Adult =₱ 350

So don’t go and buy the hyper-costly ones at the drugstore, get them from our sub branch at reduced cost.

Childrens Medicines Ambroxol Amoxocillin Carbocisteine MulitVitamin Parcetamol Cotrimoxazole

Katialis Mebendazole

All above are 60Ml Bottles at ₱25 each

RSL Merchandise

RSL Shirts ₱350 (Jan 1st ₱400) RSL Singlets =₱300 RSL Caps =₱250 RSL Floppy Hat =₱250

RSL Coffee Mugs=₱100 RSL Beer Wraps =₱80 RSL Bar Towel =₱200 RSL Logo Sticker =₱50

***** ***** ***** ***** ******

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ACT NOW FOR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN SUBIC Make your reservations NOW with Dallas to ensure you get the room type you want. Remember last year we ran out of rooms. Dates are Dec 30th-31st Jan 1st. Leave Angeles 30th Dec 10.00 a.m. Leave Subic Jan 2nd at 11.00a.m. Fireworks contribution per Adult male =P500.00

Dreamland Resort & Hotel, Inc

Rates for RSL members for New Year Reservation

Type of Rooms Regular Prize RSL rates

Deluxe Room 2400 2200

Standard 1800 1400

Economy 1500 1300

Family Suite 7500

Junior Suite 3900 3500

Jacuzzi 3900 3500

What’s on for November

Charity Raffles Now at PHILLIES SPORTS & GRILL at 6.00 pm Saturdays

AND Friday 6.00pm.Weekly Draw at Emotions Nite Club

Tuesday 2nd November,

Ponderosa 1.30 Stampede,Cherry's Brass Knob.3.00 pm.

Tuesday 9th November

1.00 p.m. Ponderosa Hotel Committee Meeting Followed by Social Tuesday, Emotions & TOC 4.30pm

Thursday 11th November

REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE

1100hrs.at HELLSHIPS Memorial Subic Bay.

Tuesday 16th

Ponderosa Hotel 10.00 am BLOGS and Internet Stuff !! FREE Assistance Monthly General Meeting 2.00 pm.

Tuesday 23rd.

2.00 Social Tuesday Ponderosa, 4.00 Philies, Coyote Ugly.

Saturday 27th VFW CHILI COOK OFF Bali Hai Resort, BAUANG LA UNION

Tuesday 30th.

2.00 Social Tuesday Ponderosa then Eruption & Dr.Holms 3.00

DISCLAIMER The Angeles City Sub-Branch of the R&SLA, the Committee and the Editor take no responsibilities for any

errors, omissions or inaccuracies contained in this newsletter. Nor do they accept any liability for loss or

damage suffered directly or indirectly for use of information contained in this newsletter. Nor do they

warrant that articles or opinions published in this newsletter are necessarily the opinions held by the Sub-

branch, the Committee or the Editor.

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FORWARD PLANNING

Nov 11 Armistice Day Hellships Memorial Subic 11.00 am Nov 27 VFW La Union Chili Cook Off Dec 21 Presidents Christmas Drinks at Ponderosa Dec 25 Christmas Dinner 3.00pm Clarkton Hotel * Dec30-31& Jan1 3 nights 4 Days at Dreamland * (*see Dallas for Bookings)

432 Lions Christmas Cakes are now in transit to Angeles and will be available to Members and Friends in November. Selling Price is P500.00 each. Outlets will be Ponderosa, Big Hits, Emotions, and many more popular places. DO NOT FORGET BLOOD TYPING OCT 23 at Big Hits commencing at 10.00 a.m.

OUR WEBSITE Our Secretary Dallas Drake has been approached by a few members stating that they sometimes have difficulties logging onto our website, or that it is slow. We do monitor the site to make sure all is well and working as it should. We did add into the newsletter link some time ago a PDF reader that allows members to read the newsletter without having to go and download a PDF reader programme. We did advise readers at the time that it takes a few seconds for it to load and initially it will appear fuzzy, but in no time flat, it will be good and you can go ahead and read it. Maybe this is what those members were referring to when they contacted Dallas. Below is the latest (as of the week 21 Sep to 27 Sep 2010) of the monitor results: Monitoring stats for: http://www.rslangelescity.com

Day Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Weekly

Total Date 09/21 09/22 09/23 09/24 09/25 09/26 09/27

Outages 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Time on error 00:00 00:00 00:00 00:00 00:00 00:00 00:00 00:00

% Uptime 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Connect time 0.25 0.30 0.25 0.32 0.35 0.44 0.33 0.32

Outages- number of times we were unable to access this URL

Time on Error- the total time this URL was not available (hr/min)

% Uptime- the percentage this URL was available for the day

Connect Time- the average time in seconds to connect to this URL

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Minister for Veterans' Affairs Mailing List Wednesday, 6 October 2010 VA049

LIBERALS MISFIRE ON VETERANS’ ENTITLEMENTS

The new Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said the opposition’s claims that veterans’ entitlements may be cut under this Government are both irresponsible and baseless. Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Michael Ronaldson, has released a statement claiming that veterans’ entitlements will be cut under the Labor Government. “Our track record has shown just the opposite. Investment in veterans’ entitlements has risen substantially in the past three years, with spending increasing by more than $1.1 billion to $12.1b since Labor came into power,” Mr Snowdon said. “The Federal Government is investing heavily in compensation, support and healthcare, and to illustrate our commitment we have announced another $246.4 million for initiatives, including $152.7 million to help veterans with chronic health problems, in the latest federal budget. “Michael Ronaldson should do his homework first before he starts scaremongering. If he doesn’t understand our track record on veterans’ affairs, I’m happy to take him through it. “It is also irresponsible to try to pre-empt or speculate on the findings of the review into military compensation. To suggest that the review may be compromised in any way is plain wrong.” Mr Snowdon said the Gillard Labor Government has set strict spending limits, and is committed to them. “In the past three budgets we’ve made $83.6 billion in savings to meet the cost of key reforms, and we intend to continue that discipline and return the budget to surplus in 2012-13.”

***** ***** ****** ***** *****

NZ digger called in howitzers at Nui Dat Dies at 79 September 29, 2010

Awarded a military MBE ... Morrie Stanley was an artillery officer who helped protect Australians during the Battle of Long Tan. He is standing outside the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Canberra. →

Photo: Andrew Taylor

Morrie Stanley, 1931-2010

Morrie Stanley was one of the heroes of the bloody Battle of Long Tan - the Australian Army's most intense encounter of the Vietnam War. The New Zealand Army captain attached to Delta Company

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of 6RAR is widely acknowledged as having played a huge role in saving most of the 108 besieged Australian Army soldiers during the three-hour battle on August 18, 1966.

He was the forward artillery officer with Delta Company when they were attacked in a rubber plantation by a force of about 2500 Vietcong and North Vietnamese soldiers who outnumbered them 23 to one.

He stayed by the side of the company commander, Major Harry Smith, calling in artillery fire from New Zealand, Australian and American howitzers at the Australian base at Nui Dat five kilometres away. The enemy force attacked in waves during a torrential downpour, almost overrunning the Australians.

In May this year Stanley, along with his former radio operator at Long Tan, fellow New Zealander Willy Walker, were presented with the Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry (UCG) at a service in New Zealand attended by his former Long Tan commanders Harry Smith, Bob Buick and Dave Sabben.

Editors note. If it hadn’t been for the cool professionalism of Morrie and his radio operator Willy, many more D Coy 6 RAR soldiers would have died on that day in August 1966. Stand down Morrie, your duty is done.

Here is a new system for someone who has collapsed and appears to have suffered a cardiac arrest. It is called:

Continuous Chest Compression CPR

Every three days, more Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest than the number who died in the 9-11 attacks. You can lessen this recurring loss by learning Continuous Chest Compression CPR, a hands-only CPR method that doubles a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest. It’s easy and does not require mouth-to-mouth contact, making it more likely bystanders will try to help, and it was developed here at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

Be a Lifesaver with Continuous Chest Compression CPR

If you see someone collapse who isn’t responsive and has trouble breathing:

1. Tell someone to call your emergency number or make the call yourself. 2. Position the person with the back on the floor. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (between the nipples) and the heel of the other hand on top of the first. Lock your elbows,

position your shoulders over your hands and use your upper-body weight to “fall” downward. Lift your hands slightly each time to allow the chest wall to recoil. Try to compress at 100 beats per minute

and about 2 inches deep until emergency help arrives. Note: Mouth-to-mouth CPR still is recommended for drowning and very small children.

To watch a video of this new procedure, go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcbgpiKyUbs

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PASSING PARADE STEPHEN MASSIE MILITARY POLICEMAN US ARMY For those members who are unaware, Steve died of September 21 2010 and was cremated and buried

Oct 1, 2010- 1:00pm at Bushnell National Cemetery Florida.

Steve was an active member of VFW Post 2485 Angeles City and a member of our RSL Sub Branch

for many years. Steve was a Military Policeman in Vietnam.

An all too occurrence with Vietnam Veterans, cancer paid Steve a visit. He and his wife Teresa

moved back to the US and went to Florida to seek medical support. As it turned out, it was to be

„Gods waiting room‟.

Steve served in many overseas posts which included Germany in the cold war days.

Teresa received volumes of condolence emails for family and former service mates where he was

held in high esteem. Here is a typical email received: Teresa, sorry to hear that. Steve was my savior when I became the Commander of the 2nd MP Company in 1976. He was a fantastic First Sergeant and a great leader and mentor to all his soldiers and especially to me. I would not have made it through command during those troubled times without the leadership and support of First Sergeant Steve Massie. May he rest in peace. Howie O’Brien

May we say, stand down Steve, your duty is done. Ed ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL (AWM) SEEKS IDENTITY

The Australian War Memorial (AWM) is seeking to identify an

unknown prisoner of war photographed holding an accordion.

Dubbed The Accordion Man by historians, the unnamed

bespectacled digger is pictured smiling to the camera and holding a

small battered accordion.

The photograph, to feature on the front cover of an upcoming

edition of the memorial journal Wartime, was taken in Sumatra on

September 24, 1945.

"The AWM would like to find out more about this soldier, how he

kept his accordion hidden from his captors, what music he played

to entertain his fellow prisoners, what happened to him after he

returned home, whether he had a family and what happened to the

accordion," a memorial spokeswoman said.

The photo was taken at the just liberated Bicycle Camp, so-called

because of the number of bicycles found on site when the

Australians first arrived.

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In the background of the photo are Australian Army photographers documenting the state of the prison camp and the

condition of the prisoners.

The AWM says it's likely the Accordion Man was an infantryman from 2/40th Battalion or a supporting unit and

among those captured by Japanese forces in early 1942 while defending the Penfui airfield at Koepang, Dutch West

Timor.

This was a unit recruited almost entirely from Tasmania and formed the bulk of Sparrow Force which was rushed to

Dutch West Timor at the end of 1941 to help defend against invading Japanese forces.

Most Sparrow Force soldiers were captured, although a small number managed to escape to join 2/2nd Independent

Company waging a guerrilla war on East Timor.

The prisoners of Sparrow Force were liberated in late August and early September 1945 and repatriated home to

Australia almost immediately.

ANGST AMONG VETERANS AND SERVING SOLDIERS

There is much angst within the service community and to some regard, the civilian community as

well over the decision by the Director of Military Prosecutions, Brig Lyn McDade to charge

members of a special action group whilst on operations in Afghanistan over the deaths of five

children and one adult when they were put under fire in 2008. The group were fired upon (at night)

and, as soldiers have a habit of doing, under the rules of engagement, fired back. They assaulted the

house where the firing was coming from, lobbed in a grenade, and when this failed to stop the firing,

threw in another grenade, thus silencing the firing from inside. It was later found to be one adult and

five children inside were deceased.

After eighteen months, Brig McDade has decided to prosecute several soldiers, one with

manslaughter.

The Director of Military Prosecutions is independent of the Australian Defence Force, a move that

occurred when the Defence Law was changed several years ago, under the Howard government..

It is the opinion of serving and ex members of the Australian Defence Force that this decision will

have severe repercussions with future operations in war zones, and may even effect recruiting

numbers in the future. Soldiers serving in Afghanistan are already operating with one hand tied

behind their backs.

There is a petition circulating throughout the country demanding that this decision be revisited or

thrown out. There are also emails circulating asking recipients to email the Minister for Defence,

Stephen Smith requesting that this matter be reviewed.

If you wish to add your name to the petition, go to : http://www.gopetition.com/petition/39006.html

Or write to Minister Smith at: Stephen.Smith.MP@aph.gov.au or defence.minister@defence.gov.au Editors note. We try to stay apolitical in this newsletter, however this is so very much in the public domain that it is worth having our readers and members the opportunity to have their say.

10 In line with the above debacle, one of our old warriors, retired Brigadier ‘War-ry’ George Mansford, pictured below, has put pen to paper and come up with the following poem, which in the current context is very valid.

NEW RULES FOR THE GAME OF

SOLDIERING

George Mansford © October2010

Oh for the days when the CO was God and enforced

the law

A proven system that worked in both peace and war

There were times when God stuffed up and got it

wrong

But justice was seen to be done despite soldier‟s alibi

and song

In training, recruits were required to act quickly and

bold

Cos in war, its kill or be killed, they were constantly

told

If there is an enemy seemingly dead then give him a

prod

These were some of golden rules taught by the

disciples of God

Soldiering has never been easy and that will always be

But gawd, when Pollies get involved and change the

rules

And timid civilians in legal cloaks decide right from

wrong

When not so long ago the accused would be given a

gong

There is no doubt the digger is between a rock and a

hard place

If he refuses to go, it‟s a court martial he will certainly

face

And if he fights, there‟s legal strife if he hesitates or is

too slow

Yet shooting to save a mate could mean to court

martial he will go

It seems common sense, trust and the old rules are no

more

Stuff the diggers‟ survival; its been thrown out the

political door

Cos those who have never been on ops which often can

be hell

Insist on written Queensbury rules or else they ring the

bell

Soldiers who kick a corpse just to make sure as they

were trained

Now face court-martial for ignoring rules of the new

game

Who cares about fear, moving shadows, and a split

second to act?

Nah, soldiers must think twice or else they could be on

the legal rack

Politicians started the new game and a PM sounded the

call

But now its weary soldiers at the sharp end caught

holding the ball

Safe and secure in another world, legal referees debate

rules of the game

Can we have back the old days when soldiers thought

Oz was sane?

And another point while before I have a rest

The Pollies quite rightly claim our Army is the best

Don‟t they understand that‟s not because of magic pills

taken each night

But tough training, sound leadership and realistic rules

for when they fight

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WHY?

This is a question so often asked of the ex-pat living abroad. Sometimes by his friends, his family, or on occasions,

by himself. There is no short, no simple answer. Almost everyone has a different answer, a different reason, and these

can change as often as the question is asked. Never will the answer satisfy the question.

The reasons given range from economic, to cultural, to political, though not in those specific terms.

For example, in reply to the question, one person may reply – “things are cheaper here”. My pension does not extend

to providing any sort of a lifestyle in my home country. By the time I pay rent there is barely enough left for food –

and certainly not enough for an occasional beer, and a packet of cigarettes is right out of the equation.”

A good friend – a widowed pensioner in Australia, once described himself to me as “nearing the use-by date” and

sitting in god‟s waiting room - waiting for the call ‘next please’ !!!!!!!

You don‟t have to be dead to not be alive. Economic constraints can make you wish for that call: “Next Please!”

Then there may be someone whose response is that he is here

for cultural reasons. he loves the country, the people, the

culture, and the way of life. More than one ex-pat has told me

he was initially struck by the extraordinary family bonding here.

Young people openly love and respect parents and all family

members. They support and respect each other. In particular the

younger generation accept and welcome an obligation to honour

and try to help and aid financially their parents, grandparents,

and other elderly relatives. The younger generation, in general,

show courtesy and respect to older people of all back-grounds

including ex-pats. This courtesy and respect is to be found

everywhere – public transport, shopping malls, supermarkets,

clubs and almost any place people intermingle and meet others

from a multitudinous mix of backgrounds. I, like other ex-pats,

have found such courtesy and respect to be a fast vanishing trait

at all levels in my home country. Sadly I have found that elderly people (my age) are too often treated as “slow,

dithering old barnacles, clinging to life pretending they still have something to live for!” (Note: I have said too often

– not always. I have met and know young persons who do not subscribe to this attitude.) As a member of the

“wrinkley brigade” I, for one, find that to be on the receiving end of such blatant discrimination is once too often!

So we come to another catergory of ex-pats. Those who claim to be here for political reasons. No! No! Not political

refugees or activists or some disgruntled citizen who does not like one political party or the other or the way the

current government is

running the country.

(So who the hell

does?)

Oh no! I love the

country I find myself

residing in, (the Republic of the Philippines). Simply because there is no overt enslavement of the people. To

government inspired lunacy like multi-culturism, political correctness, feminism, equal opportunity, and the other

invasive programs which do little or nothing to benefit the poor average Joe who voted in successive governments

which in turn enshrined such screwball programs within legislation which all but promised that non-compliance

would earn offenders hefty monetary penalties, public ridicule and bankruptcy if they chose to engage a legal expert

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to ward off the many who saw such programs and legislation as just another get-rich-quick scheme. Ask any

employer who has been accused – rightly or wrongly - of sexual harassment.

Do not mis-understand what I say. All such things mentioned are to some extent evident in a healthy non-invasive

way here and do not necessarily need government intervention or courts or lawyers to make the citizenry bow down

before the monolithic gods of particular programs foisted upon them by those whom they elected to foster a better

lifestyle and to benefit all citizenry of the country…..

The all too frequently misguided views of those who remain

in our homelands must be given some consideration in any

essay about ex-pats. The well known and oft expressed

opinion is that these individuals (generally honest upright

law abiding average Mr. Suburbia‟s) are escapees from

reality, beer swilling social misfits, engaged in participating

in sex-tour junkets, and other nefarious activities. This

unworthy view of course is somewhat fed by sensation

promoting media who feed the public‟s voracious appetite

for stories about pedophiles and violent ex-pats. (a very

miniscule percentage overall, and even rarer among

Australian expats.) A closer study of such individual cases

has found most tend to be offences of this nature committed

by the low-life vultures- despised by all – on short term vacations.

The truth is that most ex-pats are family men, have children of their own whom they love and respect and who are

separated from family and friends, not by individual choice, but by circumstances not always of their own making.

Most are widowed, divorced or have been separated for very lengthy periods. Invariably these men make a new life

within a non-judgmental community to which they bring a modicum of economic benefit. Even pensions from home

countries, which are spent here are a boost to local retailers, their employees and families.

On a lesser known and low profile unpublicised level is the mighty (my adjective) sub-branch of the Angeles City,

Philippines, Returned Services League (the R.S.L). I have deliberately chosen the adjective “mighty” in describing

this organization, as my personal tribute, rather than to imply hordes of members, unlimited financial backing or an

industrious gathering of fit, active, young men.

The actual fact is that the R.S.L. Sub-Branch

membership (Angeles City, Philippines), is

comprised of somewhere in excess of 400 retired

members. My tribute to this worthy band of

sometimes misunderstood ex-pats and veterans is

because of their unstinting contribution to the rest

of the community.

Others, more closely involved than I, can tell you

more about these community and civic

contributions. The monthly medical missions where R.S.L. members and local members of the professional medical

field gather to have children seen by doctors and nursing staff and given, where appropriate, prescribed medicines.

Free. This service is organised and supported and sponsored by the dedicated few R.S.L members. Hundreds,

sometimes a thousand plus, children get much needed medical attention which because of family poverty, they would

otherwise be deprived of. Commemoration services honoring fallen comrades, traditional Australian holidays and

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events are celebrated as well. Support for the widows and children of recently deceased members is also on the

agenda of R.S.L

In all it would be very hard to find a more dedicated and honorable group of civic minded men who can be justly

proud of what they give to their adopted community and who ceaselessly carry on an Australian tradition of a “fair go

for all”.

Note: The views or comments expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily shared by anyone

connected with the publication, promulgation or further distribution of this paper.

Col Savage.

2nd

October 2010.

A REMINDER

November 27, 2010

Bail Hai Resort, Paringao, Bauang, La Union

A BRAIN TEASER WHICH YOU WILL FIND VERY EASY (Give it a try) I cdnuolt blveiee that I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd what I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in what oerdr the ltteres in a word are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is that the frsit and last ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it whotuit a pboerlm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the word as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! NB. Surprised yourself, didn’t you !!!!

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ANZAC War Memorial (a series continues)

The ANZAC War Memorial, completed in 1934, is the main commemorative military monument

of Sydney, Australia. Designed by C. Bruce Dellit and with its exterior adorned with monumental

figural reliefs and sculptures by Rayner Hoff, it is arguably the finest Art Deco structure in Australia.

The memorial is located at the southern

extremity of Hyde Park on the eastern

edge of Sydney's central business district,

and it is the focus of commemoration

ceremonies on Anzac Day, Armistice

Day and other important occasions.

It was built as a memorial to the

Australian Imperial Force of World War

I. Fund raising for a memorial began on

25 April 1916, the first anniversary of the

Australian and New Zealand Army Corps

(ANZAC) landing at Anzac Cove for the

Battle of Gallipoli.

What a location, almost in the Sydney CBD→

The building is constructed of concrete, with an

exterior cladding of pink granite, and consists of a

massed square superstructure with typically Art Deco

setbacks and buttresses, punctuated on each side by a

large arched window of yellow stained glass, and

crowned with a ziggurat-inspired stepped roof. It is

positioned atop a cruciform pedestal within which are

located administrative offices and a small museum.

The interior is largely faced in white marble, and

features a domed ceiling adorned with 120,000 gold

stars - one for each of New South Wales' military

volunteers during World War I. Access to the main

hall is provided via broad stairways on each side of

the building's north-south axis, while ground-level

doorways on the east and west sides offer entry to the

lower section.

Immediately to the north of the ANZAC Memorial is

a large rectangular "Lake of Reflections" flanked by

rows of poplars. The poplars, not native to Australia, symbolise the areas of France in which

15

Australian troops fought. Original plans called for the construction of similar pools on each of the

other sides of the building, but these were never built. There is currently a proposal by the City of

Sydney to complete the second Lake of Reflection in time for the 75th anniversary of the ANZAC

Memorial. ****** ***** ****** *****

VC CORNER*** Charles Anderson VC

NX 12595 Lieutenant Colonel Charles Groves Wright ANDERSON MC

2/19th Australian Infantry Battalion, A.I.F.

18th to 22nd January 1942 in Malaya

"During operations in Malaya from 18th to 22nd January, 1942, Lieutenant-Colonel

Anderson, in command of a small force, was sent to restore a vital position and to

assist a Brigade. His force destroyed ten enemy tanks. When later cut off, he

defeated persistent attacks on his position from air and ground forces and forced

his way through the enemy line to a depth of fifteen miles. He was again

surrounded and subjected to very heavy, frequent attacks, resulting in severe

casualties to his force. He personally led an attack with great gallantry on the

enemy, who were holding a bridge, and succeeded in destroying four guns.

Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson, throughout all this fighting, protected his wounded

and refused to leave them. He obtained news by wireless of the enemy position and

attempted to fight his way back through eight miles of enemy occupied country.

This proved to be impossible, and the enemy were holding too strong a position for

any attempt to be made to relieve him. On 19th January, Lieutenant-Colonel

Anderson was ordered to destroy his equipment and make his way as best he could

around the enemy position.

Throughout the fighting, which lasted for four days, he set a magnificent example

of brave leadership, determination and outstanding courage. He not only showed

fighting qualities of very high order but throughout exposed himself to danger

without any regard for his own personal safety".

[London Gazette: 13th February 1942]

Charles Groves Wright ANDERSON was born in Cape Town, South Africa on 12 February 1897. After his war service he served as Federal

member for Hume during the period 1949 to 1951 and 1955 to 1961. He died on 11 November 1988.

***** ***** ***** ***** ****** *****

It would appear that Australia is entering into a La Nina period after severe droughts for many years. This cartoon looks fairly correct for the for-seeable future. It is happening now.

www.beyondtheblackstump.com

16

THIS IS AN ARTICLE FROM THE MELBOURNE ARGUS NEWSPAPER DATED 14 JANUARY 1948

A little known event about Australian servicemen

serving in the Philippines during WW2. What a

soldier this man was. If you want to read more

about him, go to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jock_McLaren

Visit Website

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WAL-MART SENIOR GREETER

Charley, a new retiree-greeter at Wal-Mart, just couldn't seem to get to work

on time.

Every day he was 5, 10, 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, really tidy,

clean-shaven, sharp minded and a real credit to the company and obviously

demonstrating their "Older Person Friendly" policies.

One day the boss called him into the office for a talk.

"Charley, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang up job, but

your being late so often is quite bothersome."

"Yes, I know boss, and I am working on it."

''Well good, you are a team player. That's what I like to hear.

It's odd though you’re coming in late. I know you’re retired from the

Armed Forces. What did they say if you came in late there?

''They said, "Good morning, Admiral, can I get you coffee, sir?'''

The totem pole on the right is definitely not

applicable to our Sub Branch management.

“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance”