NEWSLETTER December 2009 No 9
From
the President....
My
first duty is to wish all our members and their families a Happy Christmas and a
prosperous New Year
Please
check the letter from Vice President Dean Gedling about the planning for the
Re-union planned at Albatross and Bomaderry in October next year.
One
of the important parts that make a successful event is communication. A large
number of you have joined the e-mail brigade and it is a wonderfull medium for
quick and cheap communication. However
a lot of members are changing e-mail addresses as better deals are offered so we
are getting a lot of bounces.
If
you are receiving this by snail mail and
you wish to receive mail from the Association by e-mail would you kindly
send your addresses to Secretary Mitch Miller at mitchklmiller@optusnet.co
It is important that we keep our lists
correct. The same with your mail addresses.
I
received word that Commander Alison Norris is soon to pass Command of MELBOURNE
3 to her successor. We wish her well for the future and thank her for her
friendship with the Association.
Most
people seem to be happy with our web site and it is getting a fair number of
hits. This is a good medium for general information to our members.
The
end of the year is approaching so also does our financial year and of course
membership renewals. Our subscription are remaining the same this year and I
cannot see reason to change for a while yet. The Association doesn’t need a
huge bank balance to operate as any function is self funded. It will help though
if you would send your subscription to the Secretary as early as possible.
A
lot of our members are doing things for the community. Why not give us a short
letter, say a half page, of your activities. Some of you have been rewarded for
your effort. Why not give that a mention as well. I have included a note of the
history and activities of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol and the future of
Marine Rescue in N.S.W. in this edition.
Now
that brings me to a Position Vacant. I get from time to time the newsletters of
other Associations. Most are better that we have been putting out and we would
like to change that so the Committee are looking for an EDITOR. Anyone wants to
take one step forward, MARCH?
Bob
Burchill
The
Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol was established
in 1937 as the Volunteer Coastal Patrol with a view to be a civil rescue
unit but particularly be available to the Authorities for sterner duties. To
this end the Navy provided instructors in seamanship, signaling etc.
The
members provided their own vessels for the purpose. After Hitler pulled the
lanyard those who had large vessels were absorbed into the Naval Auxiliary
Patrol and were armed with light guns and depth charges. It was one of our
members who dropped a charge on the midget sub that got into Sydney Harbour.
They were known (not with affection) as the Hollywood Navy.
Others
stayed in the VCP and were assigned duties such as guarding the Hawkesbury Road
and Rail Bridges and patrols up river from the Harbour Bridge and reported to
the N.S.W. Police.
An
early and little known work performed during those years was charting bits of
the coast that were inadequate.
This
was an important part which enabled the training of Z Force leading to Krait
attacking Singapore, as well as landing exercises for the Army.
After
the war the Maritime and the Police encouraged them to re-form as a civil
maritime rescue organisation as boating became more widespread and regularly
needed assistance.
The
Patrol also expanded into a Marine Radio network and public teaching role.
Particularly teaching Safe Boating leading to the recreational Boat Licence
together with Navigation, Radio Certificate, and of course Seamanship. The
Patrol was given the title of Royal by the Queen in 1978.
Over
the years the Patrol expanded into divisions covering the whole N.S.W. coast.
Recently the Patrol acquired 6 Waveney Class and 2 Arun Class lifeboats from the
Royal National Lifeboat Institute in the UK. This has supplemented our fleet
enabling rescues in much more severe conditions.
Waveney
Class Lifeboat
Starting
in 1962 with the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and the VRA Marine units and
others the volunteer marine rescue scene in N.S.W. has become fragmented.
The
N.S.W Government the Police and Maritime, volunteer organizations, and the State
Rescue Board have worked towards amalgamating all marine units into the Marine
Rescue N.S.W. This process is now
almost ready to begin. The teaching role will continue or even expand. The
teaching role plays an important part of Safety at Sea. If they don’t get into
trouble they don’t need rescuing.
The
N.S.W. Government is putting some money towards the operating budget but
we will still have to run chook raffles and sausage sizzles. I am often told I
am mad when I say that it is best if we raise a large part of our budget as if
the government gives us the lot we can easily become lazy and not use our funds
wisely.
Our
Sec has done 2 trips to Tasmania this year, one to a Memorial Dinner at Orford
& a second trip to check on an injured relative. From there he and George
flew to Flinders Is for a 3 and a half day trip around the island before flying
back to Tassie then on to Melbourne before taking a railway trip to Ballarat, this
was followed by a sightseeing tour of the place which was very interesting and
then back to Melbourne where he caught a plane back to Sydney.
Then
a trip was about to start for the Battle Class Destroyers Reunion when the Sec's
neighbour Tony slipped off the last step and fell heavily onto the cement and
injured himself, he tried very hard to get to the Subaru but after many tries
the Ambulance was called and took him to the Campbelltown Hospital where it was
found he had broken his hip bone! Trip cancelled
Then
along comes the Northern Naval Association reunion at Ballina, the Sec contacted
George, Vic, and Rus from SA to join him and Tony, to drive to Ballina, this was
cut back to 2 as George had Therapy to be carried out on him and Tony was still
to suffering from the fall.
So
Rus and the Sec set out for Ballina at 2359 only to find as they approached
the M7, the Sec had left his E tag on his motor cycle! Rather than going back to
pick it up they decided to use the old Ring road 7route, along the Cumberland
Highway, and for some reason the Navman wasn't working but they continued
anyway.
After
missing the turn off from James Ruse Dr. to Pennant Hill Road, they realised
they were heading back towards Parramatta! so being clever they did a U turn and
followed the signs to get back onto Pennant Hill Road, and this brought them
onto the M3 and things were looking good until they reached the roundabouts
where one goes up the New England Highway and the other up the
Pacific Highway, being quite a bit of traffic, mainly trucks, confusion set in
again until the Sec mentioned that one of our members lived in Beresfield, which
we were in and shouldn't have been, so once again street signs were followed and
some how they were back onto the Pacific Hwy, continued on stopping regularly
for rest breaks and then breakfast at Coffs Harbour.
After
some books were delivered, friends visited, it was time to head for Ballina
which was reached at approx 1400. Their usual accommodation was not available as
the workmen from the new bypass were using up most of the rooms so a motel about
2 klms from the RSL was prearranged for them, this was not too bad as the Sec
was still drinking lots of water instead of beer, result of his recent operation
A
Harry De Wheels get together night took place on the Friday night at the Ballina
RSL, great to see old faces once again, but not many had Large name tags on,
particularly the ladies, it makes life so much easier, the Sec and Rus had
theirs on and everyone seem to know them!
Saturday
involved a tour of the Maritime Museum which is splendid, they have carried out
a wonderful up grade since the last visit and to make things even finer, it
wasn't raining for once, this was followed by the evening meal with the ladies
in their finery, they looked splendid but very few name tags and the food was
great as always
Sunday
was the Service, no march this year, something to do with the Council or
something like that, and as our travellers were not prepared for the Service,
clothing wise, they departed and drove back to Coffs where they spent the night
then left heading for Bradbury. They again had difficulty with road signs etc
and ended up going through Parramatta, along Woodville Rd, back onto the Hume
Hwy and home.
It
was decided next trip to cut down on the talking and concentrate on the
navigation.
Due
to his operation, the Sec was unable to attend the Vengeance Reunion at the
Redfern RSL this year but will try harder next year
Merry
Christmas to all our members, families and friends
Mitch Miller
H.M.A.S.
MELBOURNE REUNION 2010
December
2009 Update
The
Reunion planning continues. The evening of Saturday 16/10/10 will be our main
event in the way of a seated Dinner with Guest Speaker. Other optional
activities are being organised for that weekend, which precedes Navy Week in the
Shoalhaven Region.
Provisional
Program
Friday
Evening 15/10/10
1600: Registration, Meet & Greet. Venue to be decided
Saturday
16/10/10
0930:
Registration, Escorted Bus Tours of H.M.A.S. Albatross and also visit the
F.A.A. Museum.
1700:
Registration and Reunion Dinner at the Bomaderry R.S.L. Club
Sunday 17/10/10
1000:
The F.A.A. Museum is organising a Public Day to co-inside with the reunion. It
is
envisaged to present a static display of aircraft including the
Historical Flight as
well as a collection of Vintage, Veteran and Classic Cars.
1200:
BBQ Lunch at the White Ensign Club, next to the Museum, only accessible for
Reunion participants.
This
provisional program is only an indication of the Associations intentions and
subject to change. We are seeking the assistance of those residing in the
Shoalhaven region that would be prepared to organise, on our behalf, Golf and
Bowls days on either the Friday or Monday.
Early
in 2010, with a confirmed program, we will be asking for “intentions of
attending” the various activities. Once we have these numbers, a costing can
be prepared before, asking you for a definite commitment.
Regards,
Dean
Gedling Vice President
P: (02)46261041 H.M.A.S.
Melbourne Association
M: 0411015551
P.O. Box 4011
The
origin of "Taps"
We
have all heard the haunting song, 'Taps.' It's the song that gives us the lump
in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But,
do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be
interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly,
it all began in 1862 during the American Civil War, when Union Army Captain
Robert Ellicombe was
with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The
Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.
During
the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely
wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate
soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back
for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain
reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When
the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a
Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The
Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock.
In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his
own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke
out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The
following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to
give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was
only partially granted.
The
Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral
dirge for his son at the funeral.
The
request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.
But,
out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one
musician.
The
Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical
notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's
uniform.
This
wish was granted.
The
haunting melody, we now know as 'Taps' used at military funerals was born.
The
words are:
Day
is done.
Gone
the sun.
From
the lakes
From
the hills.
From
the sky.
All
is well.
Safely
rest.
God
is nigh.
Fading
light.
Dims
the sight.
And a star.
Gems
the sky.
Gleaming
bright.
From
afar.
Drawing
nigh.
Falls
the night.
Thanks
and praise.
For
our days.
Neath
the sun
Neath
the stars.
Neath
the sky
As
we go.
This
we know.
God
is nigh
I
too have felt the chills while listening to 'Taps' but I have never seen all the
words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one
verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if
you had either so I thought I'd pass it along.
Mitch
Miller