At Reunion 2010 Townsville the Associations first formal history '107 Field Battery, 1965-1971 - Australia, Malaysia & Vietnam" will be released.
It is 350 pages of stories and photographs of those who served inthe Balck shepp at Holsworthy, Malaysia, Townsville and Vietnam. Thebook included nominal rolls and much other historical data. The book will be on sale first at the Reunion in Townsville then will be available by mail order. The recommented retail price is $60.00. Current financial members are entitled to a special members price of $50. Post & packing within Australia is $12.00 for one and two copies. Freight for three or more books is available on application.
To order you copy email secretary@107fdbty.com with your name mailing address and phone number and you will be advised of the methods of payment and when your copy will be dispatched.
No email, then write to 107 Fd Bty Assn, PO Box 199 ERINDALE, ACT 2903.
107 The Black Sheep Battery BASEBALL CAP.
The Black Sheep is featured on this classy Black five panel baseball cap in 3D raised embroidery on the front. On the rear, also in 3D, is the phrase "The Black Sheep" so anyone following will not be in doubt.
Available to members only and still only $20.00 each,plus $6.00 P&P if you are not attending R10 in Townsville, 24-30April 2010.
For mail order, contact the Secretary, details listed throughout this website.
All proceeds go to the development of the Association's historical publications and in particular "The BlackSheep 1965-1971" in paperback, released at Townsville Reunion last April.
Association KEYRING and RAM PIN -
Shown are the Association Keytag and RAM pin. The Keytag is the same as your membership version but with out your membership number. The RAM in is our original discrete Black Sheep RAM pin with clutch pin. Both items are just $10.00 each to members.
To order the above items contact secretary@hotmail.com and include "107 Bty" in address line (to beat my spam filters). Or phone 0418 695 345.
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MediList & Health Record.
On the DVA website there is a very handy form for those of us who do a bit of travelling. It is called "MediList & Health Record". This form has the ability for you and/or your GP to enter all of the medications that you are on and a brief overview of your health. It is a valuable document to carry with you.
To get this form go to the DVA website at www.dva.gov.au. On the right hand side you will see DVA forms, click on this and then go toform number on the left hand side, scroll down to form number D9073, clickopen. You can now enter your information and print the form from there or printit off and have it completed by your health professional. If you have difficulty getting this form please email me andI will send you a copy. .............................................
AMBULANCE TRANSPORT As a lot of us are travelling more & more and age is catching up rather fast I thought that this article would be of some assistance to you. Too many veterans think that DVA will pay for all travel, as you see below that is not the case. I opted to take out private ambulance cover just in case.
Letter from DVA
I understand there's an issue doing the rounds of the TPI community about interstate ambulancetravel. Hopefully the advice below ishelpful for you to send out to your members and help quell their concerns.
The Department will transport veterans to the nearestavailable treatment location that can meet their clinical needs by the mostappropriate mode of transport, applicable in each case. If a veteran lives in one state and requiresambulance transport for their clinical needs and the closest suitable facility is in another state then the Departmentwould fund that transport i.e. coverage is not limited to the state of residency.
However, if a veteran travels to another state for non medical reasons such as recreation and then requires ambulance transport to ahospital or other facility this would only be covered from their place of temporary residence to the nearest suitable treatment facility.The veteran will not be able to elect to be transported back to their home state for treatment or back to their permanentresidence after treatment. Such transport is not dictated by clinical need, only personal preference. The Department would transport them back to their temporary residence after discharge from hospital via the mostappropriate transport mode.
Transport of veterans between facilities whether within states or between states is based on clinical need and at the discretion of themedical professionals treating the veteran. This is not something the veteran can elect to do and be funded by theDepartment.
Veterans are encouraged to take out travel insurance when making long trips interstate. This statement is found in the DVA ambulance Fact Sheet HSV120 and in "BeforeYou Travel" HSV 129.
Happy to provide more information should you wish. Cheers Ken Douglas General Manager/ Services Division. Department of Veterans'Affairs ....................................................
NEW GST EXEMPTION FORMS. The ATO have updated the GST exemption form that is required for TPI's to claim exemption for new & used cars and spare parts, the new form can be downloaded at http://www.ato.gov.au/content/downloads/bus20181nat3418042009.pdf If you have any trouble downloading the form please contact Doc at kenglenn111@bigpond.com and I will email you a copy. Please contact DVA before making any decisions based on the above information. ------------------------------
From the RAM RAMBLINGS Editor's keyboard:
The Association has matured and we now produce our newsletter, The RAM Ramblings, three times per annum. The editor for the last five years, Barry Pearce, has decided to rest his fingers before the onset of RSI, so Warren (Noddy) Feakes has taken over as Editor from the August 2010 edition. We thank Barry for his decicated work in getting the RAM Ramblings firmly established as out bulletin.
The next edition of the RR is due out in August 2010. Deadline is 1st August. Items for inclusion are most welcome. Or if you would like a copy of previous editions then email the Secretary at secretary@107fdbty.com.
If you know of ex-members from other era's of 107 Fd Bty's history, i.e. Holsworthy, Malaysia, Vietnam and post Vietnam including Timor then please let them know about 107 Fd Bty RAA Assn and this website. Lets make our Association a place where we can share experiences, assist eachother. share our experiences and friendship; all without ANY stress.
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Notes from the Historian:
Our Assn and the 4 Fd Regt Historical Collection has formed a partnership to make available interesting items from the Historical Collection on CD. The Process involves scanning of documents then providing them, on request, to members of the association by email or CD. The service is free to members. However, a small donation to Museum Funds appreciated.
The first extracts to be available shortly, are:
1. Operation BALLARAT which includes operations in the Suoi Chau Phau (A Broad and Noble Stream) - the operation that resulted in the naming of the 4 Fd Regt RAA lines at Laverack Barracks.
2. Where is Phouc Tuy Province - (the enemy) - Notes on the location than became the 1 ATF TAOR.
We remember our comrades and Association Members, who are no longer with us, with happiness for the unique experience and friendship we shared with them and the sadness when we realise that we can have that no more.
Listed alphabetically and using their highest rank while serving with the Battery, this information has been complied and kindly supplied by Neil Layton. If there is a mistake, omission or further information that should be included than please email secretary@107fdbty.com.
Cfn Ian ALLISON, vehicle mechanic Townsville and Vietnam, died on 15 September 2007 at Darra Qld, after a long illness. Ian was a member of the 107 Fd Bty Assn.
SSgt Bill “Rocky” BOSTOCK, MID – Battery Guide Vietnam.
Bdr Richard William BUCKMAN, Gun Number Malaysia and Vietnam died Cardiac Arrest in Queensland June 2007. Richard was a member of the 107 Fd Bty Assn.
Gnr Larry John "Father" DADD, a Q Store member of the Battery in Malaysia in 1967-68, past away in Orange in late 2007, not long aftering retiring after selling his business in Orange. Larry attended the Association reunion at The Tweed in Fabruary 2004.
Bdr Eric “Jock” DOUGLAS, Transport Malaysia & Vietnam.
Gnr Mick “Blue” FOLEY, Gun Number Vietnam (Ed: see story below)
SSgt Ray “Bwana” HARPER, Transport Supervisor Malaysia, passed away on 5 December 2003
Cpl Peter “Pete” HIELSCHER, Cook Vietnam
WO2 Bob “The Phantom” JOHNSTON, Gun Sgt Malaysia & Battery Quarter Master Sergeant Vietnam
LBdr Kevin “Kevvy” JOLLIFFE, Transport Malaysia & Vietnam & Manger RAM Inn Vietnam
Gnr Robin Wallace "Wally" Matherson, Gun number in Malaysia and Singapore. Passed away in Victoria on 17 August 2008 at age 60 from a stroke.
Sgt Ernie “Geordie” MARTIN, Sgt Cook Vietnam
Gnr Peter “Porky” McKINNON, Gun Number B Gun, Vietnam. Passed away at Yass 9th June 2005 from cancer
Sgt Barry “Moose” MOSSMAN, Gun Sgt Malaysia & Vietnam
Capt David “Neggers” NEGLINE, Forward Observer & Battery Captain Vietnam. Passed away at Newcastle on 23rd April 2004
Gnr Peter “Opie” OPRAY, FO Sig Vietnam, twice wounded in action once in the head and once in the neck, died in Victoria of brain tumour at age 51.
Gnr Allan "Jock" Robertson, Gun Number Holsworthy and Malaysia, died of cancer in Lanark, Scottland, on 8th July 2005 (see note below).
Gnr Gnr John “Rusty” RUSSACK”, Gun Number Vietnam
Gnr Chris “Sawtee” SAWTELL, Gun Number Holsworthy. Too young to go with the Battery to Malaysia, he was transferred to and subsequently went to Vietnam with HQ Bty, 12 Fd Regt. He was Killed In Action on 13 May 1968 at FSB Coral, Vietnam. Two Gunners were among those who fell during Operation Surfers involving FSB Coral and FSB Balmoral in May-June 1968.
Gnr Trevor Schultz, Operator Command Post South Vietnam, died in a motor vehicle accident in 1974.
Gnr Tony “Sob” SOBOLEWSKI, Sig Malaysia
Gnr Jim Staveley, driver Charlie gun Townsville from 1973. Passed away in Qld as a result of a motor vehicle accident
Sgt Ruben "Timmy" Timmins, RAEME Holsworthy & Malaysia, passed away peacefully on 6 June 2007.
Gnr Helmut “Wally” WALDAU, Storeman Vietnam
Gnr Gil WARMAN, Sig Malaysia
Ann-Maree Opray, wife of Peter Opray and the Associations first Widowed member, passed away on 11 April 2008 at Shepparton, Victoria.
Vale ends
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3790149 Allan (Jock) ROBERTSON was a gun number. He was a tall, happy-go-lucky red headed British citizen traveling in Australia. He must have registered as he was conscripted into the Australian Army. After recruit training (3 months at either Puckapunyal (Seymour Vic) or Kapooka (Wagga Wagga, NSW)) and the gun numbers course at the School of Artillery (most likely 2 months at Manly – Sydney), he was posted to 107 Battery at Holsworthy (Sydney NSW) then with Bob Mercer, Brian Tate and six other national servicemen, went as a reinforcement to A (100) Bty in Trendak (Malacca) Malaysia. He rejoined 107 Bty on its arrival in Trendak in September 1967. He is immediately behind the then Lt Warren Feakes on this website photograph of Lt Bob Birse's funeral guard. He was well liked and respected by all. However, his broken service with the Battery appears to have confused most to believe that there was only one Robertson, the batman, yet most described characterises typical of Jock. At the completion of his two years national service he took his discharge in Malaysia and returned to Scotland via a RAF flight. He died of cancer in Scotland on 8th July 2005.
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GONE, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN - By John Anderson, Aireys Inlet Victoria.
Blue, Carrot Top, Red, Blood Nut, Red Knob – he had all sorts of names, but we’ll just call him as I knew him…… Blue!
Yeah; he was Blue, and he was funny, he was tough, he was “salt of the earth” and for all too short a time he was my best mate.
We met up at Holdsworthy, just after rookie training. We were there for Corps Training (Artillery –Nine mile snipers, Drop Shorts, anything you cynical Grunts wanted to call us – but bloody hell! weren’t you glad to hear that first round come whistling over your heads when you wanted us!). From different sides of the tracks (Blue from Braybrook, me from Malvern)…. but, like many other Nasho’s, we discovered a lot of common ground - not afraid of a fight, not too rapt in Army discipline & authority (Green Machine sucks!), keen on a punt, we both chased skirt (chronically) and for those of you who can relate we enjoyed a cool drink on a hot day- could be a problem!
Went to and did our thing in Vietnam- just a couple of blokes wandering the dusty tracks, bouncing of rubber trees, sniffing out a cold beer & a good time wherever we could in the metropolis of the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, Phouc Tuy Province, South Vietnam.
Neither of us hero’s, just two 21 year old Aussies doing our best not too let things get to us, not to get shot, just doing “what we were told” and having the balls to stand up and give it our best shot when we needed to.
Five days of bar and bedroom terrorism in Honkers on R&R – two of us on a rooting, drinking, having a bloody good time, rampaging at Government expense just strengthened the bond between Blue & myself.
The last six months of “Nasho” spent in a state of “working the system” – great times, great people in Townsville. Couple of “smart arse, but bloody cunning Vets for a month or two in Sydney- where we milked the “sympathy” attention from every nubile young miss we could lay our hands on.
Then, September 1971 – it’s all over….. Blue goes back to Braybrook, I go back to the sanctuary of family and the leafy streets of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
Sin Loi. Blue’s dead now, stabbed to death by some doped out freak after an argument about rights to a pool table at a Pub in Maidstone. Something that would have been sorted out by a quick “OK! Let’[s sort it out in the Car Park, couple of punches (it was Maidstone, so maybe a head but!), then arms around each other _ “better come & have a beer with me!” – not necessarily mateship, but a bit of respect for each other.
“So long Blue, I’ve never talked about this before, but I’m hoping nature will take me rather than the way you went. When the time comes I know I’ll find you there (probably at the Jade Bar) and j’eez mate…. I’m looking forward to having a beer or three with you”.
Up the old Red Rooster…and you know the rest. Cheers & Beers, Ando
There are very many military and artillery related web-sites on web. 107 Fd Bty RAA Assn has selected just five Websites, which gives you the widest possible access to all the websites available. From these sites you will access just about any site for which you may be looking. When you select one of these sites, you will move away from 107 Fd Bty Assn website so it is recommended that you Bookmark or "Add to your Favourites", the 107 Fd Bty RAA Assn site before selecting a link.
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The ROYAL REGIMENT of AUSTRALIAN ARTILLERY is the official Website, and part of the Australian Department of Defence Website. Access is at: http://www.defence.gov.au/army/RRAA/ This provides the latest official news from the Royal Australian Artillery and contact to the official unit and associations of the Australian Artillery. Login access to many parts of the site is required.
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The RAA Assn of NSW, reformed after WW2, is been at the forfront of Gunner activities in NSW and Australia. And who can forget attending or working at the Gunner Dinner at the old School of Artillery at North Head when attending a course at the School. You will find links to all the other RAA Associations in Australia plus many other gunner orginasations. Their new website is: www.artillerynsw.asn.au.
Tunnels, Guns, Views and Barbecues
The National Artillery Museum at North Fort (North Head Sydney) is well worth a visit on line and in person when next in Sydney. The Association's 2008 Reunion function was held at North Fort on Saturday 26 April 2008. View the North Fort website at www.northfort.org.au. Photo with thanks to North Fort.
It is 350 pages of stories and photographs of those who served inthe Balck shepp at Holsworthy, Malaysia, Townsville and Vietnam. Thebook included nominal rolls and much other historical data. The book will be on sale first at the Reunion in Townsville then will be available by mail order. The recommented retail price is $60.00. Current financial members are entitled to a special members price of $50. Post & packing within Australia is $12.00 for one and two copies. Freight for three or more books is available on application.
The Black Sheep is featured on this classy Black five panel baseball cap in 3D raised embroidery on the front. On the rear, also in 3D, is the phrase "The Black Sheep" so anyone following will not be in doubt. 
Available to members only and still only $20.00 each,plus $6.00 P&P if you are not attending R10 in Townsville, 24-30April 2010. 
Association KEYRING and RAM PIN -
The National Artillery Museum at North Fort (North Head Sydney) is well worth a visit on line and in person when next in Sydney. The Association's 2008 Reunion function was held at North Fort on Saturday 26 April 2008. View the North Fort website at 