Title107th Field Battery RAA Association, 107 Fd Bty, 107 Fd Bty, RAA,, Royal Australian Artillery, Vietnam, Malaysia, Holsworthy, Townsville./Title META Name=revisit-after Content=30 Days META Name=Description Content=107 Fd Bat RAA Assn is for serving a

New to this page: Reunion Townsville ANZAC week 24-30 April 2010. Association items for sale see below.

The STOP PRESS section below has the latest news and information of events, activities and happenings. Check it out frequently for updates.

The RAM RAMBLINGS the official newsletter of the 107 Fd Bty RAA Assn, is published each May, August and November. Contributions and information to Barry Pearce, email: editor@107fdbty.com.au

Vale of the 107th Field Battery members who have departed to the "Great Gun Park" is listed below.

Links to other sites are included at the bottom of this page.

-------------------------------

STOP PRESS: 40 years after deploying to Vietnam, the Battery Assn will again assemble in Townsville over the ANZAC week in April 2010.

Those attending include Barry Artup, Colin & Ruby Bain, Lazlo & Brigitta Balant, Ken Barclay, Glen Clarke, David Booman, Jim & Margaret Bray, John Brennan, Mick Buckley, Graham & Shelly Coe, Justin & Jenny Collins, David Dacre, Mike Dinnison, Ian Burns, Robin Eade, Jon & Kerry Eaton, Bob & Gail Edmonds, Warren & Debbie Feakes, Paul & Sandy Gaff, David Gilmer, Geoff & Roslyn Gray, Greg (Hargs) Hargraves, Paul Holland, Don Ison, Tervor & Margaret Jones, Neil & Heather Layton, Hilton & Chris Lenard, Graeme & Diane Lucas, Neil & Min Lunnie, David McGhee, Noel Markham, Peter Moat, Les Mullan, Tom (Olly) Olphant, Ray & Mary Parry, Noel Patterson, Barry & Sandra Pearce, Trevor & Christine Pope, Rex Robins, Ken Rosenlund, George & Tess Salmon, Mick Sands, Ian & Pam Simpson, Ian (Bozo) Simpson, Mick Souter, Brian & Robyn Tapp, Peter Turner, Otto & Donna Vehlow, Lindsay Walpole, Adrian Walford, Terry & Nicole Whitwam, Jim & Jenny Wright.

Appolgies from George Barnard, Ken Beaman, Allan Betts, Paul Bryant, Rob Cook, Kerry Cooke, Alan Corcoran, Bill Dick, Ian Griffey, lan Henderson, Gail Hoade, Dick Lawler, Rob Matherson, John McKay, Bret McKimmin, Tim Money, Don Quinn, Jeff Roser, John Shelly, Don Smith, Lee Smith, Brian Tate, John Wilson, Geoff Wayde, Eric Winn,
.......................................................

                         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 to form number on the left hand side, scroll down to form number D9073, click open. You can now enter your information and print the form from there or print it off and have it completed by your health professional. If you have difficulty getting this form please email me and I 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 ambulance travel. Hopefully the advice below is helpful for you to send out to your members and help quell their concerns.

The Department will transport veterans to the nearest available treatment location that can meet their clinical needs by the most appropriate mode of transport applicable in each case. If a veteran lives in one state and requires ambulance transport for their clinical needs and the closest suitable facility is in another state then the Department would 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 a hospital 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 permanent residence 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 most appropriate transport mode.

Transport of veterans between facilities whether within states or between states is based on clinical need and at the discretion of the medical professionals treating the veteran. This is not something the veteran can elect to do and be funded by the Department.

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 "Before You 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 kenglenn11@bigpond.com and I will email you a copy.
Please contact DVA before making any decisions based on the above information.
                            ..............................................

Association items FOR SALE.

These items are for members. They provide historical, photographical and visual items which provide the funds for the Association to undertake further research and publication. At Reunion Townsville, 2010, it is planned to produce a hard copy publication of The Black Sheep from 1965 to 1971, listing all members of the Battery, photos of many members and all the historical and humorous activities of the Battery during the early years and over two overseas deployments.

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 in the Balck shepp at Holsworthy, Malaysia, Townsville and Vietnam. The book 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 price will be approximately $50 plus $10 P&P.
To reserve you copy, if you have not already done so, then email secretary @107fdbty .com with your name mailing address and phone number and you will be advised when your copy will be ready for dispatch.

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, 24-30 April 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 Black Sheep 1965-1971" in hard copy to be released at Townsville Reunion in 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.

The Black Sheep publications - $10.00 and $30.00 each for members.

The Black Sheep at War, a CD containing 150 pages on the Battery in Vietnam 1970-71, released at Townsville Reunion 2005, has updated sections. It is available to members at $10.00 each. The Black Sheep in Malaysia, is CD with 150 pages on the Battery in Malaysia between 1967-69. Released at Reunion Sydney 2008, it comes with a DVD crammed packed with photos from Malaysia. It is available to members at $30 posted.

Reunion Hobart 2009 Polo Shirt -$50 each for members.

The Reunion Townsville ANZAC Reunion polo shirt will be available to members unable to attend, provided is is pre-ordered. Comprising a quality Black shirt with Assn logo and "battle honors" on front and a 107 Bty 28 Cth Bde and Rising Sun patch on each sleeve. Available in M, L XL, 2X, 3X and 4X (true Aussie sizes) it is $55.00 posted 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.

--------------------------------

Vice Prez Barry is suffering from a severe case of writers cramp as he edits the final text for our latest publication "The Black Sheep 1965-1971" to be released at Townsville. Copies of the 300+ hard copy book can be purchased at Reunion Townsville and by mail order there after.

-----------------------------

Where is Allan (Tex) Warren?

STOP PRESS, we think that we have located Tex. Thank you Louise. More to follow. Watch this space. Wait out.

We have lost contact with Tex, a member of the Association. Last contacts for mail and phone were Coleambally in SW NSW and Killkivan in Sth Qld. Know his where-abouts, then email: secretary@107fdbty.com.

Thanks to Rev Dr Rick (Buzzard) Burley of Wallsend NSW, for this photo of himself (standing) with Tex in Malaysia back in 1968. Any memories prompted?

---------------------------------------------------------------------From the RAM RAMBLINGS Editor's keyboard:

The Association has matured and we now have well over 150 financial members. Strong relationship have been with the Battery at Townsville, with Battery Commander now the Association Patron. Planning to visit to Townsville, the Secretary can establish communications with the Battery for you.

The December 2009 edition of RAM Ramblings hit the mail and email boxes in early December. It contains news and stories from BC Justin Collins, Prez Warren, Around the Water cart and the RAM Mewns Shed along with other interesting stories.

The next edition of the RR is due out in May 2010 and will contain the Reunion Townsville reoprt. Deadline is 1st May. Items for inclusion are most welcome. Or if you would like a copy of previous editions then email Barry at editor@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.

I trust you all had a good Christmas and New Year and are looking forward to Easter then Anzac Day in Townsville, forty years since the Battery deployed to Vietnam. If you have anything you would like to share, photos stories etc, let me know. Just email editor Barry at editor@107fdbty.com.

---------------------------

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.

For further information, contact Hilton at historian@107fdbty.com.

-----------------------------

VALE – 107th Field Battery Members

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

--------------------------

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.

---------------------------

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

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The Association's first publication, "The BLACK SHEEP at WAR"

A representation of those who served "on duty" with 107 Fd Bty in South Vietnam, 1970-1971

During August 2005 Townsville Reunion, five copies of the Association's first history project, the book titled "The Black Sheep at War" were presented to the BC 107 Fd Bty, CO 4 Fd Regt RAA, Curator 4 Fd Regt Historical Collection and subsequently the Australian War Memorial. The fifth copy is held by the author and Association's Historian. The book has 120 pages of photos and stories from the those who served in the Battery in Vietnam. Aditionally, there are 30 pages of historical data including nominal roll, manning, fire support bases occupied and extract of the Batteries's entries from the "Commanders War Diary".

For fa copy of the CD-ROM version of "The Black Sheep at War", email secretary@107fdbty.com. Cost is $AUD10 for members and $AUD20 for non-members, including p&p with in Australia.

LINKS to OTHER SITES.
..................................

We have received a request from Bob McGuire WA Nasho's Association.

We are a small group of ex Nasho's that have got together to creat a social outlet for our mates with the intent to form lasting friendships and support for each other. We are looking for ex nasho's that were at both Puckapunyal & Kapooka during the 60's & 70's. We would also be gratful for photo's from that era. We are called WA Nasho's. It is free to join our association and your personal will be kept on our membership list in the event that some old mates may want to contact you. More details can be found at:- http://wanashos.wikidot.com.

...................................

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.

------------------------

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.

------------------------

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.

--------------------------