SPRING 2013
‘PILGRIMS’ follow 28 steps A pilgrimage to Maori Battalion battle sites aims to show young Kiwis where their forefathers lived and fought for five years during World War 2, says historian Monty Soutar. See page 20.
News
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Investment
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RSA Life
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What’s New
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Armistice essays earn a reprise
Fine line between thriving, surviving
The end of ‘quite a long journey’
World War 1 imagery re-packaged
A school essay competition has played a big part in helping the Winton RSA revive the town’s Armistice Day commemoration.
Simple, straightforward answers are in short supply when it comes to the balance between investment and retirement.
Alex and Jenny Pluck have been farewelled after his nine years as the RNZRSA‘s Waikato /King Country/Bay of Plenty president.
‘One of the most important books I’ve worked on,’ historian Glyn Harper says of a redesigned collection of WW1 images.
Visit us online at www.rsa.org.nz
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RSA REVIEW • spring 2013
News The official publication of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association Volume 90 No. 3 Spring 2013 Published October 7, 2013
In this issue 02 News 06 National 08 Investment 12 Lost Trails 25 RSA Life 29 Classifieds 34 What’s New
For RSA Review enquiries and subscriptions, contact: RSA Review Anzac House, 181 Willis Street PO Box 27 248, Wellington 6141 Phone 04 384 7994 Fax 04 385 3325 rsareview@rnzrsa.org.nz www.rsa.org.nz Last Post, What’s On and Lost Trails are placed in RSA Review as a free service. PUBLISHER: James Lynch Ph (03) 983 5500 james@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITOR: Dion Crooks Ph (03) 983 5505 dion@waterfordpress.co.nz
‘RECENT VETERANS’ RATED VITAL FOR rsa HEALTH, FUTURE Sue Russell Veterans from the more recent conflicts in which New Zealand has been involved have been hard done by in terms of remembrance, says Pukekohe & Districts RSA president Doug McNally. And he believes it’s something that has to change if the future of the RSA is to be secured. Not nearly enough is done to recognise these recently, and not so recently, returned personnel, he says. “What about Afghanistan, Bosnia, Bougainville, East Timor, Iran, Iraq, the Solomons, Somalia, Sinai amongst others?” Doug McNally points out that those who served in Vietnam are now the elder statesmen of many RSA clubs. He sees it as vital for the health and future of the RSA that interest and energy is directed toward attracting new and younger members. This is clearly a strong body of thought at the Pukekohe RSA as it is leading the charge on October 19 with Recent Veterans Remembrance Day, a special celebration and remembrance of New Zealand service men and women who have served in New Zealand’s more recent theatres of conflict. There will be a parade at 1.30pm up Pukekohe’s main street, followed by a service at the town’s cenotaph. Word has spread about the event, which the RSA sees as an enduring, annual celebration. McNally thinks it will strike a chord with many, and he’s promising a warm, friendly reception at the Pukekohe RSA following the formalities. Members of the Patriots Motorcycle Club, along with other motorcycle enthusiasts of like mind, plan to have a pre-parade run in the morning,
returning to Pukekohe in time to join the parade. The occasion will also involve a fly-past, an assortment of military vehicles, including some from World War 2 and a tank. Invitations have been sent to members of the RNZRSA national executive, MPs and the governor general, Lt Gen Sir Jerry Mataparae. “We’re hoping for a really good crowd and we’re expecting there will be a lot of fellowship and reminiscing as people talk about their time in service,” says McNally. Sandra Harris, mother of Pte Richard Harris, killed while on service in Afghanistan in August 2012, has been asked to lay a wreath at the cenotaph. Both Doug McNally and fellow executive committee member Dennis George see the day as a way to introduce a new and younger breed of potential RSA members to the club. “It is vital we have new members, and this initiative is something important to us,” says George. “RSA committees need younger people, those who will be here to lead clubs into the future. We’ll be putting the challenge out at our annual conference for the remembrance day to be taken up at a national level because we see it as an effective way to inspire new membership into our clubs.” McNally is keen to break down perceptions of the RSA as a place for ‘old fuddy-duddies’. He notes that bar-takings – the life-blood income that supports veterans’ welfare and RSA club life – are dropping. “Associate membership has been a great thing. It is the future of our clubs as far as I’m concerned,” he says. • Information on Recent Veterans Remembrance day at Pukekohe: Pukekohe RSA: ph – 09 2387869.
The Pukekohe & Districts RSA promises a warm, friendly reception to those who come to the first Recent Veterans Remembrance Day.
Every time you buy a 750ml bottle of this cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil from The Village Press, you’ll be contributing $1 to the RNZRSA. Wayne and Maureen Startup, who founded the Hawke’s Bay-based olive oil specialist business in 1994, stress the Kiwi connection of the partnership with the RNZRSA. “We’re a New Zealand business with a New Zealand product, and the RSA is a New Zealand organisation. We both recognise the importance of qualities such as patriotism and remembrance, especially with increasing prominence of Anzac Day.” The oil can be ordered from The Village Press, and negotiations are in train over supermarket sales. There should also be opportunity to buy the oil through the RNZRSA. Keep an eye out through your RSA newsletter. The Startups, who have studied olive growing and processing in Australia, Israel and Italy, have been involved in similar fundraising initiatives with other community organisations. Their company has put together a fundraising kit to help partner organisations. Village Press olive oil is exported to 14 countries, is used in Air New Zealand business class, and is the first New Zealand olive oil to feature as the official gourmet oil on the fourth series of MasterChef New Zealand.
University found that Grapple veterans suffered the same levels of chromosome (DNA) damage that was found in the Chernobyl clean-up workers. NZNTVA members are being asked to update their contact information. If you would like to register your relationship to a Grapple veteran, you can contact the NZNTVA by email (nzntva@gmail.com), phone (03 4240566) or Facebook (Families of Operation Grapple). Or you can contact NZNTVA chairman Roy Sefton (45 Newcastle St, Palmerston North; ph 06 358 4841. And, if you are unsure whether your husband, father or grandfather served in Operation Grapple, the NZNTVZ can check the ships’ crew lists and provide an answer. Between 1956 and 1959, nine hydrogen bombs were detonated at Malden and Christmas islands in the Pacific as part of the United Kingdom’s
Operation Grapple X, Operation Grapple Y and Operation Grapple Z nuclear testing programme . Two New Zealand Navy Loch-class frigates, Pukaki and Rotoiti, were there observing from March 1957, with more than 500 Kiwi sailors on board. Some of them were just 20 nautical miles from Ground Zero. Only 140-150 of those New Zealand veterans are left. Many died young – their average life span was 52.4 years. Many of those left suffer from an increased incidence of cancers, skin and muscle problems, and vision problems. Some of their children and grandchildren suffered birth defects attributable to radiation. The NZNTVA continues to battle against the UK government in a long-running legal action seeking compensation for sailors and soldiers affected by Operation Grapple, and their families.
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The search is on for Operation Grapple veterans and their descendants. Jen Branje, families co-ordinator for the New Zealand Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association, says the aim is to update the mailing list with the aim of providing them with information and, if necessary, advice and support. “There are a lot of locals who are not aware of the potential implications.” she says. “We are aware that the number of veterans is reducing and we are looking for their offspring – genetic descendants and their families.” That’s essentially children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Grapple veterans. Jen Branje says the NZNTVA wants to inform, and have ongoing contact with those who may be affected, with an eye to the health of future generations. NZNTVA research carried out by Massey
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Views and opinions expressed in the RSA Review are not necessarily those of the RNZRSA, Waterford Press Ltd or publisher. RNZRSA accepts no responsibility for loss of manuscripts or photos.
News
RSA REVIEW • spring 2013
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Minister’s widow new Mururoa Group patron
Ida Hamilton with Crete veterans at the New Zealand Battle of Crete Association’s August luncheon meeting at the Mount Maunganui RSA. From left, Eric Wilson (24th Bn), Malcolm Coughlan (19th Bn), Roye Hammond (18th Bn), Bill Bristow (18th Bn) and Owen Richards (Navy stores chief petty officer).
Noeline Colman, widow of the cabinet minister who made the 1973 frigate trip to protest against French nuclear testing at the Mururoa atoll, has accepted an invitation to become patron of the Mururoa Nuclear Veterans Group Inc. Fraser Colman was the minister chosen to spend two months at sea on HMNZS Otago and HMNZS Canterbury as “silent witnesses with the power to bring alive the conscience of the world”. He was the conduit to the international media as the vessels observed atmospheric nuclear tests. The ‘gunboat diplomacy’ harnessed world opinion so effectively that France stopped atmospheric testing and went underground. Noeline Colman, who was at the recent 40th anniversary of the voyages, says she is delighted to continue her husband’s strong commitment to a nuclear-free South Pacific. President Wayne O’Donnell says the group includes many of the 500 who crewed the New Zealand ships, and also represents crew of the Australian fleet support vessel, HMAS Supply.
QSM for Bay RSA man
Ida catches up with ‘shortbread boys’ During World War 2 Ida Hamilton was a busy young thing who made shortbread which was send to “the boys “ in the Middle East. Now a very spritely 105-year-old, she still has the boys eating out of her hand. Ida, who lives at Mount Maunganui, goes to the RSA once a week for lunch, and then half an hour on the pokies. She’s often accompanied by her son and daughter, themselves in their 80s. And, as her son says, you’ve got to watch her around the pokies since she discovered the readiness to cash offered by Eftpos.
When in August one of Ida’s weekly visits coincided with a New Zealand Battle of Crete Association luncheon meeting, she grabbed the opportunity to get alongside seven veterans and 40-odd members, family and friends. Melbourne-based Brian Taaffe, author of The Gatekeepers of Galatas, spoke about his book and the events on Crete. Dave Cook – a member of the association who lives in the United Arab Emirates – was welcomed to his first meeting. The association’s new patron, Sir Bruce Ferguson, will be the guest speaker at the group’s
Christmas lunch at the Mount Maunganui RSA on November 19. Ida’s shortbread recipe 1/2lb butter 1/4lb sugar pinch of salt 1/4oz flour Cream butter and sugar well. Add dry ingredients and knead well. It will need mixing with the hand to take all the flour. Roll out and cut into long pieces 2-3 inches by 1 inch. Prick with a fork. Bake in a slow oven till cooked.
Photo: Central Hawke’s Bay News
Maitland Manning (left), Waipawa & Districts RSA president and RNZRSA Hawke’s Bay/East Coast/ Wairarapa district vice-president, receives his Queen’s Service Medal from governor general Lt Gen Sir Jerry Mataparae. (Note Maitland’s RSA tie). The Otane resident and Central Hawke’s Bay district councillor has also been made an associate fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management for his service to management and governance. He says he is grateful for the support of his wife, Helen.
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RSA REVIEW • spring 2013
ARMISTICE ESSAYS WARRANT REPRISE A school essay competition aimed at raising awareness of Armistice Day was so successful in 2012 the Winton RSA is running it again this year. The club’s intention last year was to encourage young people to research Armistice Day and World War 1 history so that they could get an insight into the sacrifice made by the youth of that time. Eighteen young people from the nine schools in the area chose to enter and tackle the question: “Why is Armistice Day Important to New Zealand?” The competition was also seen as a way of encouraging locals to join club members in the November 11 commemorative service on Armistice Day – the first in Winton for close to 30 years. Around 50 members came and helped make the service a success. The essay topic has been tweaked slightly for 2013, to ‘Why do we celebrate Armistice Day in
New Zealand?’ The club also plans to run another community commemoration on Armistice Day. The 2012 competition senior (year 9-13) winner was Gavin Reid (year 12), from Central Southland College. Callum Findlater (year 10), also from Central Southland College, was highly commended for his entry, which included some significant family history. Alex Dykes (year seven), from St Thomas Acquinas, won the junior (year 7-8) category. All entries received a certificate in one of three classes – ‘distinction’ for the two winners, ‘highly commended’ and ‘merit’ for effort. The Winton RSA, which is a sub-branch of the Gore RSA, has 89 members – 16 Returned, 21 Service and 52 Associated. The club puts strong emphasis on the welfare of its returned servicepeople and their families, and maintaining an active presence in its local community.
Why Is Armistice Day Important? The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month 1918. Almost everyone has heard of this important date in world history. The date when peace was declared and fighting ceased on the Western Front with the signing of the Armistice. Four years of fighting in the Great War was finally over, the celebrations were ringing loud throughout the land. But despite initial celebrations Armistice Day has become a largely forgotten day in New Zealand. So, is Armistice Day important and how much of an impact did it have on New Zealand society? I think Armistice Day is a very important
day in history and should be recognised. Our soldiers fought for the safety of our future and Armistice Day celebrates the success our soldiers had in doing this. Not only that but it was also the celebration of the day that meant no more New Zealand troops would be killed; a massive relief for the soldiers’ families and the New Zealand public. When the war was declared in 1914 New Zealand had a population of about one million people. Of that number 120 000 enlisted with just over 100 000 of them serving overseas. New Zealand didn’t hesitate in going to war. We had strong ties to Great Britain, with being part of
Winton RSA member Len Gerrard congratulates Gavin Reid (Central Southland College), winner of the senior section of the club’s Armistice Day essay competition. Len Gerrard is a World War 2 veteran; his father served in World War 1. Photo: Tina McGregor (Winton RSA).
The senior winner – Gavin Reid (year 12, Central Southland College) the British Empire, plus it also helped to keep our trade routes open for exporting goods there. Many of those who enlisted thought it would be an adventure, it was the first time some of them would have been overseas and they also thought that the war wouldn’t last that long, that it would be over in no time. How wrong could they have been and they would never have dreamed of the hostilities they would face in the coming 4 years. During the war New Zealand lost over 18 500 soldiers with another 50 000 wounded, practically one in five soldiers died. This is a vast number of people from a country with a population of just over one million. In fact New Zealand had one of the highest death rates per capita of any country involved in the war. Armistice Day recognises all of these soldiers that died over the four brutal years of war. Armistice Day recognises the sacrifices of all soldiers, not just the ANZACs that died at Gallipoli but all New Zealand troops that fought in the war and that is why it is such an important day. Being originally from Scotland, I grew up celebrating Remembrance Day watching the parade and the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph in London by past and present servicemen and of course the Chelsea Pensioners. When we moved to New Zealand I found it strange that it wasn’t celebrated here, especially considering New Zealand played a major role in the war, for a country so small. Armistice Day is significant to New Zealanders because of what it represents, the sorrow and grief for those who died but also the relief, joy and hope that they bequeathed to us. Armistice Day should not just be remembered for the soldiers who died during the war, but we should also remember all New Zealanders who joined in the end of the war celebrations and caught the deadly influenza virus. The influenza virus hit New Zealand around the time of Armistice and spread through the country like wildfire as part of a worldwide pandemic. Concerns were raised when large numbers of people gathered to celebrate the premature report of Armistice on the 8th of November. This contributed to the spread of the deadly virus as the crowds gathered to celebrate the end of four harsh and brutal years. All the main centres, except Auckland, held large celebrations. The Chief Health Officer banned the Auckland celebrations to help prevent the spread of the disease. Armistice Day also bares
significance as it contributed to the death of 8000 that died of influenza, many of whom caught the virus at Armistice Day celebrations. So Armistice Day is important not only because of the efforts of New Zealand troops during World War I but also the part it played in the Influenza Epidemic and the deaths of many New Zealanders celebrating the return of our troops. I think Armistice Day needs to be officially celebrated here because of its importance to New Zealand. It has been overshadowed by Anzac Day despite the fact that the Gallipoli landing contributed to just over 2700 deaths of the 18 500 who died in total. Compare this with the 12 500 deaths on the Western Front in battles such as Passchendaele and the Somme. Two thirds of New Zealand soldiers died on the Western Front. Passchendaele was one of the bloodiest and hellish battles on the Front. The trenches were flooded and the soldiers could be knee deep in mud. In fact at Passchendaele on the 12th October 1917 New Zealand had its ‘blackest day’ of the war ever when they suffered 845 deaths out of 2700 casualties in just 2 hours of fighting. The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest battles of the war. New Zealand suffered more than 2000 losses at the Somme, half of these soldiers lie there in unknown graves. Despite all these losses New Zealand can be proud of its efforts in the war, our troops played a big part in the allied forces fight. One of New Zealand’s biggest victories came a week before the Armistice when our troops captured the town of Le Quesnoy. Germany had held this town for practically the whole period of the war. This was a major gain for the allied forces. Anzac Day symbolises New Zealand’s first major battle of the war whereas Armistice Day recognises the efforts of all New Zealand troops and their combined sacrifice. If Armistice Day was made an official day of remembrance I think that today’s youth would appreciate the extreme sacrifice our troops made and reveal the true importance of Armistice Day.
Anzac Day symbolises New Zealand’s f irst major battle of the war whereas Armistice Day recognises the efforts of all NZ troops and their combined sacrifice.
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They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
News
RSA REVIEW • spring 2013
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The junior winner – Alex Dykes, aged 10,
(St Thomas Acquinas)
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 a welcome peace descended – the Armistice was signed and lives were changed forever. Armistice Day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended the First World War, commemorating the sacrifice of those who died for New Zealand in this war and in all others. While time has passed and many of the wounds have healed, Armistice Day still holds significance in this country. It’s an opportunity to honour those who gave their lives for us, but more than that it serves as a reminder to us of the futility of war. Brothers, fathers, cousins and uncles went off to fight for their lives and to fight for freedom. They left behind mothers, sisters, aunties and children to pray each night that their loved ones would come home safely. Today their sacrifice seems almost incredible. The women worked in factories building arms and vehicles to send to the front line, while the children waited at home longing for their fathers and brothers to return. For those here in New Zealand and for the soldiers on the other side of the world, the conflict deeply affected everyone involved. On the declaration of the Armistice on 11 November 1918, a total of 52,123 New Zealand troops were still overseas, but although the First
The service last November was the first public Armistice Day commemoration in Winton for around 30 years. The Winton RSA was so encouraged by the public response it is organising a repeat this year. Photo: Tina McGregor (Winton RSA).
World War was finally over, more than 16,000 New Zealanders had been killed and tens of thousands more were seriously wounded. New Zealand’s contribution, for the size of our population at the time, was greater than any other country involved. It was a high price to pay and the waste of life not only impacted on the soldiers and their families, but also took its toll on the whole fabric of life in New Zealand at that time. To fully understand these losses we need to put ourselves in the shoes of an ANZAC soldier. Gallipoli was a failed battle – soldiers were pinned down on the beach taking heavy fire. Think of the hopelessness these young men felt. Soaked to the skin with heavy equipment on their backs, exhausted from the sleepless nights listening to gun fire, bones aching as they sprinted through icy water and ran for their lives.
They learned the hard way that war does not solve anything. War is a pointless waste of life and it causes suffering.
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One soldier trips on a jagged rock. He falls like a stone, grazing his hands and knees only to look up and see his fate in the hands of a Turkish sniper on the cliff above him. The soldier’s life flashes before his eyes. He hears a single shot and feels the pain spreading up his arm. He screams as a rogue wave fills his wound with salt water and he staggers forward to find cover. His young life hangs in the balance. He is about to turn 19 in three weeks. He will never return home to celebrate his birthday. Sadly, loss of life is what war is all about. While history has shown us that some ruthless tyrants delight in creating conflict and unrest, many soldiers have regretted their decision to go to war. For some New Zealanders they had no choice but to enlist, others imagined it as a chance to see the world, while still more forged birth certificates as they pursued their dreams of the glory of war. Unfortunately we now know that their romantic vision of war was nothing more than an illusion – and faced with the harsh reality of death and the loss of life many have regretted their bold decisions. They learned the hard way that war does not solve anything. War is a pointless waste of life and it causes pain and suffering.
Armistice Day marked the end of those dark days of World War One. No more fighting, no more war, just peace. The streets of New Zealand were filled with the sound of the national anthem. It rang in the ears of our brave soldiers as they stepped off the boats. Emotions were high for those who returned, but tinged with sadness at the thought of so many lives lost – t heir friends and comrades who did not return to see their families, left instead to rot in the cold fields of war. While time has passed and many wounds have healed, Armistice Day still holds significance in this country. Sadly, over time its meaning has been lost, although more recently its importance is being revived. It is good for us to remember. To acknowledge the sacrifices made for each and every one of us and to honour the fallen - those who gave their lives so ours might be different. Armistice Day is about more than just the end of World War One. It’s a wonderful opportunity for all New Zealanders to give thanks. It’s a chance to reflect on yesterday, to understand what shapes our country today and to look to the future with lessons learned from the past.
6 News
RSA REVIEW • spring 2013
RSA National e noho rĀ – FAREWELL Stephen Clarke, RNZRSA chief executive This is my final report as after five years as chief executive and more than 12 years with the organisation, it’s time for new challenges and opportunities. Huge thanks to everyone in the RSA for your generous support, commitment and camaraderie. It has been an honour to serve you and this iconic organisation. It has been an enthralling journey and I feel privileged to have met so many wonderful people, especially our veterans and their families; visited so many special places through this great country and overseas; and participated in so many extraordinary experiences. These
cherished memories will live in my heart for the rest of my life. As chief executive they include: the inaugural Future Forum Workshops at National Council (2009); revamping RSA Review (2009, 2012); initiating the Anzac of the Year Award (2010), the ANZ RSA Cyril Bassett VC speech competition (2010) and the Great Anzac Day Brunch (2012); negotiating the new poppy-supply contract (2010) and releasing our first mobile and on-line poppy campaigns (2009); leading the Nielsen research (2010), the brand development (2011), the Centenary Road 10 Year strategic vision (2012) and the RSA centenary programme (2013). If we go back further as project and public relations manager, it’s the inaugural RSA website
Stephen Clarke and his youngest daughter, Maddy, on Poppy Day 2013, at Midland Park, Wellington.
RSA With a View: Alistair Kerr (2001-08); representing the RSA on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior committee (2004) and the New Zealand Memorial London committee (2006); initiating the ‘Poppies on Parliament’ projections (2006-08); managing the RSA’s involvement in the Year of the Veteran and our own 90th anniversary programme (2006), the RSA speech competition (2006-08), our Passchendaele commemorative programme (2007) and tribute08 (2008). For the record, my absolute “bucket moments” were the return of the Unknown Warrior in 2004, the inaugural all-day Anzac Day broadcast by Maori Television in 2006; and taking our veterans and their families back to Crete for the 70th anniversary in 2011. These moments stand-out because they were all about Kiwis coming together and cherishing the spirit of Anzac. My first official duty as chief executive on November 1, 2008 was to lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in honour of those New Zealanders who did not return, before turning to caring for the living and the future of the RSA. On October 31, 2013, completing five years to the day, my final official duty will see me return to the National War Memorial. That’s how we honour them. However, the best way we can honour their memory is to ensure we are a vibrant, connected and sustainable RSA, living our values every day, and committed to our vision. That’s the Spirit. From my heart I wish the RSA every success for the future. Ake Ake Kia Kaha!
Community links key to ‘mateship’
Over most of the RSA’s near 100 years of existence, members have, for the most part, been people (mostly men) who have shared the common experience of service life in war and in peace. One of the products of this shared experience has been “mateship” – that is, knowing that your fellow soldier, sailor or airman can be there to support you in times of danger or stress. This element is, of course, one of our core values, one we define as camaraderie. I am currently reading Band of Brothers, the story of an infantry company in the US 101st Airborne Division. For some reason, the make-up and culture of “Easy” Company involved a huge amount of this “mateship” value, which showed up when the men needed each other in such actions as D-Day, Arnhem and Bastogne. As an example, when wounded men were sent back to England to recover, those who could did everything possible to be sent back to “Easy” Company because they knew they’d be safer in action with their trusted comrades. While I am just too young to have served in World War 2, I served at sea in the Merchant Navy from 1946. That meant I sailed with many shipmates who had faced wartime danger in both the Royal and Merchant navies. I learned much from them about about what that trust meant. I also experienced something of it on To page 7
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RSA REVIEW • spring 2013
Your letters Answers sought on declined pension applications Bruce McNeilly, an ex-Royal New Zealand Navy man from Ngongotaha, near Rotorua, wrote to RSA Review wondering if there was any way of helping RSA members with their claims for disabilities pensions and finding out why some applications were “unjustly declined” by Veterans Affairs New Zealand. “I have had claims for disabilities caused through service, declined by the War Pensions Claims Panel, national review officer and the War Pensions Appeal Board since 2009, and I am still trying obtain justice,” he wrote. “The decision-makers are meant to be bound by the War Pensions Act 1954. That’s a joke with some of the decisions I have been given.” He maintains the panel, the review officer and the appeal board have only part (section 17) of the act to suit their own justification, “when section 18 clearly states otherwise”. “On obtaining a copy of the War Pensions Act 1954, it is obvious that VANZ are deliberately denying members access to a disability pension, a miscarriage of justice,” he said. “The Minister of Veterans’ Affairs doesn’t want to know. I wonder why. To make matters worse, the claims panel has a RSA-nominated member on it. So much for the welfare and interests of RSA members.” Margaret Snow, the RNZRSA’s advocacy and support manager, replies: Mr McNeilly has made a number applications
for war disablement pensions. He mentions sections 17 and 18 of the act. Section 18 is about the type of evidence that can be provided by an applicant to substantiate a claim. It says this evidence does not have to be at the level required in court proceedings, and can be in the way of a letter from a military colleague who remembers a certain incident happening and the applicant sustaining an injury. Section 18 also says that the secretary or an appeal board “shall be entitled to draw and shall draw from all the circumstances of the case, from evidence furnished, and from medical opinions submitted to the secretary or appeal board, all reasonable inferences in favour of the claimant, and the claimant shall, in every case, be given the benefit of any doubt as to the existence of any fact, matter, cause, or circumstance that would be favourable to him”. The whole of section 17 is considered in relation to each claimed disability. Part 1 relates to medical examinations in service where the service person is found fit, or fit with a particular qualification. Part 2 puts a proviso on that if the serviceperson has not revealed a medical problem during an examination and, so, has been wrongly graded. Part 3 is the one that interests those who have had recognised war or emergency service, as it lowers the level of evidence required to allow a successful claim. Part 4 relates to paired organs, where the loss of one of a pair of organs (kidneys, for example) has been deemed attributable to service, any impairment or loss of the other will also be considered to be attributable. Other things to consider in making a claim are that smoking-related illnesses remain difficult to have accepted where the service person has started smoking because of peer pressure.
RSA With a View: Alistair Kerr From page 6
The Nixon case of 1993 is important in that it indicates that more extreme stresses are required to allow the start of smoking within the service to be accepted; normally this would be due to war or emergency service, but other stresses have also been accepted. Also, not all current health concerns have been caused by service in the military; they are going to happen to most people as a part of the ageing process, even though the applicant believes the disability has been caused by service. These will not normally provide the applicant with a war disablement pension.”
Mystery stirs memories It was interesting to read about the little known township of Takapau, in central Hawke’s Bay (RSA Review, autumn 2013 – ‘Family found but mystery remains’). I can’t help with the mystery, but like Andy Kells, my dad, Norman Tilley, was president of the RSA in Takapau after World War 2. Norman was badly wounded in World War 1 by a shell fragment from a German gun, which smashed his right leg. After lying in the mud for about two days, he was found by stretcherbearers and taken to a field hospital where the leg was amputated just above the knee. He was cared for a nursing sister, Olive Malcolm, from England, whom he married. Back in New Zealand they settled in Takapau and, with government assistance and a hefty mortgage, they bought a 114-hectare farm at Takapau. With the help of two sons, Ken and Maurice, they fenced and re-grassed the farm, and eventually they were able to run about 1000 sheep and 30 cattle. Ken Tilley (Christchurch)
occasions when my ship was in danger from severe storms and we had to rely on the skills of the helmsman, the perseverance of the engineers, or our hard work in the deck crew to secure a broached hatch or tie down shifting deck cargo. Now, as the ranks of our Returned members thin, the RSA faces a future that will require the support of a membership, almost all of whom do not have that service experience. That poses the question: “How do we preserve and encourage the core values of remembrance and camaraderie?” I am sure the remembrance value will live on as long as RSAs celebrate, as publicly as possible, occasions such as Anzac Day and Armistice Day. Secondly, in RSA clubrooms, the Ode ritual must be a regular event, conducted with due reverence. Thirdly, the ambience of clubrooms must reflect our beginnings with discretely placed memorabilia, pictures flags, etc. My personal view is that camaraderie values must be maintained through the efforts of each RSA to have a high profile of involvement in community affairs. That could encompass being part of a community event – a Christmas parade, a fundraising project, a visible presence at the A & P show, any occasion that reflects the history of the district, or, if the club’s situation allows, why not join the local chamber of commerce (especially if you are a “Main Street” business). I’m sure the real key to ensuring the camaraderie value is kept alive is to involve members in working together to bring about community involvement. Compared with wartime, that might seem trivial. But, when you think about it, the basic thing is working together for a common goal. Of course, the main commitment now in the face of membership change, is to ensure your RSA survives the demographic change. While I deplore such buzzwords, “marketing” the club must be a priority. The community must know about the good things its local RSA is doing.
8
RSA REVIEW • spring 2013
Investment for Retirement
tHERE’S A FINE LINE BETWEEN THRIVING AND SURVIVING We’re often told (more often than many of us would like) that we’ve got to prepare for retirement, that we’ve got to invest wisely or lovingly nurture a growing nest-egg so that we can sit back and enjoy every moment when the time comes that we’re not traipsing off to work every day. So, is it really that simple? And should our eventual retirement be the sole motivation for us seeking to extract the best value from our financial resources. KAREN PHELPS peeks into a world where straightforward answers seem decidedly scarce.
Lisa Dudson: ’It’s a very individual exercise
It has never been easy to retire, but it has just got a whole lot harder for many of us. Rising costs, fall-out from the global financial crisis, and, arguably, inadequate pensions are some of the challenges facing many as they enter their golden years. So how do you thrive rather than struggle to survive as you hit retirement? Many experts estimate you will need, at least initially, 70-80% of your pre-retirement income to retire comfortably. For many people, this means that spending what you have managed to accumulate during your lifetime, also known as “decumulation”, will be the key. According to financial writer Diana Clement, the trouble is that those who retire with healthy retirement savings have usually saved hard to obtain them and, after a lifetime of being careful, it can be difficult to change ways and spend some of that money. You need to learn to spend wisely while still enjoying the fruits of your labour (see tips, pages 10-11). Financial adviser Lisa Dudson, from Acumen,
The indispensable investment tool...the crystal ball.
says decumulation needs to be done in a controlled way to ensure you are spending wisely and your money will last for your lifetime. The key is adequate management of the savings and assets you have accumulated. But how do you know how long you are going to live, how quickly you can spend, or what unexpected events might occur that will affect your finances? This is where a good financial planner (as opposed to a financial adviser, who offers advice and then points you to the correct people for further assistance) can help you to form a decumulation plan. “This is a plan that allows you to map out your spending so that you don’t hang on to your capital unnecessarily, but still have some left should you live to become an octogenarian, nonagenarian, or centenarian,” says Clement. Although many financial advisers take a more technical approach by taking into account factors such as average life expectancy (which in New Zealand is 78 for males and 82 for females, Dudson takes a more emotional approach with clients. She stresses that retirement planning is a very individual exercise and can depend on a variety of factors such as health and personality type. “I try to find out what they are worried about and work from there. For example, it’s all very well to recommend somebody consider investing in shares, but it’s not going to work if it’s going to stress them out and keep them awake at night.” There are three key questions to ask: How much money will I need to live comfortably in retirement? How can I make my money last? How can I maximise my income? Dudson says an investing strategy will differ in people’s later years compared from their youth, and retirees generally want a more conservative portfolio. She is a big fan of reverse
Diana Clement: ’It can be difficult to change ways.’
annuity mortgages (“a fantastic tool in so many circumstances”), where a financial company lends you money borrowed against your house and the debt builds up, and is generally repaid only once the house is sold. Dudson has some key pieces of advice for those on the other side of retirement: “Pay attention – see where your money is going. Join KiwiSaver. Stay away from consumer debt. Pay off your mortgage as soon as you can. Think about the future even if it seems far away, and remember, retirement saving is small steps over a long period of time.”
Get your head around the ‘decumulation’ process For over 50 years we have funded more than $17 million to Health Research in the Canterbury Region.
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Canterbury Medical Research Foundation Level 1, 230 Antigua Street, Christchurch. Phone (03) 353 1240 Email: health@cmrf.org.nz CC No. CC11203
• A financial planner can assist you in putting together a ‘decumulation’ plan to suit your circumstances. • The first step is to take account of the assets and savings you have. This may include a freehold home, investment properties, savings, shares and term deposits. • Do a budget to estimate the amount of money you need to live on each week. Take inflation into account. • Draw up a plan so that you have a regular income to match your weekly needs. • People in or near retirement usually prefer to reduce their risk profile, but at the same
time, you don’t want your money to be in a safe but low-earning investment that offers little immediate benefit. • A good plan will usually involve a diversified portfolio of investments. • Remember that your investment needs can change over time. For example, you might find that fees are too high, your investments are too risky, or your investments no longer suit your lifestyle or objectives. Do regular check-ups to ensure your ‘decumulation’ plan is working for you. • For more information on ‘decumulation’, go to www.ifa.org.nz.
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10 Investment for Retirement
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
stretching your almighty dollar Karen Phelps Your spending needs will change during different periods your life. When you retire, you might have to take account of: • The fact you’ll have more time, which means more time to spend. • Some regular costs that were necessary when you were working will become obsolete, commuting costs, for example. • Your medical expenses are likely to be higher. • You will have to kiss goodbye to work-related benefits, but you will receive new benefits such as the Super Gold Card, which will make some things cheaper for you, and other retirement-related discounts. See www.supergold. govt.nz. • Inflation will inevitably eat into your savings over time. • You’ll find that the everyday costs add up. Slashing your daily living expenses is a key way to stretch your retirement dollar. Flexibility Travel is high on the hit list of many retirees
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now that they are no longer shackled by the responsibilities of work. Flexibility is a key benefit of being retired, so you should work to use it to your advantage. You can choose to take holidays pretty much when you want to (such as during the off-season) or you cash in on last-minute deals. The flexibility model can be applied to other areas of your life as well. For example – Can you go to the movies during the day when prices are cheaper? Can you choose to shop at times when you can do the job faster and when you can park free? Cash Whenever possible, use cash for purchases. Not only will you enhance your chances of a better discount, but you will be more aware of what you are spending, which will help you keep track of your finances. Discounts You’ve worked hard all your life, and now it’s time to take advantage of it. Many places offer discounts to retirees. An obvious one is the SuperGold Card – don’t be afraid to ask if
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there’s a discount for retirees or Gold Car holders when you are making, or even considering, a purchase. Time When you’re retired, you’ve obviously got more time on your hands. Use this to your advantage. Seek out the best discounts when making purchases. Check brochures, flyers, and the internet.
www.trademe.co.nz to see if the item can be bought second-hand just as well, or perhaps there’s a trader offering a substantial discount by selling direct to you rather than through a mark-up in a retail store.
Don’t buy new You don’t always have to buy new. Buying used items means the price will almost certainly drop considerably – and, depending on what you want, the used goods can often be just as good as the new. Seek out websites such as
Downsize Retirement is a perfect time to assess everything you own, to decide what you do and do not need any longer. Do you really need two cars now that you are no longer working, or could you do just as well with one? Are there items you no longer need around the home? Consider selling these on sites such as Trademe and turning them into cash. More extreme options include moving into a smaller house now that you no longer have a family to bring up, or perhaps selling and moving to a cheaper neighbourhood, or even to another part of the country. Did you know, for example, that you can buy a brand-new house and land in Northland, just an hour and half’s drive from Auckland, for around $350,000? Moving to a different location may also mean you can remove yourself from the rat race and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.
Start early Even though it’s tempting to put it off, the earlier you start saving the better. Remember it’s not just about how much money you can put away – the sooner you start, the more time you will have for your savings to grow naturally through interest. Join KiwiSaver Saving can be challenging, and there’s always the temptation to spend everything you earn. If you are employed, joining KiwiSaver is a smart move because of the government and employer contributions. Invest KiwiSaver and bank interest alone will most likely not give you the retirement you desire. While you don’t want to plunge your money
into risky investments, you also don’t want to invest too conservatively or growth might not keep ahead of inflation. The services of a financial adviser could be money well spent. Diversity Otherwise known as “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”. Investments can and do go wrong. Even the safest can have pitfalls – just ask any property investor who was involved in the Christchurch housing market. Buy a house Living in a mortgage-free house will take huge stress off you in retirement . You won’t have to worry about escalating rent payments and you will have security in owning your own home. If you travel, you can use your house as a swap, or rent it out while you are away.
Plan Good planning is the key to controlling, and reducing, your spending. This applies not only to budgeting, but also to how you live your life. For example, can you plan your week to minimise car trips? Fill up your car and do other weekly errands at the same time to cut down on travel expenses.
Getting ready for the big
Investment for Retirement 11
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
a TALE OF contrasting experiences
The traditional Kiwi approach
Brian and Alison have taken the traditional Kiwi approach – they have worked hard for their whole lives and are now reaping the rewards. Brian has always worked full-time while Alison was a full-time housewife who took on part-time jobs while their two children were young; when they reached high school, she moved back into full-time work. Meanwhile Brian had been voluntarily paying into a superannuation fund since he was 17, and kept on paying into it until he retired 42 years later. The couple say they have always been good budgeters. They took their family holidays in New Zealand in a caravan they bought. They grew their own vegetables in their own garden to cut down on food expenses. They even helped build their own house to keep their initial mortgage as small as possible. Through their careful budgeting, their house was freehold by the time they were in their late 40s. Alison used the final part of her redundancy pay from one of her jobs to make the final payment. Additional money was saved and Brian dabbled in the sharemarket, making reasonable returns at times. By the time they retired (Brian took early retirement at 58), they had Brian’s voluntary superannuation scheme to live off, as well as both their pensions. They still have a vegetable garden and share ownership of some chickens with a neighbour; they share the eggs. They dropped their health insurance when premiums became prohibitive as they aged, but a recent health scare for Alison was more than adequately taken care of by the public system. They still budget carefully (weekly shopping trips to Pak’n’ Save and filling up with petrol at the same time to take advantage of petrol
Sour investment depleted funds
Many people will relate to Gregory and Victoria’s story after the most recent economic meltdown. An investment that turned sour left their retirement fund severely depleted. Gregory had managed to retire early at 55 and had immediately gone back to university and got the honours degree he had always dreamed of. He also worked part-time and did some voluntary work, and the couple indulged in their love of travel. As they were too young for the Government Super scheme, the couple lived in their freehold home and off Gregory’s voluntary super scheme he had paid into for 30 years. When he retired, they had invested this in a variety of managed funds. But disaster struck when they invested 25% of it in shares that turned out badly. By then they were eligible for Government Super, so they lived off that. But things were tighter than they liked, and Gregory returned to full-time work to enable them to make up the money they had lost. He admits that returning to eight-hour working days at that age was tough, but he also enjoyed the challenge of working. Three years on, they had doubled what they had lost, and had the money to do the things they wanted to do. They both now pursue their hobbies and earn pocket money from them. They continue to invest – at present in unit trusts and term deposits. Gregory says one lesson they learned was that inflation can make life difficult. “When I retired, what we had looked good. But 20 years down the track, inflation has made it look far from good. We have to cut back or just make good investments. We have to continually re-examine our investments and change them. We don’t see retirement as a time to put our feet up. It’s about doing what we want to do.” Investment for, the preparation for, and the management of retirement seems to be a balancing act, not just between profit and loss but across the board of life. And the reward? The t-shirt that, as Frank Sinatra put it so succinctly, proclaims “I did it my way’.
vouchers from their shopping). Yes, they say, they live a good lifestyle. “When some of Brian’s colleagues retired, they immediately cashed in their voluntary superannuation scheme and spent it on things like cars and holidays,” says Allison. “We’re glad we didn’t, and hung onto it instead. It has certainly stood us in good stead. If we were just on the ordinary Government Super, we’d have to work part-time or cut back and not live as well as we do.”
change – the top tips Plan Retirement requires planning well in advance. Consider engaging a professional financial adviser or planner to ensure your objectives at retirement will be met. Financial writer Diana Clement, speaking from a personal point of view, says: “I would create a financial plan for retirement, which included a stocktake of my assets and income, a budget that would change as I aged, and a detailed ‘decumulation’ or ‘spend down’ analysis of my capital to ensure it lasted for as long as I needed to spend more than New Zealand Superannuation. “The older retirees get, the less they tend to spend, and they don’t always need their capital to last as long as they do. I feel strongly
that people shouldn’t withdraw all their money from KiwiSaver come age 65 and put it in a term deposit because the capital will be eroded by inflation. I would ensure that a good portion of my assets remained in growth investments within KiwiSaver or another similar fund.” And financial adviser Lisa Dudson, also speaking from a personal viewpoint: “My plan is to work long term, but cut down my hours because I love what I do. My goal would be to focus on working less now and have more moderation. I’ll always keep a diversified portfolio but I plan to use up my capital – why would I want to leave it to someone else? Even if I had children, I think you put in the time and effort when they are young to making them good with money so that they can set themselves up.”
The need for those already retired and those contemplating it, to think about how to counter the erosion of capital by inflation is a recurring theme amongst financial planners and advisers, and those in the act of ‘doing’ retirement.
12
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
Lost Trails The municipality of Torviscosa (Udine, north-east Italy) seeks documents about the history of the prisoner-of-war Camp 107 there between 1942 and 1943. Torviscosa is about 60km from Trieste and 100km from Venice. Soldiers captured in Libya were interned there. During a visit in August 1943, Red Cross representatives counted 892 New Zealanders, 355 South Africans, 130 Indians and three Australians. The idea of collecting documents about the camp arose last year when Ross Montgomery (the son of one of the New Zealand soldiers) and his wife, Vonda, visited the camp. The intention is to collect documents in a digital archive to be published on line and be freely accessible. There is particular interest in memoirs,diaries, letters, photographs, video recordings and oral testimonies of former prisoners and Italian military guards. Send documents in copy or digital format. Contact: Mareno Settimo – Councillor for culture, Municipality of Torviscosa, Piazza del Popolo, 1 – 330050 (UD), Italy; 39 0431 929916; cultura@com-torviscosa.regione.fvg.it.
20th intake, 1978? Ira Ngaia was in these platoons and would appreciate any assistance in obtaining photographs of them. Contact: Ira Ngaia – blakeb@ npdc.govt.nz. A trunk belonging to Sqn Ldr George Allan 59703 has been found while cleaning out under a house. The trunk had his name on it and his address when he returned to New Zealand: 30 Mangere Rd, Otahuhu, Auckland. The trunk contained a small booklet, Royal Air Force War Manual – Operations (pictured below) which must have been given to all pilots. It is in remarkably good condition, and there are handwritten notes through it, suggesting a briefing before an engagement. The finder has dried each page and says it makes fascinating reading...”you can almost imagine yourself being there”. Information sought on whereabouts of Sqn Ldr Allan and/or his family. Contact: John Danvers – 021 352 650; jcdanvers@gmail.com.
If you know anything, have information about, or photographs of LAC James Alfred Rogers 433868, RNZAF, please contact his only daughter, Angela Bennett. He was in Canada, at Fort St John, on the Alaska Highway in British Columbia, in July 1944, and on the Alcan Highway, on Vancouver Island. He travelled from Vancouver to Edmonton, Alberta in 1943. Contact: Angela Barnett – barnettnz@gmail.com.
FSgt Albert John Carpenter 413023 and FSgt Kenneth Burchard 415287 are buried in the war cemetery at Chittagong, in Bangladesh. Simon Clarke, who works in Chittagong, has photographed their graves (pictured above) and their details in the record book at the cemetery. He’s interested if anyone knows of them, and is happy to take more photos, lay flowers or anything else on behalf of relatives. FSgt Carpenter, a RNZAF pilot with 136 (RAF) Sqn, died on April 4, 1943, aged 27. He was the son of Albert and Margaret Carpenter, and husband of Olive Burroughs Carpenter, of Glendowie, Auckland. FSgt Burchard, a RNZAF pilot with 79 (RAF) Sqn, died on May 21, 1943, aged 20. He was the son of John A. and Annie Elizabeth Burchard, of Hastings. Contact: Simon Clarke – s.r.clarke100@gmail.com. Does anyone recognise the young man (seated) in the photo below, or know anyone who might know?. He is with Frederic Birch (standing) and the photo was taken in France in 1918. Fredric Birch sent it his mother in England, quite probably while he was on leave in France. He described the seated man as friend. Frederic Birch was in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force 16th Reinforcements, New Zealand Machine Gun Corps, 4th Company. Contact: Margaret Nicholls (Frederic’s daughter) – maggie.f.nicholls@gmail.com.
Do you know where Ronald Gordon Boyd was laid to rest in Germany? His nephew, Stuart Howe, is visiting Germany and would like to try and find his grave. FSgt Boyd 413221 was a navigator on the Shorts Stirling Mk3 BF 521 with 622 Sqn seconded to the RAF. He failed to return from night bombing over Berlin on August 23-24. It was most likely he was shot down by a night fighter over the Doberitz area close to Berlin, as with one of his aircrew members was found by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in 1949 at a local cemetery, along with 11 unnamed airmen’s graves. According to German records, Sgt F.C.Stevens was identified at the time of the crash. Contact: Stuart Howe – stu_airborne@ yahoo.com.au. If you were part of the National Service 12th intake in January, Paul Bradley would like to hear from you. If there’s enough interest, the thought is to have an afternoon reunion at Burnham Military Camp with refreshments at a modest cost. If demand dictate, he sees potential for an annual get-together. Contact: Paul Bradley – 03 3029332; ppm_swing@xtra.co.nz. Can you put ValerieSmith in in touch with 2 Lt D.E.Pearson, or anyone who knows or knew him. She has a memento she would like to return to him or his family. He served with New Zealand forces, 6 LAA Regiment, 1951-56. Contact: Valerie Smith - val.smith@paradise.net.nz. War medals and memorabilia for return to families of: John Dods 2/1769, Opotiki, died in France 1916; Alfred Millard 10/570, Dannevirke, wounded at Gallipoli; Angus McLean (known as Galbraith) 73359, possibly from Wellington, buried Karori 1936. They were among a collection of family war medals and memorabilia inherited by the Listers. Contact: Ian Lister – ilister@xtra.co.nz. Colin Stanley (ex-Royal Navy) – Peter David Charles Bowyer is trying to track down this Royal Navy friend. They lost touch in 2003 when Colin was living in Glendowie or Ellerslie, Auckland. Colin married Lesley Stanley; they had five daughters (Sarah, Tracey, Chelse, Bonnie and Victoria). After moving to New Zealand, Colin worked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF). Peter, now 75, lives in England. Contact: Sara Watson – Sara.Watson@courierpost.co.nz. Photographs of the 4th platoon and 2nd platoon,
now aged 83, began his military career at Fort George, Scotland in 1948. He graduiated from Sandhurst and was in the 1st Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderer. He was aarded the Military Cross in 1953 and retired from military service in 1988. Contact: John Foulls – 1 Ashbourne Place, York, North Yorkshire YO242UJ, England, or his sister-in-law, Bev Thornton – 52b Osborne Rd, R.D.1, Hamilton. Contact sought with crew or family members of crew who served on sister minesweepers HMNZS Gale and HMNZS Breeze (both requisitioned from the Canterbury Steam Ship Ship Company) during World War 2. Russell Turney, son of the late Thomas Hardy Turney, W3468, who was a RNVR leading seaman aboard Gale, is researching his late father’s service, Gale and Breeze with a view to publishing a book. He is looking for people who might be able to add stories or photos. Gale joined the 25th Minesweeping Flotilla in April 1941, rescued survivors from the Puriri sinking in May, and swept suspected minefield areas near Cuvier Island and Farewell Spit before relieving Viti in Fiji in December. She returned to New Zealand for a refit in February 1942, was deployed to Noumea in June, and returned to New Zealand in August as a port minesweeper in Wellington. She rejoined the 25th Minesweeping Flotilla in the Solomons in February 1943. When Breeze arrived in April, the two sister ships and Matai were formed into the 9th Auxiliary Minesweeping group, carrying out night-patrol and escort duties. Before being fiotted with radar, Breeze collided with an American ship (USS LTS-895) off Guadacanal while patrolling in a monsoon rainstorm. While escorting a convoy in Longbottom Sound, she survived an attack by dive-bombers undamaged. Gale and Breeze were released back to their owner in September 1944. Contact: Russell Turney – P.O.Box 9153, Marion Square, Wellington; 04 3872201; 022 6257677; russell@russellturney.com.
Does anyone have any photos of Ivan (Mac) McShane 80548, who served in 20th Armoured Regiment, in Italy? He fought at Cassino and in other battles through Italy alongside the likes of “Stuffy” Hazlette and Bill De Latour, both officers in the 20th. His son, Pat McShane is gathering photos and information for family-history purposes. Contact: Pat McShane – Patandjanine@ xtra.co.nz. Manual to return to Sub Lt G.R. Curtis or his family. This Manual of Seamanship Volume 1, 1937 edition used to belong to Sub Lt G.R. Curtis RNZNVR, HMS Philomel in 1942. It is thought he went on to be skipper of HDML 1185 of the 124th ML Flotilla at Auckland on July 27, 1943. This ship was renamed HMNZS Manga in 1960. Contact: David McLuckie – david.mcluckie1@gmail.com. Can anyone help Daryll Styles, who is looking for a copy of battalion or company photograph for the New Zealand 3rd division, 37th battalion, C company. His grandfather, Manfred Munroe Mcfadyen, served in the battery during World War 2. Contact: Daryl Styles – darylstyles@ hotmail.com; 09 2968931. Information sought on Dennis Bradley, who resided near the Basin Reserve, in Wellington, in 1965-66. He is believed to have came from Shropshire, in England ,and was on a cruise ship from Australia that sailed into Wellington around January 1965. Contact: Neil Fawcus – neilfawcus@bigpond.com. Maj John Foulls (pronounced ‘Fowles’) who was known as Jock) is keen to hear from any of his New Zealand and Australian comrades from the Korean War, or receive information (such as newspaper clippings) about Korean War reunions. He was a British officer in the Commonwealth Division, which formed part of the 28th Commonwealth Brigade; the brigade included a battalion of the New Zealand Australian artilllery regiment, along with two British infantry battalions. Jock Foulls,
Contact or information sought from relatives or friends of PltOff Keith Lewis (above), a New Zealander killed in action in France on October 28, 1944. Les Bartlett has four original photographs of him, which he want to send to his next of kin. One photograph includes Keith’s friend, known as Pancho. At the time of his death, he was in 182 Sqn, flying Typhoons on armed reconnaissance missions from airfields in France. Les’s enquiries have found that Keith Lewis’s parents were William and Roberta (nee Palmer) Lewis, of New Plymouth and that he had three brothers and one sister. Contact: Les Bartlett – karenandles@hotmail. com.
Contact sought with next of kin of New Zealand airmen stationed in Sierra Leone or the Gambia during World War 2. Especially next of kin of: L.Trigg 413515, I.Marinovich 413103, T.J.Soper 412908, L.J.Frost 414872, A.G.Bennett 412861. Contact: Mary-Jean Paterson (her father was stationed there with 200Sqd in 1943) – 07 8767447; mjmpaterson@ farmside.co.nz.
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Remembering Jack Norris 204756 missed out on the ballot for the 29 veterans to go to Korea for the 60th commemoration of the Korean War armistice. About 4000 participants, including veterans, government officials (RNZRSA president Don McIver was part of the New Zealand delegation) and representatives from 27 countries, attended the July 27 ceremony at the United National Memorial Cemetery in Busan, Korea. But Jack Norris was one of the veterans invited to Wellington for the formal New Zealand commemoration on July 27. It was a long day, but a good day, he says. Flying out of Auckland at 0700 hours, back from Wellington at 1600 hours. In between – a bus trip from Wellington Airport to the city; a ceremony attended by 250 and wreathlaying at the National War Memorial; the official reception in the banquet hall at Parliament Buildings; then back to the airport by bus. Jack gives special thanks to Aaron Hackney (Veterans Affairs New Zealand) and his support staff, “who were most helpful in making it such a memorable day and event”. The Korean War began on June 25, 1950 after the communist government north of the Korean Peninsula’s 38th parallel
invaded South Korea. An armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, leaving a demilitarised zone separating North and South Korea. Forty-five New Zealanders lost their lives in the war from 1950-53; 34 are buried in the Busan cemetery along with soldiers from 11 other nations who served in the War and its aftermath until 1957. Jack Norris, who was in 10 Company Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps, casts his mind back over the conditions he and his mates faced during their time on the ground in Korea. When the war broke out, Driver Edward Walker 204165 also volunteered for service in K-Force. He, too, was in 10th Transport Company, RNZASC, although he arrived later and by a different means and route from Jack Norris. On August 28, 1951, he left Wellington on board the troopship Wahine. It proved an eventful journey; he recalls the nightmare conclusion to the voyage of the ill-fated Wahine (page 15). Clarence Maskill and Charles Sibun lay poppies on New Zealand graves in the United Nations Military Cemetery Korea in Busan, South Korea.
korea veteran recalls forgotten war Jack Norris If the Korean War was the forgotten war, we in 10 Company Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps were the forgotten unit in Kayforce. The 16th Field Regiment RNZA were the glamour boys who got the media attention and the kudos. Fair enough, too, because they were in the front line and suffered the most casualties. But we were there too. Our trucks covered a staggering 6.5 million miles on some of the worst roads in the world. We travelled to Japan by RNZAF Hastings aircraft – Whenuapai to Amberley (near Brisbane), Manus Island, Guam, Iwa Jima and Iwakuni. From Kure to Pusan, the trip was on the E-Sand, an old rust-bucket built in 1908 for the Indo-China Steam Navigation Company. Once we left the inland sea, we had a terrible crossing. The boat pitched, rolled and corkscrewed for three days. A lot of the boys were seasick and as we disembarked on the wharf at Pusan, there was a British Army RSM,
The boat pitched, rolled and cork-screwedfor three days. A lot of the boys were seasick and as we disembarked on the wharf at Pusan there was a British Army RSM bawling out “march to attention.” Fair go! We were lucky to stagger at ease.
Dangerous roads: A New Zealand Army truck at an icy 38th parallel (left) and a platoon truck falls victim to the dangerous roads (below) on the Korean peninsula. The coldest day was when the temperature plummeted to minus 28F (60 degrees of frost) and the roads were declared ‘red’, which meant no traffic on the roads. Photos: Jack Norris.
complete with stick under his arm, bawling out: “March to attention.” Fair go! We were lucky to stagger at ease. Next day we took the train up north and into tents for 18 months. Snow and ice everywhere. Welcome to Korea. Driving in the winter was extra-dangerous and we had to use wheel chains, which were hard to put on in the perishing cold. The coldest day was when the temperature dropped to minus 28F (60 degrees of frost) and the roads were declared “red”, which meant no traffic on the roads. That suited us just fine. In the monsoon season, whole sections of the main supply route were washed out, and the United States Army had to come to do a repair job. In winter the trucks’ radiators and engine blocks had to be drained; the next morning, snow had to be melted for water for the radiator – and all the time in freezing conditions. We just had to look forward to a seven-day leave in Japan. To qualify we had to have a minimum of 10 pound in the paybook. We were well served with medical care by the 3rd Canadian Advanced Dressing station at the British Commonwealth Field Hospital at Tokchon, the US Army’s MASH (Mobile Army
Surgical Hospital) units that later became famous through the popular television series, and the British Commonwealth Base Hospital at Kure, in Japan.
The orphans – the innocent victims of the war – were the saddest thing we saw. Hundreds of them pleading for scraps of food and a little petrol to light a fire to keep warm in winter.
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Eddie finds first ‘adventure’ way before front line Alistair Kerr
The Korean War broke out in 1950 when the Communist state of North Korea invaded South Korea. When the United Nations decided to help South Korea, troops from many member countries joined those from the United States and the United Kingdom. New Zealand decided to send troops, backed by frigates of Royal New Zealand Navy frigates, initially HMNZS Tutira and HMNZS Pukaki. The front-line troops were from the 16th Field Regiment of Artillery backed by ancillary units such as the 10th Transport Company from the Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps. There was no shortage of volunteers and the First Draft left on December 10, 1950. The next group was the Expansion Draft, which was to sail from Wellington on August 13, 1951. On the outbreak of war, Dvr Edward Walker 204165, 10 th Transport Company, RNZASC, volunteered for service as a soldier in K-Force. Why? “For the adventure, as much as anything, I suppose,” he says. Born in Te Kuiti and educated at Te Kuiti High School, he had spent time studying agriculture at Massey University, then went contract fencing and shearing. He was posted to the Army Service Corps and did six weeks of basic training at Papakura. On August 28t, 1951, his unit was sent to Wellington to board the troopship Wahine. They sailed at 2pm on August 2, 1951 and, after landing two stowaways, headed into Cook Strait. Eddie remembers that first night out as very rough. While conditions on board were crowded, they were well organised and, once they were over their seasickness, they found the food not too bad. He was lucky enough to be in a cabin, but some of the troops were in bunks in a lower hold right beside the propeller shafts, which caused a lot of vibration, especially when the ship pitched heavily and the propellers lifted out of the water. Much of the time at sea was taken up with training and exercises, but they did get a beer ration. During a stop-over in Townsville, there was a train trip to the Tablelands, and that night, some of the troops enjoyed a session in the local pubs. Evidently they found the combination of the heat and the strong Queensland beer too much for them. The Wahine then headed for Darwin where the troops had shore leave. Very noticeable was the fact the harbour still had many rusting wrecks from the World War 2 air raids. After another run ashore and a busy time refuelling and re-stocking, the ship sailed at 0700 next day. Their course took them through the Timor Sea towards the coast of what is now known as Timor L’Este. On the second day out, at 0602, Eddie remembers feeling a strong jolt and a
sound of scraping as the ship shuddered to a stop. Immediately she took a list as she settled on a reef. It is recorded that, as soon as he saw the ship would strike the reef, Capt Johnson ordered “Full ahead” to ensure the ship would at least remain fast on the reef, rather than slide off, putting lives in danger. The siren sounded “lifeboat stations” and, initially, there was some mild panic as the troops saw the ship was hard and fast aground, and surrounded by rocks. Then every man ran for his allotted boat station. The word soon went round that the Wahine had run aground on a reef 300 metres off Masela Island in the Timor Sea. (Eddie still wonders how it was that neither the officer of the watch nor the lookout saw the island ahead of them). After a roll call they were allowed to return to their cabins to collect a small bag of personal gear. Because of the list, the lifeboats were lowered on one side. But that was not the only problem says Eddie. As soon as the boats were in the water, some began to fill up. They were wooden clinker-built boats and the planks had opened up in the hot sun. However, some of them were pulled around the ship, only to discover a large hole where she had hit the reef. The state of the boats was a worry for Eddie as he could not swim. The Wahine’s SOS call had been answered and soon they heard that a nearby tanker, the Stanvac Karachi, was on her way. They felt it was safe to leave the boats in the water to close up the planks. The Stanvac Karachi arrived a few hours later, but was unable to get close to the Wahine because of the reefs in between. At 1230 they began the huge job of transferring 670 troops, plus 80 crew, to the tanker. She had steel motor lifeboats so they, too, were filled and used to tow the Wahine’s loaded boats across the three-kilometre gap between the ships. Then they were faced with the job of boarding the tanker. The men had to climb rope ladders slung over the ship’s side. Once aboard the Stanvac Karachi, there was another problem. Although she was a large tanker with plenty of deck-space, she was something of a floating bomb as her tanks were empty of cargo, but full of petrol fumes. The troops had hobnailed boots, so there was a real risk of sparks being struck from the steel deck. Once aboard, the men were directed to the only available safe space - the area around the aft accommodation, which had wooden decks. Eddie remembers that, after that warning, every man walked “very delicately” along the steel deck. Of course, having to pack several hundred men into spaces around the tanker’s crew accommodation and up on the boat deck meant there was absolutely no spare room. As Eddie said, “There was just enough space to lie down
Eddie still wonders how neither the watch officer nor the lookout saw the island.
Troops from the stricken Wahine climb rope ladders to board the tanker Stanvac Karachi.
and no more”. After an uncomfortable night they arrived in Darwin where, for three weeks, they were accommodated in former US Army barracks which Eddie describes as quite luxurious. Again, they were kept busy with exercises and route marches, “...probably to tire us out as much as to keep us fit”, says Eddie. Once a decision had been made as to their future, the Army lost no time in moving them out by an airlift, using four-engined Lockheed Constellation and Douglas Skymaster aircraft. From Hiro, a base camp in Japan, they went by sea to Pusan in Korea and, so to war. As a driver, Eddie Walker spent most of his time in Korea hauling ammunition and stores to the front-line area up and down the Korean Peninsula, as the tide of the war ebbed and flowed. Their trucks were either Chevrolet four-by-fours or GMC left-hand-drives, both of which, he recalls as very “rough-riding” – all the drivers had bad back problems from driving over the poor roads. The extremes of temperature also made life difficult for the drivers. On one occasion he was driving the second truck in a convoy when, on a steep, icy hill, the leading truck’s tyres lost traction and it slid back to threaten his truck. Another incident sticks in his memory. They were transporting men from a Welsh regiment
close to the battle-front. The Welshmen seemed not to care about what was ahead of them as they were singing loudly. Eddie was concerned that the singing could have alerted the enemy. They didn’t interact much with the Koreans, but usually had several locals around their camps, washing trucks and doing laundry. The locals always seemed to know when a “big push” was on as they’d be seen leaving the area. As the circumstances of the war changed, 10 Company was shipped home to New Zealand and Eddie was able to begin a career as a farmer. So, did the Korean experience provide the adventure he expected? He’s not sure: “We were all so young, and we made our own fun, of course, but adventure? Well, I don’t know about that.” Footnote: There is no doubt the Wahine wreck was a real “windfall” for the people of Masela. Very quickly every single thing that could be removed was gone and, no doubt, their standard of living would have been greatly improved. It was recorded too, that an artillery working party was sent back from Darwin to remove the breech blocks from the 25-pounder guns in the hold. Given the intense Indonesian political situation at the time, it was felt the guns would not be part of that windfall.
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The New Zealand troopship Wahine is stuck fast after running aground on a reef off Masela Island in the Timor Sea, en route to Korea in 1951 (left) and in happier times, steaming out of Wellington Harbour.
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THE LAST POST WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
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ADAIR R 615924 WWII, NZ Army 08/07/2013 Christchurch ADAMS CM 42/11664 RNZAF 06/09/2013 Dunedin ADLINGTON BJ 206848 Korea 08/08/2013 Matamata AIKEN AMG 11977 WWII, 6Fd Amb 28/08/2013 Dargaville ALLISON JR 3938 WWII, RNZN 30/06/2013 Christchurch ALLPRESS B 439761 WWII, RNZAF 19/06/2013 Wanganui ALMOND JF 624972 WWII 11/07/2013 Motueka ANDREWS J 4216022 WWII, RNZAF 06/08/2013 Waiuku ANDREWS T 38538 Malaya, 2Bn NZ Regt 22/08/2013 Thames ARTHUR S 453273 WWII, Pacific 01/07/2013 Dannevirke ASPLEY H 248888 RAF 22/08/2013 Papatoetoe ATKINSON FL 436 01/08/2013 Whakatane B
BACKHOUSE CJ 10685 WWII, 23Bn 08/08/2013 Christchurch BAGLEY RL CMT 20/07/2013 Waipukurau BAIRD ER 446085 WWII, 23Bn, Italy 10/08/2013 Ashburton BARBER E 368053 IRNZIR 11/06/2013 Okaihau BARBOUR JW 50282 WWII, 37Bn 05/08/2010 Waimate BARWOOD D 11509 WWII, Railway Construction 09/09/2013 Ashburton BATCHELER RA 14904339 WWII, Somerset Light Inf 04/07/2013 Nelson BATCHELOR E 16827 WWII, 23Bn 10/07/2010 Waimate BEALE BK 4310855 WWII, RNZAF 23/08/2013 Christchurch BEALE GW 441244 WWII, RNZAF 26/08/2013 Christchurch BEAUCHAMP PRM WWII 03/08/2013 BEAUMONT EC 3393 WWII, RNZN 27/11/2010 Waimate BEAZLEY MC NZN3465 WWII, RNZN 17/07/2013 Kaitaia BECKETT J W1217 WWII, WAAF 12/07/2013 Hamilton BEGG RM 816838 NZ Army, Nursing Services 28/07/2013 Whangarei BELL LG N455675 WWII, 19Reinf 22/08/2013 Hairini BELL WHB 68706 30/07/2013 Auckland BEST TR 632015 WWII, RNZAF, NZ Army 27/08/2013 Nelson BIGGS (NEE DONALD) EH W/5817 WWII, Home Service, WAAF 26/08/2013 Invercargill BISHOP JS NZ44498 RNZAF 09/08/2013 Taradale BISSET J 449865 WWII, 2NZEF 03/08/2013 Dunedin BLACKADDER AR 430018 WWII, NZ Army 10/09/2013 Blenheim BLAIR BA Y74956 RNZAF 17/07/2013 Wanganui BONFIELD E 14561097 WWII, Royal Engs 27/08/2012 Invercargill BORRIE HN 46992 WWII, 2NZEF 01/07/2013 Hastings BRADEY VE 451375 WWII, 7th Armoured Tank 26/05/2013 Dannevirke BRADY JC 647707 WWII, JForce 12/08/2013 Levin BRISTOL CS 621583 WWII, 15Reinf 4Fd 27/06/2013 Wanganui BROWN BH B19988 01/01/2013 Auckland BROWN DN 427475 05/04/2013 Christchurch BROWN JA 50306 WWII, 37Bn 04/08/2011 Waimate BROWN KM 537639 15/07/2013 Mt Maunganui BROWN NM 442890 07/08/2013 Dunedin BROWN W C/JX609580 WWII 03/09/2013 Mt Maunganui BRUNT DAJ 80183 RNZAF 07/09/2013 Blenheim BUCKLEY B 825692 CMT 23/06/2013 Christchurch BULL RA 230128 WWII, RNZAF 18/09/2013 Hamilton BUNTING AR 815073 WWII, NZ Army 22/08/2013 Wellington BURROWS A 58443 RN 14/06/2013 Auckland BUTCHER ER 451010 WWII, 3Div, Pacific
03/11/2011 Waimate C
CAIRD AD 73534 WWII 30/07/2013 Mt Maunganui CALDWELL RG 45742 Weapons Trainer/Corp 15/08/2013 Mosgiel CARTLEDGE DE 77439 28/07/2013 Auckland CHAMBERS JE 14143047 WWII, REME 13/07/2013 Golden Bay CHAPMAN AE 7308 WWII, 27MG Bn 02/09/2013 Waimate CHASE K R313010/14480483 04/04/2012 Ashburton CHITTENDEN EA RN395770 WWII, RN Artic Convoys 23/06/2013 Nelson CHRISTIANSEN WJ 462552 Malaya, 1Bn NZ Regt 26/08/2013 Hamilton CLARIDGE GR 826323 RNZAF 31/08/2013 Taradale CLARK JJ 597169 CMT 23/08/2013 Manaia CLARK N 31294 WWII 20/08/2013 Christchurch CLARK RC 632241 NZ Army 10/06/2013 Papatoetoe COLE VW L2171 SADF 21/06/2013 Auckland COLEBROOK B 12327333 WWII, RNZAF 08/07/2013 Howick CONNOLLY JP 624066 31/08/2013 Hamilton CONWAY RW 435267 WWII, RNZAF 22/06/2013 Christchurch COOKE JH 10718 WWII, RNZN 01/07/2013 Wellington COOPER L 436766 WWII, NZ Army 24/06/2013 Auckland CRAIG CM 43974 WWII, WAAF Signals 06/06/2013 Morrinsville CREIGHTON CD 822192 WWII, WAAC 21/07/2013 Alexandra CROSS MI 14035 Malaysia, RNZN 18/06/2013 Helensville CUMMINGS J T/14136643 British Army 08/07/2013 Tauranga CUNNINGHAM ES 660345 JForce 09/07/2013 Hamilton CURRY R 031677 WWII, 7 Anti-Tank Regt 21/04/2013 Otahuhu D
DACOMBE MD 4311395 WWII, RNZAF 07/07/2013 Blenheim DALBETH NC 455573 WWII, 9Fd Amb 24Bn 25/06/2013 Hamilton DALEY TR 13232 GRAPNEL, RNZN 15/04/2013 Papakura DALY L 18362 WWII, 26Bn 15/09/2013 Christchurch DAMPNEY EH 432410 WWII, 2NZEF, Tonga, Italy 25/06/2013 Te Kuiti DANDO A 61040 31/07/2013 Auckland DARROCH FG 71238 WWII, RAF 08/08/2013 Hastings D’ATH OK 15168 RNZN 14/08/2013 Whangarei DAVIDSON A 415456 WWII, RNZAF 24/07/2013 Red Beach DELL AB 14108046 WWII, Royal Fusiliers 30/07/2013 Whangarei DEVLIN CH W215331 WWII, ATS 16/06/2009 Waimate DICKIE RM 30418 Vietnam, NZ Army 12/09/2013 Whangarei DICKSON T V38544 14/06/2013 Mt Maunganui DOCKARY RP 296573 WWII, 36Bn & 27Bn 24/06/2013 Morrinsville DUE RJ 628557 National Service 06/06/2012 Feilding DUTTON K 7491 WWII, RNZN 14/06/2013 Sydney, Australia E
EDMONDS JR 401397 CMT 24/05/2013 Invercargill ELLERY GI 611945 WWII, NZ Army 29/07/2013 Bulls ELLERY MG 624400 NZ Army 30/08/2013 Bulls EVANS LJ 645202 NZ Army 22/07/2013 Taradale F
FAHEY CK 340375 Malaya, 1RNZIR 26/08/2013 Nelson FALCONER CC 276438 WWII 15/08/2013 Tauranga FARAC JH 463372 21/06/2013 Mt Maunganui FAZAKERLEY WHL 203668 WWII, Korea, NZ Army, British Army 11/09/2013 Christchurch
FENWICK KR 445276 WWII, Div Sigs 07/09/2013 Christchurch FIELD RJ 446816 WWII, 22Bn 12/08/2013 Hastings FRANK BP 637767 WWII, 2NZEF 15/08/2013 Hawera FRASER A 4310573 WWII, RNZAF 12/09/2013 Waiuku FRASER JE 4726 WWII, RNZN 11/08/2013 Rangiora G
GALBRAITH AC 914236 CMT 26/04/2013 Oamaru GALYER CJ 423069 WWII, 4Fd Regt 21/06/2013 Hastings GARRETT HG 291065 WWII, 21Bn 13/03/2010 Waimate GAY SM 375303/432269 WWII, RNZAF, 1 NMWC Regt 10/06/2013 Stoke, Nelson GEMMELL KW 43231 5Fd Amb 20/06/2013 Oamaru GIBBS ER 192829 WWII, 22Bn 11/07/2013 Wanganui GILES DR 345034 17/09/2013 Auckland GOODBRAND JA D/SSX888115 WWII, Korea, RN 11/09/2013 Whangarei GOODYER JA 819571 JForce, NZ Army 11/09/2013 Nelson GORDON-LAING DJ W2393 WWII, WAAF 28/06/2013 Motueka GRAHAM RB 839002 NZ Army 16/07/2013 Christchurch GRANT KB 399705 WWII, NZ Army 14/06/2013 Whangarei GREEN J 232208 WWII, NZ Army 06/07/2013 Nelson GRIFFITHS JA 146671 26/06/2013 Auckland H
HABGOOD LW 040012 NZ Army 24/08/2013 Christchurch HALL GJ 622670 Korea 30/06/2013 Katikati HALL JD 432345 WWII, RNZAF 23/06/2013 Dunedin HAMMOND HS 445639 WWII, 2NZEF 14/09/2013 Oamaru HANNON FM 23569553 30/07/2013 Avondale HARKER TA 330690 WWII, NZ Army 23/07/2013 Masterton HARRIS GKI 2071243 WWII, WAAF 16/06/2013 Howick HARRIS IK 458212 WWII, NZ Army 27/06/2013 Wellington HARRIS NS L23953 RNZN 04/08/2013 Wanganui HARRISON RW 302577 30/04/2013 Kaitaia HARRISON TR 401725 WWII, RNZAF 12/06/2013 Dunedin HEALY JP 617638 WWII, NZ Army 26/07/2013 Wellington HEDGE NS 809963 NZ Army 11/06/2013 Papatoetoe HEDLEY JB W896008 Malaya, Vietnam, RNZIR 17/06/2013 Christchurch HEMMING BM 75079 RNZAF 21/06/2013 Tauranga HIBBERD JC 644757 1HB Regt 09/04/2013 Waipawa HIGGINBOTTOM FW 35629 WWII, NZ Army 15/07/2013 Blenheim HIPPOLITE JR 783688 NZ Army 28/06/2013 Nelson HODGE TH 435515 WWII, 23Bn 26/07/2013 Geraldine HODGSON HM 4215224 WWII, RNZAF 15/08/2013 Richmond, Nelson HOGAN FN 974120 Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, NZ Arty 19/06/2013 Invercargill HOLDEN AGO 921888 25/08/2013 Dunedin HOPKINSON F 431640 WWII 07/08/2013 Christchurch HORNELL NY W5245 WWII, WAAF 18/06/2013 Dunedin HOWARD W 421718 WWII 04/07/2013 HOWARTH R 42881 WWII, RNZAF, 17Sqn 01/09/2013 Pukekohe HOWELL NA 041731 Malaysia, Borneo, Vietnam, 1RNZIR 28/08/2013 Taradale HOWLETT GC 419563 WWII, 3Div 11/09/2013 Hamilton HUBAND KR 203539 Korea 18/07/2013 Auckland HUBBERT ES 416002 WWII 14/06/2013 Mt Maunganui
HUGHES AW 436670 15/07/2013 North Shore, Auckland HUGHES HG NZ424072 WWII, RNZAF 18/07/2013 Hastings HUGHEY BA V40936 Singapore, Sinai, NZ Army 12/06/2013 Turangi HUNTER A 435532 WWII, LAA Bty Pacific 14/09/3013 Rangiora HURSTHOUSE DE 50796 WWII, NZ Army 13/06/2013 Hastings I
IGGO JA 243921 WWII, 18Bn 11/02/2012 Waimate IRVINE JC 4/7/1063 450349 WWII, NZ Scots 2Bn, ExPOW 25/06/2013 Mosgiel J
JAMES RA 43287 Vietnam, NZ Army 23/07/2013 Temuka JEFFS AM 204016 Korea, NZ Army 08/07/2013 Three Kings, Auckland JELAS S 625921 NZ Army 02/09/2013 Orewa JELLEV NHF 14195885 British Army, 6 Airborne Div 22/08/2013 Christchurch JOHNSON DH 62053 WWII, 5th Enforcements 11/07/2013 Whangarei JOHNSON M 1874155 WWII 21/08/2013 Christchurch JOHNSON RI 514388 CMT, NZ Army 05/06/2013 Hamilton JOHNSTONE RM WWII, RNZN 07/07/2013 Whangarei JONES EP NZD 3584 WWII, Fleet Air Arm, NZ Div RN 23/06/2013 Whangarei JONES JW 327968 WWII, NZ Army 29/06/2013 Kaitaia K
KAAKA R 40364 11/09/2013 Te Kao KARAM JP 614393 ASC 26/06/2013 Te Kauwhata KARENA TUPAPU M 211116 Jforce, Korea 18/07/2013 Invercargill KEAN D D344934 RNZN 30/06/2013 Howick KEEPA E 994 WREN 30/08/2013 Ashburton KELLY JJ 29580 WWII, 18Bn 06/05/2013 KEMP RH 783431 CMT 05/07/2013 Richmond, Nelson KENNEDY NF 802181 Korea, 10 NZ Tpt Coy 23/06/2013 Richmond, Nelson KENNY LT C/MX 92751 WWII, RN 24/06/2013 Hamilton KILSBY E 2399365 RAF 13/06/2013 Kerikeri KINGSFORD JS 251954 WWII, Signal Corps 13/06/2013 Hastings KIRKUS DG 336152 NZ Army 18/06/2013 Silverdale KIVELL PE 452670 15/01/2013 Auckland L
LAING S 203545 Korea, 161Bty 28/01/2012 Waimate LALICH RG 478684 Vietnam, NZ Army 02/09/2013 Pokeno LANDRIDGE GF NZ9784 01/07/2012 Auckland LANGWELL N F3/254 Australian Army 08/07/2013 Orewa LAURENCE JW NZ5261 WWII, RNZN 07/07/2013 Whangarei LAWTON AH 68858 WWII, 3Div 23/08/2013 Taradale LEANING GJ 515540 05/08/2013 Manurewa, Auckland LEPPER IC 72913 WWII 14/06/2013 Tauranga LEVER JH 424943 WWII, NZ Army 12/09/2013 Orewa LINDQUIST GM NZ6900 WWII, RNZN 16/08/2013 Takaka LINDSAY CR 417217 WWII, RNZAF, 226Sqn 19/01/2013 Waimate LINDSAY NT 271937 WWII, 37Bn 17/08/2013 Invercargill LLOYD DS 581298 RNZAF 27/07/2013 Blenheim LLOYD ME 624018 WWII, Dental Corps 08/09/2013 Christchurch LOCK NL 452675 WWII, 14Bde 3rd Div 23/08/2013 Hamilton LYNCH JJ NZ8276 WWII, RNZN 03/07/2013 Howick
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RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
THE LAST POST WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
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18 Remembering
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
BILL MAINTAIns his FOCUS ON BAT Andrew Henderson, a charge nurse at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Christchurch, was accompanying doctors on their ward rounds when he noticed an elderly visitor filling in time as he waited to see his wife. “Hello,” said Andrew, who deduced from the monogram on his blazer pocket that the man was clearly an ex-serviceman. Andrew told him that his late father had been in the army and the man asked, “What was his outfit?’ Andrew was unsure, but did say he had served in Japan. “So did I,” said the man. “What was his name?” “Bill Henderson,” said Andrew. “Bill Henderson was a mate of mine. He was in 27 Bn,” said the man. “I knew him well and saw a bit of him when we got home.” They chatted on, and then Andrew (he says for no reason at all) said: “Dad always spoke of his mate. He called him Snow, but I never knew his proper name.” “I am Snow,” said the elderly one, more formally known as Lt Evan Williams. This has led to Andrew Henderson presenting 2nd /1st Bn RNZIR with his father’s photographic record of his time in 27 Battalion (2 NZEF Japan). The album contains close to 160 photographs. They have also been put into digital form and will be kept as part of the battalion’s records at Burnham Military Camp, headquarters of 2nd /1st Bn RNZIR. 27 Bn has been absorbed into 2nd /1st Bn RNZIR, which has assumed the responsibility of being the custodian of the 27Bn records. Andrew says photography was a major hobby for his father: “He was a keen amateur who did all the developing of his own pictures. He took a lot of photos in Japan. He really cherished his time with the Japanese people and the Japanese landscape.” He says Bill Henderson was approached by the British Army to become its official war photographer in Japan, but the New Zealand authorities decided they could not let him go because J Force was short of officers. He put together a photographic display for J Force’s 50th reunion in 1996. Andrew says his father was “very humble and quietly proud” of what he had done, and often spoke of his time in J Force and the people he served with. “The bonds were still there. I think he’d be quite chuffed to know that I’ve made Snow’s acquaintance.” If you have information, photographs or anything else you think might be of interest or of value for the 27Bn archives, contact Snow Williams at: evanhwilliams@gmail.com. PHOTOS • The central figures in the 27Bn (2NZEF) photograph album – Bill Henderson (upper left) with four Japanese children, and Evan (Snow) Williams (upper right), on duty in Japan. A small selection from the near 160 photos in the album: • Left, middle: T he 27Bn rugby team. • Left, bottom: An intricate 27Bn passing manoeuvre during the Japanese winter. • Below: he 27Bn ‘gun-boat’. The patrol boat Brunetta was named after battalion commanding officer Lt Col W.F.Titchener’s Italian wife. Many years later Snow Williams tracked her down in Melbourne. • Bottom, right: A sea of faces on a Japanese street. Andrew Henderson says his father, Bill, developed a real love and respect for the Japanese people. • Right: Rex Garlick with Michico. • Right, middle: Kiwis under the cherry blossom at Hagi – rear (from left), Ray Winn, Bob Burns, Bill Henderson and John McCarthy; front, Dave Beck. • Far right: Father Murphy (padre) with two young Japanese women. • Far top right: The crowds come out to watch a 27Bn ‘show of strength’ through the streets.
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
ATTALION
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20 Remembering
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
‘PILGRIMS’ FOLLOW in 28 maori bn steps A group of 50 – some of them relatives or descendants of relatives of members of the Maori Battalion – will make a pilgrimage tour in May to the major sites where the battalion fought during World War 2. The tour itinerary has been designed to combine educational and remembrance aspects The observance of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Tebaga Gap, where 2/Lt Te Moana-nuia-Kiwa Ngarimu won the Victoria Cross will be major part of the pilgrimage. Although the tour is titled the C Company 28th Maori Battalion Pilgrimage, it is open to all. Maori Battalion historian Monty Soutar, who will accompany the tour, says the intention is to show New Zealanders, especially younger people, where their forefathers fought and lived during the five years the 28th Maori Battalion was overseas. The one-month tour, which will depart on May 2, will involves visits to four major locations. They are: • Tunisia, May 4-10 • Italy, May 10-19 • Crete, May 19-22 • Greece, May 23-28 Soutar says the 50 tour participants come from all parts of New Zealand. and range in age from 16 to 80. Most are adults, but eight secondary-school students have confirmed. The itinerary includes visits to eight cemeteries – Sfax and Takrouna (Tunisia), Forli, Faenza, Florence and Cassino (Italy), and Suda Bay and Phaleron (Greece).
2/Lt Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu, VC (centre)
Monty Soutar in a 28th Maori Battalion rifle pit at Mt Olympus, in Greece, during a visit in 2011.
And 12 battle sites – Tebaga Gap, Takrouna, Faenza, Forli, Florence, Tarvanelle (Tuscany region), Cassino, Suda Bay, Sphakia, Piraeus, Lamia and Mt Olympus.
The per-person cost is $12,500, and a handful of seats are still available. Contact: Wilma Beswick (wbeswick@ hot.co.nz).
Tunisia The Tunisian part of the tour will include a day visit to where 2/Lt Ngarimu and his relatives fought so gallantly in 1943. “It will be a moving occasion since some of the people in the party are descendants or relatives of the men who fought on Point 209,” says Monty Soutar. “Similarly, visiting Ngarimu’s gravesite at Sfax will be a poignant moment for the group.” The the party will also go to Takrouna where L-Sgt Haane Manahi won his DCM. Tuscany, Italy Soutar says the Maori Battalion liberated the village of Tarvanelle in the Tuscany region and was among the first units into the outskirts of Florence. New Zealanders and Maori are held in high esteem in villages such as Tarvanelle because the soldiers risked their lives to free the Italians from the Germans. Hence, the invitation to the tour party to civic functions in this region. Faenza, Italy In 1999, 18 veterans and 140 descendants of servicemen who fought in Italy carried
out a kawe mate on behalf of C Company of the Maori Battalion. They visited Faenza and struck up an enduring relationship with its people. Schoolchildren visit the war cemetery every year to place poppies on the New Zealand soldiers’ graves. A commemorative function and a cultural exchange has been organised between the people of Faenza and the tour party. Cassino, Italy The group will attend the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Cassino. This was the place where the largest number of Maori soldiers fell during the Italian Campaign. The tour party will attend the official New Zealand commemoration ceremonies both at the British Commonwealth War Cemetery and at the railway station where so many of the battalion lost their lives. Crete The group’s time in Crete coincides with the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of Crete. There will be commemorative services throughout the week. and lots of people, including veterans from the Allied and Axis countries, will be there.
Aside from gaining a better understanding of the battle of Crete by visiting the sites where the fighting took place and hearing what happened first-hand from the veterans, the tour party will gain an appreciation of the sacrifice Cretan people made to protect New Zealand soldiers while trying to evade capture. Memorials at village after village speak of the reprisals from the Germans because Cretan people assisted New Zealand soldiers. Greece A highlight of the pilgrimage to Greece will be Mt Olympus where, before going to Crete, the 28th Maori Battalion had defended a gorge marked by the Mavroneri River near the timber village of Skoteina. The battalion (600 men at the time) dug in on the slopes of the Balaourea Range and held off the Germans in a sharp encounter before withdrawing over the range to the mountain village of Ay Dimitrios, where trucks were waiting to take them back to Athens. The climb out of the gorge on that wet and windy night became the Maori Battalion’s undying memory of its experience in Greece. Soutar says this will be the first New Zealand party to return to Mt Olympus,and not only will they will meet local villagers, but will see the rifle pits the Maori Battalion dug – and still clearly visible – in the Mavroneri Gorge.
RELATIVES PAY TRIBUTE TO LOST airmen IN DENMARK Six New Zealand relatives made the trip to Denmark for a special commemoration of the seven crew killed when their Stirling III BF506 bomber crashed at Bogballe 70 years ago. Four New Zealand and three British airmen were killed. The New Zealanders at the commemoration were Nelson couple Brian and Diane Ramsay (Diane’s uncle, FSgt Frank Upton, aged, 28, from Christchurch) and Philippa Tolley (a niece of PltOff Alan Tolley, 21, from Wellington), her brother and two of Alan’s great-nieces. The other crew killed were FSgt Ian Salt, 20, of Wellington, and FSgt Cyril Cobb, 30, of Thames. The crash occurred at 10.05pm on April 20, 1943. The crew had taken off from Newmarket, Suffolk to bomb the Baltic ports of Rostock and Stettin, and were were last heard reporting “starboard inner (engine) on fire”. The plane crashed at Bogballe, 15 kilometres north of Vejte and burst into flames. Reports indicate the cause was a night-fighter attack. Diane Ramsay’s father told her about her uncle, but her interest in learning about what happened did not begin until 1982, when she and her husband were holidaying in England. She decided she wanted to see the crash site; they now visited three times. “It was very hard for my grandmother who
Diane Ramsey (light blue jacket), from Nelson, a niece of FSgt Frank Upton, and Adrianne Mary Ellis (dark blue jacket), a daughter of English navigator FSgt William Ellis lay a wreath at a special commemoration for seven airmen killed when their Stirling bomber crashed at Bogballe, Denmark, in 1943. The women are flanked by Lt Arne Rosenkust, a press officer for the Danish Home Guard (left) and Brian Ramsey, Dianne’s husband (right).
had lost a brother during World War I and then a son during World War 2. All of his life my father, the youngest of the four brothers, had a wish to go to Denmark to see the place where his big brother was killed. “However, he never got there, partly because he became ill. That’s why I have always felt I ought to do it, so that one in the family could lay
flowers on his grave and on the spot he crashed.” During a visit in 1998, she was told the Danish Home Guard had organised a brass plaque with the names of the crew (they are all buried in Esbjerg). She thought that she would just be visiting the site, but was amazed when she was asked if she would unveil the memorial stone, with
around 100 people and the mayor present. “Even if I never got to know him, his story has become a part of my story,” she says. “I am proud of him, and I think that it is extremely sad that he lost his life just as it was about to begin.”. H er un cl e h a d ta ken pa r t i n mi n elaying operations over France and eight bombing raids on Germany. This year’s commemoration was at the memorial stone near Bøgballe where the plane was shot down. For the last two years Diane’s husband, Brian Ramsey, has investigated to find relatives of the other airmen, with the result that all but one was represented at the 2013 ceremony. All up, 25 relatives from England, New Zealand and Australia were there, most of them nephews or nieces. They were very young when they lost their lives, so only one of them had founded a family, but also present was a daughter of English navigator FSgt William Ellis. She was just three when he died. Speaking at the ceremony, Philippa Tolley said she did not know her Uncle Allan, but marvels at “the courage, purpose, and what must have been a sense of adventure that led this group to become part of the RAF”.
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RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
Prostate Cancer Awareness
get your prostate wof now Sue Russell Men are being urged to look after their prostate health by having regular checks from the time they turn 40. That’s the key message of the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) of New Zealand’s awareness activities. “One in 10 men will develop prostate cancer,” says the foundation’s chief executive officer, Graeme Woodside. “We call having a check-up getting your warrant of fitness, just like you would for a car. And, for any man with a family history of the disease, checks should begin at 35, he says. He describes the statistics as “alarming and compelling”. “If your father had prostate cancer, you have a 2.5 times greater chance of developing it. If your brother has the disease, the chances are doubled. If your brother and an uncle have or have had the disease, you are five times more likely to succumb. And if your father, brother and uncle all have it, it’s virtually 100% likely you will develop it too.” The most important thing for men to do is to visit their GP and get their PSA levels read. Even when there are no symptoms (and often the disease can be present and symptom-free), establishing a base-line PSA reading will help track potential development of problems because the GP has a history to work from. Prostate cancer, which affects 10% of New Zealand men and is the cause of more than 600 deaths each year, has been the focus of an intensive awareness and fundraising campaign, Blue September, spearheaded by the PCF.
Graeme Woodside says the campaign is now a well-established annual event. Activities this year included a Sunday Mud Rush kids’ cross-country event, a dinner and a motor-bike run. The campaign and the cause has attracted the support of sponsors such as Placemakers, SKYCITY, M2 Magazine, The Coffee Club, Corey’s Electrical, Vintage Harvest, Barkers, and the Vodafone Warriors. Former All Black captain Buck Shelford was a Blue September ambassador and the Mad Butcher, Sir Peter Leitch, is the PCF patron. During September businesses, clubs and organisations, friends and families were encouraged to “get blue’ each Friday by painting faces blue or wearing blue, and holding a fundraising event. The PCF receives no government funding and the Blue September campaign is a major source of income, says Woodside. “The money raised goes in three main directions. One third goes into research – we’re committed to giving at least $200,000 each year to this. “It also provides support via the 0800 4
PROSTATE helpline, and it goes towards wider education about prostate and testicular cancer.” Research into the disease is being done at Otago and Auckland universities, and in what Woodside describes as a significant development, a software package has been developed for GPs to use when examining and testing male patients. This will standardise and improve the gathering of data, he says. “The software contains a special module that will lead GPs through to record baseline and follow-up PSA readings,” he says. “This will also give researchers and our foundation much more effective information downstream.” Information – Helpline: 0800 4 PROSTATE; Website: www. prostate.org.nz;
We call having a (prostrate) check- up getting your warrant of fitness, just like you would for a car.
‘Don’t hesitate to find out’ – lesson from Jimmy’s journey Sue Russell Jimmy, from Raglan, remembers when his journey with prostate cancer began. “It was winter last year and I started to get a sore back. I’d feel it when I was playing bowls and first of all thought I’d aggravated an old injury from my days as a cyclist. I tried lots of things to help, it but it continued to get worse, so I went to my doctor who sent me for an x-ray of my lower back. When the results of the x-ray came back, the doctor recommended an MRI of the lumbar spine. It showed fractures of L1, L2 and L3, along with damage to his pelvis. This was November 2012. Jimmy, in his early 70s, had never had a PSA test. A top cyclist in his day, he kept in pretty good health until recently. For whatever reason, the issue of prostate cancer and the recommendation to have regular PSA tests never came up as he got older. He was referred to a urologist, who suggested To page 22
1 IN 10 NZ MEN WILL DEVELOP PROSTATE CANCER.
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RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
Health & Well-Being
Smoking ‘like playing Russian Roulette’ Doug smoked on and off for most of his life; he describes himself as “a part-time, always-givingup smoker”. He worked in a demanding job for 40 years and was looking forward to retiring and having a bit of time to do what he wanted to do. But having COPD has so adversely affected his quality of life that he can’t do any of the things he had planned, such as gardening, cycling and bush walking. The only message he wants to give people is: “Stop smoking now – your health and future are worth it.” Eighty percent of people with the chronic lung disease, COPD – currently more than 200,000 over 45 in New Zealand - were smokers. It often goes undiagnosed in the early stages. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing and phlegm, and are often ignored until they are severe. Whether you have mild or severe disease,
it’s not too late to stop smoking to improve your breathing. Doug’s life has changed dramatically since he was diagnosed with COPD. He is now on oxygen nearly all the time: “If I take it off, I find that after an hour I’m starting to struggle and I can’t get stable until I put it back on.” COPD is a frightening disease. “When you run out of breath you can panic,” says Doug. “You can even panic thinking about running out of breath – it is very much a mental game. You have to really get passed this stage, that it’s all in my mind.” If you are a smoker, you have a 20% chance of getting COPD. “It’s like playing Russian roulette with your health,” says Asthma Foundation medical adviser Kyle Perrin. “You also don’t know how much smoking you’ll need – some people with COPD were
heavy smokers and others may have smoked only lightly when they were young. It’s all down to genes. Why take the risk, give up today.” Doug agrees. Having COPD meant he had to stop work two years before he intended to, largely because he was finding it increasingly difficult to do his job. “It was small things. I would have to leave earlier than everyone else to get to meetings on time as I couldn’t walk as fast as the others. Everything became progressively more difficult – walking, getting dressed, having a shower. I became progressively more and more disabled.” He is lucky he has excellent support through his family and very close friends. He still lives in his own house as another family lives with him and provides practical support. He also feels he is extremely lucky with the government support that helps keep him in his home. Learning techniques for getting his
breath back when he runs out of breath, making an effort to keep himself well through eating well, and working closely with his medical team are important if he is to stay well, He enjoyed pulmonary rehabilitation at the hospital. It’s designed to keep you moving and active. Doug’s message to smokers: “I wouldn’t take the gamble – you have to stop, and you need to go and get help to do it.” The Asthma Foundation also urges people to stop smoking, and, if they having difficulty breathing or coughing, to get to their doctor to get tested for COPD. Early detection and management can slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. Information, support and guidance is available from local asthma societies and trusts. Website – www.asthmafoundation.org.nz.
‘Don’t hesitate’ – the lesson from jimmy’s personal journey From page 21
he immediately start hormone treatment, in the form of implants, designed to slow down or stop the production of testosterone. “The decisiveness of my urologist to get under way with treatment was something I remember I found really positive.” He was told the situation was not curable, but treatable: “Actually it was a relief to find out what was going on. I went home from that
appointment and told my wife. That was tough.” Since this time, Jimmy’s attitude has very much been to take each day as it comes, to remain positive, and to focus his energy on his wife and family. “There isn’t any point being down in the dumps about what I’m living with. That doesn’t help anyone, especially my wife and family. They’re my priority and it’s a way to get through this.” These days he is on heavy-duty pain-relief
and gets about with the help of a walking-stick. In the relatively short time since diagnosis, the disease has taken its toll. “Just as well I’ve got the ability to remain firm in my approach to dealing with this,” he says. “ I made the decision to adopt a ‘take it on the chin’ attitude right from day one. That isn’t going to change.” Sharing his experiences and how he’s feeling is something Jimmy says helps. He understands
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that people react in their own way to his situation, but a few people he has a heart-to-heart with at his local club are part of his support structure. Jimmy’s message to men who have never had a PSA test or discussed prostate cancer with their GPs is not to hesitate. “My PSA reading was not all that high when I first had it measured, yet the disease had already got away on me, so my advice to men is to get checked over and not wait for any symptoms.”
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24 Health & Well-Being
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
Let’s clear the air around war disablement pensions Margaret Snow, RNZRSA manager advocacy and support services Some people have some very strange ideas about war disablement pensions, health conditions and what is covered by the war-pensions legislation. Unfortunately, one or two of them air their perceived grievances and incorrect information on Facebook and other social media sites. For instance, the person who believes that getting to 70% or more war disablement pension makes an ex-service person a veteran. In the war-pensions world, a veteran is someone who has served in a recognised war or emergency. They are listed on the Veterans Affairs New Zealand 1 and 2 war disablement pension application forms, starting at World War 2 and going through the major conflicts of Korea, Malaya and Vietnam, but with a myriad of other operations such as Operation Grapple and the Mururoa protest as well as peace-making and peace-keeping operations such as Bosnia, Bougainville, Timor Leste, Solomon Islands and Afghanistan. The list is far too long to include here.
So, if you have served in the New Zealand Defence Force in any of the wars or emergencies on the list, you are entitled to call yourself a veteran (even though our younger veterans don’t like that term) and you are entitled to make claims for war disablement pensions with a reduced level of proof that your disability or health condition was caused by your service. Note, however, that everyone who served before accident compensation came into being is also entitled to make a claim for a service-related disability. However, if you didn’t have war or emergency service, you have to do a bit more to prove that your disability or health condition was caused by your service. What does getting to 70% war disablement pension do then? If you are a veteran, it will allow you, if you are entitled to New Zealand superannuation, to exchange your New Zealand Super for a veteran’s pension with its perks of a community services card regardless of your income and assets. You can also keep the full
Check on eligibility for services cemeteries Many people around New Zealand call the “services cemeteries” the “RSA cemeteries”. However, they are not RSA cemeteries. The RSA does not manage them. Eligibility for burial in a services cemetery is enshrined in the Burial and Cremation Act 1964, which allows a person with the relevant active service to be buried there. The list of eligible service is on the Veterans’
Affairs New Zealand website – www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz. In some cases, such as service in World War 2, veterans from other countries can be buried in services cemeteries as well. If there is any question about eligibility, go to the VANZ website and check, or contact your local RSA or RNZRSA manager advocacy and support services Margaret Snow.
amount of the pension if you go into a public hospital for more than 13 weeks, and on your death, your spouse or partner or dependent children can receive a lump-sum payment of about $5700. Anyone who was, or could have been, on 70% or more war disablement pension when their spouse/partner died will be able to make a claim for a surviving spouse pension. It’s clear that not every health concern or disability a person has is due to service. You need to be pretty sure the disability you are asking VANZ to accept for a war disablement pension is due to something that happened in your service. Problems can arise with smoking, simply because a court case in the early 1990s in many ways made smoking-related illnesses easier to be accepted, but also put some constraints on that acceptance. You would normally need to have started smoking in service, and more especially on active service, unless you can show you had severe stressors during service; unfortunately, peer pressure is not deemed a severe stressor. Our younger veterans are entitled to help through both accident compensation and war disablement pensions for any injury causing disability whilst on active service. Those with non-active service are, like the rest of us, looking only to ACC for help. If you know of a younger veteran, who served after April 1,1974 and now has a disability caused by his/her active service, do persuade them to talk to their local RSA support adviser or contact me (04 8949183 or margarets@rsa.org.nz) and we can put them on the road to obtaining the support they need.
Have you say – tell us what you think about home help Are you receiving assistance from the Accident Compensation Commission for home help or personal care? If yes: • Does your personal carer arrive at the right time for your needs? For example, if you need help with rising from your bed, does your carer arrive at the time you want to get up, showered and ready for the day? If not, has your carer given you a good reason for that? • Does your home help do all the tasks he/ she has been contracted to do? • Does this person do the duties to your satisfaction? I am aware that you will receive Accident Compensation Commission satisfaction questionnaires about the services you receive from the organisation. But I would like to hear your views independently of the ACC set-up. That will provide the RNZRSA with a better view of the way personal care and home help is conducted around New Zealand. Contact: Margaret Snow, RNZRSA, PO.O.Box 27 248, Marion Square, Wellington 6141. Email: margarets@rsa.org.nz.
25
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
RSA Life
‘quite a journey’ comes to an end
Retiring RNZRSAWaikato/King Country/Bay of Plenty president Alex and Jenny Pluck (right) receive the congratulations of the new district president, Clive Collingwood, and his wife, Shirley, at a farewell function at the district annual meeting at the Waihi Memorial RSA.
A scholarship for Matt – at 90 Matt Ryan’s work for his community was recognised when the Ngaruawahia RSA announced the James Martin Ryan RSA welfare scholarship at his 90th-birthday celebrations. He has spent 64 years living in and contributing to the Ngaruawahia community. Matt Ryan, who served in World War 2, is a long-standing member of the Ngaruawahia RSA Memorial Club, spending 18 years on the committee, 13 of them as chairman. A member of the Ngaruawahia RSA Welfare Trust describes him as a true gentleman and says it was an honour to create this scholarship in his name to recognise his long and loyal service. The $1000 scholarship will be awarded to help anyone who has been accepted into a pre-apprenticeship training programme in the building and construction trades. It is open to Ngaruawahia residents who have lived in the
Alex Pluck was farewelled after nine years in the role of the RNZRSA‘s Waikato/King Country/Bay of Plenty president. The Waihi Memorial RSA was packed for the function, which was part of the district’s annual meeting on August 11. After serving from 1953-56, Alex Pluck has been an RSA member since 1981. He was elected district president in 2004. Waihi Memorial RSA president John Davies described the retiring president as “very knowledgeable and helpful”. “He has a very quiet sense of humour and is one of those guys who gets the job done. He was a good person for the role, and a nice guy with a good understanding of what was needed in his role as president.” In accepting a $1000 travel voucher, Alex Pluck said his time in office had been quite a journey, and enjoyable. Alex Pluck was also on the committee of the RNZRSA, and RNZRSA president Don McIver was present for the farewell.
Small service now a Motueka annual A small pre-Anzac Day memorial service at a Motueka cemetery has become an annual event. The service originated in 2009 when the Motueka Memorial RSA Women’s Section decided to remember all servicemen and women who have fought in any war to protect New Zealand. It is held two days before Anzac Day to include people unable to come on Anzac Day. The local army cadet unit manages the flag duties, the poppies are put on the base of the flagpole, and several locals (including David Ogilvie, Alan Vincent, Ian Martin, Noel Tapper
and Ewan Grant) have addressed the gathering. Trevor Squires, Neil Bowdler and Rev Norman have been the officiating ministers; the section’s patroness, Mildred Organ, has laid the wreath; and trumpeter Ian Willetts has played The Last Post.
Below: Pauline Sharkey (left), a former Motueka RSA Women’s Section vice-president, and patroness Mildred Organ, who laid the wreath at the commemoration. Photo: Shirley Lunn.
Matt Ryan...’true gentleman’ and Ngaruawahia community man . Photo: North Waikato News
area for more than five years. It will be given each year, and will be managed by the Ngaruawahia RSA Welfare Trust.
67th RNZRSA NATIONAL OUTDOOR BOWLING TOURNAMENT 17th – 19th March 2014. Commencing with Dinner on Sunday night. Tokoroa RSA Women’s Section members help longtime RSA members and Cyril Allan (centre row) and Bob McKenty (front) celebrate their awards. Photo: South Waikato News.
‘Tireless workers’ honoured in Tokoroa Years of contributing to the Tokoroa RSA were honoured when Bob McKenty was presented with a gold star and Cyril Allan with a merit badge at a ceremony in August. Bob McKenty 444037 served in the RNZAF. He joined the Tokoroa RSA in 1977, and was involved in the club leadership for 17 years – three years on the executive, 12 years as vice president and two years as president. He was elected a life member of the club in 1996, and is the current patron of the South
Waikato branch of the King’s Empire Veterans. Cyril Allan 593107, a Korean War veteran, joined the Tokoroa RSA in 1990, has been on the club executive since March 1992, and is the current president. He was elected a life member in 2004. He was the RSA representative on the Air Training Corps for eight years and has organised the Poppy Appeal boxes in Tokoroa for 10 years. Club vice-president Ken Reid described the two men as “tireless workers” for the RSA.
HOSTS: MOUNT MAUNGANUI R.S.A. To be played on greens at Mt. Maunganui, Omanu and Tauranga Domain Clubs.. OPTIONAL TRIPLES – 3 bowls each (can be composite). All players in the team must be members of an RSA. Entry Fees remain the same as last year ($240.00 per team), superb Tournament Prizes and excellent sponsored spot prizes. ENTRIES CLOSE 20th February 2014
Contact
Athol Preston Tournament Manager Mount Maunganui RSA, PO Box 4011. Mount Maunganui South Ph/Fax: 07 575 4477. Email: mtrsa@xtra.co.nz
26
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
What’s On MONTHLY/TWO-MONTHLY CMT ASSOCIATION, SOUTH AUCKLAND BRANCH Meeting, second Saturday of month, Papakura RSA. Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome to join. Contact: John Bennetts - jandsbennetts@xtra.co.nz; 09 2986847. ITALY STAR ASSOCIATION (CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH) Meetings 20 Apr, 22 Jun, 10 Aug, 19 Oct, 23 Nov (luncheon) 1.30pm, Cashmere Club, 88 Hunter Tce, Christchurch. All welcome. Contact: Peter Scott, chairman - 27 Kenwyn Ave, St.Albans, Christchurch 8052; 03 3556732; peter.judy@actrix.co.nz. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH, ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION Meetings, 13 Apr, 8 Jun,10 Aug, 12 Oct, 14 Dec, 2pm, Pt Chevalier RSA, Auckland. Full membership to serving or former RM, RMR and RN, HM Forces RM units, family members, Royal Marines Cadets. Contact: Peter Collins - 634 Papakura-Clevedon Road, Ardmore RD2, Papakura 2582; 09 2967648; 0211 417119. peter-collins@xtra.co.nz; http://www.royalmarinesassociation.org/nz/rma_nz_home.html
OCTOBER RNZN ELECTRICAL REUNION 10-14 Oct, Picton. For Ems and REMs. Application forms, with programme, availabe from and enquiries to: Roger Campbell – 29 Devon St, Picton; 03 5735107; 021 2077620; rogercampbell@ clear.net.nz. 3RD RNZE BRANCH, SAPPERS’ ASSOCIATION 14-16 Oct, visit to Coolangatta to celebrate Sappers Day 2013 with colleagues in Australia. Contact: Eric Elley, vice-president – 03 3107385; sunnyanderic@clear.net.nz. RNZA ASSN AGM/REUNION 18-20 Oct, Palmerston North/Linton, in conjunction with 16 Field Regiment. All gunners, past and present,invited. Registration details to come. Contact: Tony McLeod - rnza.association@ gmail.com; RNZAA.org.nz. CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH CADET UNIT 25TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION 25-27 Oct (Labour Weekend), Christchurch. Weekend of festivities for past cadets, officers and supporters. Enquiries: cccu.25@gmail.com; 03 3439557 Mondays 1800-2100 hours. HMNZS TOROA 85TH-YEAR REUNION 25 -27 Oct (Labour weekend). Contact: Toroa Reunion, 211St Andrews St, Dunedin;03 4778883; amanda.buchanan@nzdf.mil.nz ROYAL AUSTRALIAN CORPS OF SIGNALS ASSN NATIONAL REUNION 25-28 Oct (Labour weekend), Barossa Valley, South Australia. Register: http://www.rasigs.com. Contact: RASigs Assn SA - Bruce Long, 0417 227533; president.sa@rasigs.com. 2RNZIR BAND REUNION 25-28 Oct (Labour Weekend). Expressions of interest sought. Contact: Les Thompson - 03 323 8984; 021 02227739; steelhip@clear.net.nz.
novEMBER HMNZS TARANAKI, ALL-SHIPS REUNION 1-3 Nov, Papatoetoe Cosmopolitan Club, Auckland. Shipmates from all RNZN ships invited. Expressions of interest close 30 Apr, registration forms available 1 May. Contact: Reunion2013@hmnzstaranaki.org. Bill Sedgwick – P.O.Box 72831, Papakura 2244; 09 2963022. Bob Gage 09 4838502. Charlie Govind 09 2998089. Raniera (Dan) Bassett 09 2637247. REME ASSOCIATION & BSXBA NEW
ZEALAND BRANCHES Annual meeting/ reunion, 8-10 Nov, Rotorua RSA. Contact: Alan Butler, chairman - 09 2998318; butlerallee@ xtra.co.nz. Joy Bell, secretary, 09 5333525; emjabee@xtra.co.nz. New members welcome.
RNZN ENGINE ROOM BRANCH REUNION (PROPOSED) 6-8 Nov, Napier. Expressions of interest. Contact: Dennis Zachan – 12 Norrie Place,Tamatea, Napier; 06 8442201; 021 673242.
ITALY STAR ASSOCIATION (CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH) New members, veterans, family members, historians. Contact: Peter Scott, chairman - 27 Kenwyn Ave, St.Albans, Christchurch 8052; 03 3556732; peter.judy@actrix.co.nz.
NEW ZEALAND BATTLE OF CRETE ASSOCIATION 19 Nov (luncheon), 10.30am, Mount Maunganui RSA. Contact: Deidre Hauschild, c/- Mt Maunganui RSA,P.O.Box 4011, Mt Maunganui South 3116; 07 5764362; ldhausch@xtra.co.nz.
2016
MOUNTED TROOPERS ASSOCIATION North Island branch of Royal NZ Armoured Corps Association. The $25 annual subscription fee includes membership of both the MTA and the RNZAC. Anyone who is serving or has served in RNZAC units in any way is eligible join - the only criteria is that you must have worn the ‘Black Beret’. Spouses of deceased eligible personnel are welcome. The MTA aims to bring former comrades together again through national reunions, members’ birthdays, funerals, unveilings, and regimental occasions to which the association is invited. Managed by a sixperson trust board - Chris Cooper (chairman), Bob Williams (secretary), Christine Campbell (treasurer), Doug Morrow, Geoff Kreegher and Colin Campbell. Prospective members in New Zealand should contact nearest troop coordinator; if you’re overseas, contact the MTA secretary. Contacts: Secretary - Bob Williams, P.O. Box 384, Thames 3540, New Zealand; +64 7 8686506; bw.crescent@xtra.co.nz. Troop coordinators - Auckland: Moa Larkins, P.O.Box 300014, Albany, Auckland 752; manofaction@ slingshot.co.nz. Waikato/Bay of Plenty:Chris Cooper, cooppen@xtra.co.nz; 07 5444917. Hawke’s Bay: Willie Walker, 19 Pania Place, Parklands Estate, Napier; willieanddenise@ hotmail.co.nz. Taranaki: Lenny Robinson, LENR@xtra.co.nz; 06 7638594. Central/Soputhern North Island: Stew Couchman, blongami@xtra. co.nz; 06 3258593.
NEW ZEALAND MALAYA VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION (INC) NATIONAL REUNION 2013 ‘Taste East Coast’, 21-24 Nov, Gisborne. Registration forms: www.malayavets.co.nz. Enquiries: Colin Moana – col.bev@slingshot. co.nz; 117 Roebuck Rd, Gisborne; 06 8686353. RNZN PTI REUNION 22-24 Nov, Devonport Naval Base and Ngataringa Sports Complex, Auckland. Enquiries: WOPTI Peter Hodge – Fleet Gymnasium, Devonport Naval Base; 09 4455152; 021 1344733; peter.hodge@nzdf. mil.nz. RNZEME CORPS DAY/ST ELIGIUS DAY Nov-1 Dec, Rotorua RSA. Contact: Rolly Rolston - 07 3481055; 07 3481055 (fax); rotrsa@xtra.co.nz.
JANUARY 2014 PARKINSON CLASS 1964 - REGULAR FORCE CADET SCHHOL REUNION 17-19 Jan, Rotorua RSA. 50-year aniversary of joining the army. Contact: Gordon Forrester, RF cadet 1964-66, reunion organiser - 04 5262349 (home); 027 4316799; gordon.forrester@xtra.co.nzon Forrester NEW ZEALAND CADET FORCES 150TH ANNIVERSARY Jan, camp Waiouru. CONTACT: Sqn Ldr Bruce Sinclair
FEBRUARY 2014 M FLIGHT 17 COURSE BOY ENTRANTS RNZAF 7-9 Feb Woodbourne, Blenheim. Contact: Ralph Brunsdon - brunsdon@ihug. co.nz; Tom Attwood – c/- Rotorua RSA, 1072 Haupapa St, Rotorua; tomattwood@xtra.co.nz.
MARCH 21 COURSE BOY ENTRANTS RNZAF 21-23 Mar Woodbourne, Blenheim. This was “the last of the brats” - those on the next course were called “airman cadets”. Contact: Geoff Hare, Tom Easterbrook, James Wood - moenui3@ gmail.com.
MAY 2ND CMT-NATIONAL SERVICE REUNION 3-5 May, Wellington. Will mark 64 years since the Compulsory Military Training (November 1950-August 1958) and 52 years since National Service (May 1962-August 1972) started in New Zealand. Programme: Friday evening - meet-and-greet, Saturday – morning, bus trips round points of interest in the city on Saturday morning; evening, formal dinner, banquet hall,Parliament Buildings; Sunday morning - church service. Expressions of interest close Jun 30, 2013; registrations form available from Jul 6. Contact: John Hannan – 021 234803; jhannan@paradise.net.nz; John Mudgway – 06 3788055; 027 6840842; johnmudgway@xtra.co.nz.
JUNE RNZRSA NATIONAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE/ANNUAL MEETING 16-17 Jun Tauranga RSA. Contact: Deidre Rich - 09 8343998; richfamily@xtra.co.nz.
NOVEMBER - 2015
23 INTAKE RNZAF AIRMAN CADET SCHOOL/5 CET 5OTH ANNIVERSARY Anniversary reunion proposed. If interested, contact: Dave Bryant – davebryant@telus.net; https:// sites.google.com/site/23intakeairmancadet schoolrnzaf/home.
CALLS TO JOIN AUCKLAND CMT/NS ASSOCIATION INC
Welcomes all ex-CMT & National Service men who trained with the army, navy and air force under the scheme. Contact: Brian Caltaux - 09 4202004;caltauxbands@xtra.co.nz. BRITISH AIRBORNE FORCES (NZ) INC Are (or were) you para-Trained? Would you like to meet other ex-(or even current) paras, from the Parachute Regiment, SAS, or from the supporting arms - engineers, signals, medics, artillery etc? Would you like to help maintain the Airborne spirit around the world, and particularly in New Zealand? We meet regularly in Northern (Auckland to Taupo), Central (Taupo to Wellington) and Southern (South Island). Full membership - all ranks of Parachute Regiment, SAS, supporting arms, and those with special service to British Airborne Forces; associate membership - immediate family; afflilate membership - those in airborne units of other countries. Contact: Frank Clark, president - 04 2336123. Roy Tilley, secretary - 04 5660850, rmt@ xtra.co.nz. Website, www.britishairbornenz. tripod.com. CANT NMWC REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION Seeking members to rekindle their activity with the association. Regular meetings at Papanui RSA, Christchurch. Send rank, name, address, phone number and e-mail address to: Frank Newsome - 107a Langdons Rd, Papanui Christchurch 8053; 03 3525471; frankandaudrey@ clear.net.nz. CMT ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH INC If you took part in CMT or National Service training in the army, navy or air force, contact: Alison Smith, secretary - CMT Assoc Inc, 21 Kearneys Rd, Bromley, Christchurch 8062, 03 9817623, legles@paradise.net.nz. CMT ASSOCIATION SOUTH AUCKLAND BRANCH Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome. Meets monthly, 2nd Saturday, Papakura RSA. Contact: John Bennetts - jandsbennetts@ xtra.co.nz; 09 2986847. CMT ASSOCIATION SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome. Contact: Bruce Townshend – 14 Ewen Rd, Temuka 7920; 03 6156637; Temuka-RSA@ xtra.co.nz. HOROWHENUA ARTILLERY ASSOCIATION – LEVIN 50th year, seeking new members - gunners, ex-gunners, associated corps. Meets May and September to celebrate Gunners’ Day and El Alamein Day, lunch, Levin RSA. Contact: Adam Gibson - 34 Gordon Place, Levin; 06 3684187. EX-RAF HALTON, RAF LOCKING OR RAF CRANWELL AIRCRAFT, RNZAF APPRENTICES. Contact: Ed Austin - 67/46 Beresford St, Pukekohe 2120, 09 2392698, edaustin38@gmail.com. HMNZS LACHLAN 1949–53 FIRST TWO COMMISSIONS 60th ANNIVERSARY, FINAL REUNION Contact: Keith Goddard - 4 Kimberley Rd, Waihi 3610, 07 8633318, 021 2516220, goddz@ xtra.co.nz. Frank Robb - 14/57 Enfield St, Hamilton 3200, 07 8644246.
NEW ZEALAND BRANCH, ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION Meets two-monthly, 2pm, Pt Chevalier RSA, Auckland. Full membership to serving or former RM, RMR and RN, HM Forces RM units, family members, Royal Marines Cadets. Contact: Peter Collins, 634 PapakuraClevedon Rd, Ardmore R.D.2, Papakura 2582; 09 2967648; 021 1417119; peter-collins@xtra. co.nz; www.royalmarinesassociation.org/nz/ rma_nz_home.html. NEW ZEALAND KOREA VETERANS ASSOCIATION INC Veteran membership available to NZDF members who have completed a posting in the United Nations Military Commission since 1 Jan 1958 and have been awarded appropriate medallic recognition. Membership details: Douglas Callander, secretary - 23 Longcroft Tce, Newlands, Wellington 6037; 04 4783238; 04 4783602 (fax); callanderd@clear.net.nz. NEW ZEALAND MALAYAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION INC Welcomes new members who served with Commonwealth forces or police in Malaya/Malaysia/Borneo or Singapore. Contact: Barry Allison – 6 Coldstream Rd, Gisborne 4010; 06 8677284; bazbarbzinggizzie@xtra.co.nz. OX & BUCKS LI, KINGS ROYAL RIFLE CORPS, RIFLE BRIGADE AND ROYAL GREEN JACKETS All past members of RGJ and former regiments invited. Contact: Frank Jones - 09 4766974. RAF CHANGI ASSOCIATION Includes HQ FAR EAST AIRFORCE, seeks NZ members ex RAF or RNZAF, who served at RAF Changi 1946-71. Contact: B W Lloyd - 32 Redwood, Burnham, Bucks, SL1 8JN, UK. REGULAR FORCE CADET ASSOCIATION (INC) Provides contact between ex-cadets and enables them to re-establish contacts. Membership - $10 a year (July 1-June 30). Contact: Secretary, RF Cadet Association, P.O.Box 715, Paraparaumu 5032; www.rfcadet,org.nz. RNZAF COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE GRADUATES The New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College has formed an alumni
RSA LIfe 27
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
Commemorative trees continue to grow in devonport
In a simple ceremony three World War 2 casualties were added to the commemorative trees and plaques on Devonport’s Memorial Drive. The dedication of a plinth and plaque (provided by the Devonport RSA) on August 23 marked the addition of Lt John Walker RNZN (died December 26, 1944), FgOff Ronald Blamires RCAF ( August 2, 1942) and FgOff Kenneth McArthur RNZAF (September 24, 1945). A total of 62 “sons of Devonport” are now remembered there. Memorial Drive, a gazetted part of Lake Road on the approaches to Devonport, was created in 1952. Thirty-eight trees – pohutukawas and norfolk pines – were planted on either side of the road, each with an individual plaque. The names were sourced largely from school and church records, but the list proved incomplete as families that had left Devonport after the war were largely unaware of the existence of Memorial Drive. Plaques were added to a
further 17 trees in 1956, and more names have continued to come forward. In recent years there have been 59 trees with plaques. In 2012, Graham (Johnnie) Walker, the son of Lt John Walker RNZN, and himself a former RNZN warrant officer, asked the Devonport RSA to facilitate a tree being dedicated to his father. Lt Walker was lost in the English Channel in 1944 when HMS Capel was torpedoed by U486 off Cherbourg. Johnnie Walker and his mother lived in Devonport at the time, but moved from the area in 1948, so his father was not included in the original list. Devonport RSA secretary Fred Wilson, one of the schoolchildren who planted the trees 60 years previously, advertised in local papers and found two more Devonport airmen, one killed in a bombing raid near Rouen, France, the other when his Dakota aircraft was lost on a transport flight between Espiritu Sano and Whenuapai.
NWA pledges continuing support for hospice, children with cancer
Papatoetoe’s Mr Fix-It earns his badge on merits A 33-year involvement with the RSA movement was recognised when Murray (R.M.) Smith was awarded a RNZRSA Merit Badge by the Papatoetoe & Districts RSA. It began in 1980 when he was voted onto the committee of the Otahuhu RSA. In 1982 he was appointed club manager, and, in 1987 secretary manager. He resigned from Otahuhu in 1994 and became a member of the Papatoetoe RSA in 1996. At one point when Papatoetoe was experiencing managerial problems, he stepped in and took over the reins very successfully until a replacement was found, even though he was already a committee member, club vice-president and club president He was also responsible in revamping the club’s welfare system, which was in disarray, and maintained the welfare portfolio until 2011; he still handles funerals and pension-related matters. In late 2004 he started informal talks with the Southern Cross Cadets and was instrumental in bringing the unit to Papatoetoe in 2005. He is the club delegate with the cadets. He is also still very strongly involved in the
association. Records of previous associations’ members were misplaced during move from Whenuapai to Trentham in 2004. Contact is if you wish to join, would like latest information, or wish to re-connect with former colleagues and course members. Contact: Alumni secretary NZDF CSC - Trentham Military Camp, Private Bag 905, Upper Hutt 5140; 04 5271008; 04 5271009 (fax); csc.alumni@nzdf.mil.nz. ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVAL ASSOCIATION, CANTERBURY BRANCH All who served in RNZN
Johnnie Walker and his partner, Kathleen Whatuira, after the dedication ceremony and on their way to lay their tribute to his father, Lt John Walker Royal New Zealand Navy.
1914 and 1918 to mark the centenary of World War 1. He also spoke about the white-cross project, Anzac of the Year, National Office restructuring and the speech competition. Next year’s annual meeting and conference will be held in Tauranga on June 16-17.
Auckland RSA youth movement, and in 2011, the Auckland RSA awarded him a plaque for his long, fruitful service to the organisation. In nominating Murray Smith for the Merit Badge award, current Papatoetoe & Districts RSA president Laurie Everitt described him a person who strongly advocates the RSA motto, People Helping People.
Kids with cancer, hospices and disadvantaged children will benefit from support pledged at the RNZRSA National Women’s Association annual meeting/conference at the Tauranga RSA in June. The NWA will make donations to Kids Can (which works on behalf of disadvantaged children), Hospice New Zealand, and the Child Cancer Foundation’s Stars of Courage project, which involves donating $500 to buy a star for a child with cancer; the star will be named after that child. Each of these causes was represented at the conference. Melanie Elliot discussed the work of Kids Can in low-decile schools, a cause already supported by many RSA women’s sections. Author Elaine Bell delivered a humorous account of her life – profits from her books go the hospice movement. Country singer Joy Adams performed a song she has written to support Stars of Courage Margaret McIver has agreed to be the RNZRSA NWA patroness – a decision “we are all thrilled about”, says NWA president Angel Erstich. Also at the meeting, RNZRSA president Don McIver outlined the celebrations planned between
or Commonwealth navies, and their partners, welcome. Monthly meetings, regular social get-togethers, ship visits, four newsletters a year. Contact: Miles McIlraith (ex-RNZN), treasurer – 4987 State Highway 75, R.D., Little River 7591; 03 3251937; 03 3251936 (fax).
preserve memories, and commemorate those who were injured, and fell in action. Attends Remembrance Day and Anzac Day parades, and regular meetings. Information and application form: Chris Pattison -021 2316612; ytrose@ vodafone.co.nz.
and commemorate those who were injured, and fell in action. Attends Remembrance Day and Anzac Day parades, and regular meetings. Information and application form: Chris Pattison -021 2316612; ytrose@ vodafone.co.nz.
SOUTH AFRICAN MILITARY VETERANS OF AUSTRALASIA (SAMVOA) All who served in uniform in South Africa and now live in New Zealand are invited to join. SAMVOA, which is running in Australia, is intended to
THE NEW ZEALAND MALAYA VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION All who served in uniform in South Africa and now live in New Zealand are invited to join. SAMVOA, which is running in Australia, is intended to preserve memories,
TS VINDICATRIX ASSOCIATION Ex-Vindicatrix boys – those who served on the training ship – invited to join the association’s Lower North Island branch. Write: Arthur Woolard – 21 Pohutukawa Drive, R.D.1, Levin 5571.
Murray Smith (left) receives his Merit Badge and Certificate from the RNZRSA’s Auckland district vice-president, Graham Dolan.
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RNZRSA National Women’s Association president Angel Erstich receives her Gold Star award from RNZRSA Northland district president Ian McDougal.
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28
RSA Life: Howick RSA
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
FOOD SEEN AS THE ENTREE for new MEMBErS Karen Phelps In keeping with the Howick RSA’s motto of ‘remembering our past, embracing our future’, the the club is making changes to open its doors to the community, says secretary manager Clint Leger. Seeing that their food offering could be a real point of difference in the local area, the RSA has chosen to outsource its catering to Martin Crump, who has cooked in clubs for many years and is well acquainted with the clientele and its needs, says Leger. The club restaurant has been named ‘Crumpy’s Restaurant’ and completely refurbished in shades of cream and grey, with soft honey-tone lighting, to give a more modern, sophisticated appearance, he says.. The menu has also been revamped. The old favourites – fish and chips, lambs fry and bacon and scotch fillet steak – remain, but newer offerings, such as chicken coconut curry and smoky bacon carbonara pasta, reflect a growing sophistication, says Leger. “Food is the future to bring in new members,” he adds. “People like to go out and eat. Basically the usual high standards in terms of food and service will continue with a fresh take on the menu and more sophisticated surroundings for our members to enjoy.” He says that since Martin Crump took over the restaurant, there has been a noticeable increase in a younger clientele enjoying the a la carte offerings. In a bid to make families feel more welcome in the RSA, the restaurant has introduced a family dinner on the first Sunday of each month.
It’s a buffet carvery and dessert, plus live entertainment. Also new is a kids’ disco once a month on a Saturday. It has been attracting 30-40 children, and Leger says it has been great to see so many kids coming into the RSA. There are plans to develop a specific children’s area, with games and entertainment, to keep the ‘littlies’ amused. “Howick is rejuvenating and a lot of younger families are living here. It’s important we start making families and their children feel welcome as those children are the future of the RSA.” Leger says there is also a focus on opening the RSA up to community groups –line dancing and rock’n’roll classes, and mahjong sessions are already being held there. “We’re trying to remove barriers and open our doors to the public. There is still the perception that you have to be returned services to use an RSA, but that is not the case, of course.” The next step is to educate the public and get the word out that anyone is free to join the RSA. “It’s about letting people in the area know we are here and becoming a hub in the community,” says Leger. The Howick RSA lists a dance floor, lounge bar and sports bar, 18 Aristocrat and IGT gaming machines, pool and snooker tables, and Sky TV among its facilities. There’s live entertainment most Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Events are listed on the club’s website (www. howickrsa.co.nz). A courtesy van operates from Thursday to Saturday for members living in the immediate local area.
It’s about letting people know we are here and becoming a hub in the community.
Above: Crumpy’s restaurant has been refurbished to give a more modern, sophisticated appearance. Below: The kids’ disco has proved a popular event at the Howick RSA.
Lawyers & Notaries • Electronic Tuning
HOWICK & EAST TAMAKI Advisers to the Howick RSA for over 25 years Wills, Trust, Retirement Villages, Court Representation & Property Transactions
Phone: (09) 272 0315 • www.dawsons.kiwi.nz
Servicing the accounting needs of NZ organisations for over 30 years
PHONE 534-8604
MIKE OWEN PH (09) 534 8604 FAX (09) 537 4573 MOB 021 666 153
• WOF’s • All Mechanical Repairs • All Makes & Models 1/112 VINCENT ST HOWICK AKLD MONDAY - FRIDAY 8.00AM - 5.00PM
KEVIN TURNER PROPERTY SERVICES Window Cleaning • Waterblasting House Washing • Roof Cleaning • Spouting Cleaning
P: 535 7321 M: 0274 969 784 F: 537 0245
29
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
Local RSAs Kaikohe & District Memorial RSA (Inc)
Northland
Northren Wairoa RSA Club
We are open everyday from 11am
All Visitors Most Welcome
Clubrooms open 11am Meals: Thurs Fri & Sat 6-8pm Light Lunches: Always available Catering on request 09 439 8164
KAITAIA FAR NORTH (Kaitaia) RSA CLUB
Matthews Avenue, Kaitaia When visiting the Far North you are welcomed to visit our Clubrooms where comfort and friendship is assured. Billiards - Snooker - Pool - Bowls - Darts
Pleasant lounge and excellent bar facilities
• • • • •
Sky TV TAB Pod Gaming Machines Pool Tables Courtesy Van Available
Courtesy Coach Available Please phone (09) 408 0423
“Friendliest Club in Town” 158 Broadway, Kaikohe Ph 09 401 2368 Fax 09 401 2370 kaikohersa@xtra.co.nz “Look us up on Facebook”
Visitors always welcome ANY CHANGES TO CLUB ADVERTS OR CLASSIFIED ADVERTS PLEASE CONTACT DAVE McKEE Ph: 03 983 5518 Fax: 03 983 5552 Email:davem@waterfordpress.co.nz
THE HUB OF THE CITY
Warmly welcomes visitors to our Clubrooms at 7 Rust Ave Bar Service 7 days Snooker, Pool, Darts, Gaming Courtesy Coach Bistro Wed to Fri 12-2 & 5-8p.m. Saturday 6-8p.m. PH 09 438 3792 admin@whangareirsa.co.nz
AUCKLAND
Opening Hours 11am Mon - Sat 3pm Sun Gunners' Restaurant
Lunch 12 - 1.30pm Wed- Fri Dinner 5 - 8.30pm Thurs-Sat Full Bar Facilities 18 Pokies * Mystery J/P * Sky Tv * Pool * Snooker * Darts * Bowls
Live Entertainment & Dancing every Friday evening.
Call in on your way north & view our memorabilia tables - A warm welcome awaits you
RUSSELL RSA 1 Chapel St Russell 0202 Ph: 09 403 7773 Fax: 09 403 7885Email: russellrsa@xtra.co.nz www.russellrsa.org.nz
OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 11AM TILL CLOSE
Diggers Restaurant open 7 days Lunch & Dinner Bar snacks available Pool, Darts, Gaming Machines Huge outdoor courtyard
Come and enjoy our clubrooms while holidaying in historical Russell We will make you welcome
Ph 09 407 8585 37 Cobham Road
KERIKERI
RSA (Inc) Visitors and Guests Most Welcome Bistro Wed-Sun 5.30 - 8.30pm
Open Seven Days
A warm invitation is extended TO RSA members & Guests to the friendliest RSA in the West
If you are in town give us a call. Ph: 09 828 5000
TAKAPUNA RSA CLUB
Cnr Northcote Rd & Mary Poynton Cres
Ph: 09 489 6738
The Razza....the place to be.
Welcomes visiting RSA members. Open 7 days from 11.00am. Catering 7 days from 12 noon. Monday nights for Rebel (Outdoor) Bowls. Wednesday nights for Texas Hold’ Em poker. Friday nights for Karaoke.
SILVERDALE
43A Vipond Rd, Whangaparaoa, Turn off at top of Silverdale Hill onto Whangaparaoa Peninsula. Vipond Rd is 2.7km on left A special welcome to members of clubs with reciprocal visiting rights to use our club facilities. Comfort & friendship is assured
Bus trips catered for by request.
RSA
114 Hobsonville Road Ph: 09 416 7227 Restaurant Ph: 09 416 9239
A warm, warm welcome is assured to all members and visitors. Special welcome to local and outof town visitors.
Open Tues from 4pm, Wed - Thurs from 2pm Fri - Sun from Midday. • Restaurant open Fri - Sun lunch, Tues-Sun - Dinner excellent meals at reasonable prices • Live entertainment last Friday of each month, Karaoke all other Fridays. • Excellent Bar staff & service • Large car park. Easy bus turnnig • Coach Tours welcome - advance notice helpful • Facilities available for function hire • Other facilities include darts & pool
THE SMALL RSA WITH THE BIG HEART
Entertainment & Dancing Fri & Sat night Snooker * Pool * Indoor Bowls * Fishing *Outdoor Bowls * Golf and Darts* Gaming Machines Raffles: Wed, Thurs
Contact Sec/Manager Sue East 09 424 9026 Fax: 09 424 2446
ORAKEI RSA
Recreation Dr, Birkenhead, North Shore Ph: 09 418 2424 Fax: 09 418 3054 Email: secman@birkenheadrsa.com www.birkenheadrsa.com We welcome all RSA members & their guests to enjoy the friendly atmosphere & excellent facilities at our clubrooms
Clubrooms Open Sat - Mon 11am Tues - Fri 9 am Bar Open 7 Days from 11am Don Stott Memorial Restaurant
Provides excellent ecconomical A la Carte meals Wed-Friday 12 -2pm Wed-Sunday from 5.30pm. Groups by arrangement
Live Entertainment
Wed: 1.30-4pm. Fri & Sat: from 7.00pm Pool * Darts * I/D Bowls * TAB Large Screen Sky * Gaming Machines Tea/Coffee & light Meals anytime
ALL NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
Mt Wellington Panmure RSA 163 Queens Rd, Panmure
Ph: 09 570 5913 Fax: 09 570 5903 Email secrsa@vodafone.co.nz Bar Menu Seven Days. Bus loads by arrangement. Live Entertainment every 2nd Friday
Darts - Pool - Snooker - Gaming Machines - Courtesy coach available for local pick-ups / drop-offs When in Auckland Visit our Friendly Club.
(Members) Hours: Mon : 12-7.30pm. Tues:11am-8pm Wed: 11-9pm. Thurs & Fri: 11-11pm. Sat: 11-9pm. Sun: 2-7pm. Bistro Lunch Tues-Fri 12-2pm. Evening Thurs-Fri 6-8pm Function room bookings for catering. Sports sections, gaming machines ,Sky TV, big screen TV Handy to city centre, Ellerslie Race Course, Kelly Tarlton Underwater World, Eastern suburbs, Mission Bay, St Helliers, Remuera etc.
Memorial RSA (Inc)
2 Veronica St Ph: 09 827 3411 Where a friendly welcome is assured. A must stopover when visiting Auckland BAR & TAB FACILITIES Open 7days Gaming Facilities FREYBERG RESTAURANT Lunches: Tues-Sun 12-2pm, Dinner: Wed-Sat 5.30pm open
Band Friday Nights Handy to rail & bus. Shop in New Lynn & relax in our spacious clubrooms
The Best in the West
Bus Trip Lunches phone Rona Major Games on Big Screen or Weekend Entertainment Snooker - Pool - Darts - Warriors Supporters Section
We have excellent facilities for reunions and other functions NEW RETURNED AND SERVICE MEMBERS WELCOME. Inquiries to Sec/Manager 09 636 6644 PO Box 13016, Onehunga
Glen Eden RSA
9 Glendale Rd West Auckland Ph: 09 818 4219 Web: www.glenedenrsa.co.nz
Meals Lunch: Tues - Fri. Dinner: Thurs - Sun. Entertainment: Fri & Sat.
We are better than the rest. We are the friendliest in the West
WAIHEKE RSA
INC
Clubrooms and Bar Open 7 Days Restaurant Open 6 Days, closed Monday Take advantage of the free transport to our doorstep for Super Gold Card holders. Spoil yourselves with a trip to our wonderful Island and enjoy our hospitality. Ph: (09) 372 9019 Bar: (09) 372 5554
Restaurant: (09) 372 6655 E-mail: waiheke.rsa@xtra.co.nz
Ph 09 846 8673 1136 Great North Rd
Affiliated Members and Guests Most Welcome Restaurant, Family Karaoke Sundays from 1pm Functions venue available email admin@ptchevrsa.co.nz
Friday night raffles, Entertainment Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
HOWICK RSA
Phone: 09 534 9702 • 25 Wellington St Howick
When visiting Auckland’s Eastern Suburbs call into our pleasant clubrooms and enjoy our hospitality
IN THE OF HOWICK
Te Atatu Memorial
RSA Inc 1 Harbour View Rd, Te Atatu
Phone 834 36 98
Martin & Jill Crump welcomes you to Te Atatu RSA Restaurant Hours of Trade: Lunch Friday 12 - 2pm Dinner Wed - Sat 5.30 - 8.30 Sun 5.30 - 8.00 Entertainment Sathurday 13th July Start time 7pm
Phone 834 36 98
NEW LYNN
The Orpheus Restaurant Open Thurs - Sat lunch 12 - 2 pm, dinner 5.30 - 8pm
Ph: 09 528 6245 & 09 521 2710
29 Belgium Street, Ostend
BIRKENHEAD RSA
28 Neville St Warkworth Ph 09 425 8568
663 SWANSON RD - PH 833 9013
MEALS Lunch: Mon to Fri Dinner: Everynight Entertainment:Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun
Open: 11am Mon-Sat. Noon on Sun
www.whangareirsa.co.nz
WARKWORTH & DISTRICTS RSA Inc
Meals Our spacious Restaurant allows us to cater for up to 200 people at any one time Lunch open from Wednesday - Sunday 12 - 2pm Dinners Wednesday - Saturday 5 - 8.30pm Sunday Buffet 5 - 7.30pm We have large outdoor garden area, Big Screen for major games, Sky T.V., pool, bowls, darts, cards, fishing, golf, quiz.
Family Restaurant Hrs Lunch: 12-2pm, Tues-Sat. 12.30pm-2pm Sun Dinner 5.30-8.30pm Wed-Sat, 5.30-7.30pm Tues & Sun Note Sunday Lunch & Dinner Carvery
HOBSONVILLE
WHANGAREI
Come & visit your mates. A friendly Welcome Assured
11am - 11.30pm Sun 1pm - 9pm
Hours 11am-10pm, Mon to Sat. Noon-6pm Sun
Family Restaurant - Meals Wed Thurs Friday and by arrangement.
Overlooking the Racecourse
MEMORIAL RSA
Hours Mon toThurs 11am - 11pm. Fri & Sat
Restaurant hours Mon and Thurs 6.00 -7.45pm or by arrangement Membership Night on Monday
Hokianga Rd Dargaville Ph: 09 439 8164
AVONDALE RSA
SWANSON
PAPATOETOE
Country Music Trevor V. Stevens Music Male Artist 2010 & 2012 Kylie Austin Entertainer of the Year 2007
DISTRICT RSA (Inc)
22 Wallace Rd Ph: 09 278 6372 Email: papatoetoersa@xtra.co.nz Bar Hours Mon 11am -7.30pm Tues, Wed: 11am - 10pm Thurs: 11am - 10.30pm Fri: 11am - 10pm Sat: 11am - 11pm Sun: noon - 7pm BISTRO Lunch: Tues -Fri 12-1.00pm Dinner: Tues 6pm - 7.30pm Thurs Fri Sat 6pm - 8.00pm. Ph: 09 278 6374
(Hours may vary without prior notice) Social Nights with live bands: Thurs & fortnightly Saturday. Family Nights - have entertainment on the second Friday of the month and starting in mid-July on Friday nights, Housie, Trivia and Karaoke
Snooker Gaming Machines 8 Ball I/D Bowls Darts Sky Tv
Whether you are going to or from the Airport or just passing through pop in & spend a relaxing & friendly time with us.
We Are Your Airport Club
Fridays & Saturdays from 7 pm DINE & DANCE LIVE MUSIC www.howickrsa.co.nz
HENDERSON RSA
66-70 Railside Ave Ph (09) 838 9012 www.hsnrsa.co.nz
Service with a smile, and bar prices better than most. 18 gaming machines, self service TAB, Housie every Thursday, live entertainment Friday and Saturday evenings, 4 snooker tables, 3 pool tables and 8 competition dart boards. 5 big screen TV’s.
Whatever you’re interested in we’ve got it covered, visit us today!
EAST COAST BAYS RSA (Inc)
15 Bute Road Browns Bay Ph: 09 478 8033 North of the Harbour Bridge
When heading north, staying or visiting the North Shore, stop at East Coast Bays RSA Lunches Tues-Sat 12-2pm.Dinner Wed Carvery 6-8pm Thurs-Sat 6-8.30pm Sun from 5.30pm VISIT OUR CLUBROOMS Open: Mon-Sat from 11am Sun 2-8pm
Dancing Fri & Sat 7.30pm
Coach tours welcome by arrangement
Darts * Pool * Snooker Housie * I/d Bowls * Dinning & Dancing A warm welcome to all members & their guests
30
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
Local RSAs MANUREWA
OTOROHANGA MEMORIAL
2-8 Maich Road, Manurewa Phone: 09 267 0515 Office & Fax : 09 266 8673
Now located in The Otorohanga Club, Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga Open 9am Monday to Saturday, 11am Sunday
RSA (Inc)
Lunches: Tues-Sun 12-2pm Dinners: Wed-Sun 5.30-8.30pm Sun: from 5.30pm Anzac Bar: Entertainment every Fri-Sat-Sun Darts : Snooker : 8 Ball : Bowls: Sky Tv : Gaming : TAB
President Graham & members extend the hand of friendship to you & yours and invite local & out of town visitors to our friendly new RSA Clubrooms
All new members most welcome
WAIKATO / KING COUNTRY / bAY OF PLENTY
TE AROHA MEMORIAL RSA (Inc) Rewi Street
Ph 07 884 8124
Club open from Mon 3pm- Tues - Sat 2pm, Meals Available Thurs, Fri, Sat from 6pm A warm, friendly welcome awaits you
VISITORS CORDIALLY WELCOME
OPOTIKI COUNTY RSA INC When passing through Opotiki call in and enjoy our hospitality.
We are the Gateway to East Cape Club Hours: Mon-Sat 1pm till late Sun 2pm till late Meals + Bar Snacks 7 days Membership draw nights Wed, Fri, Sat. Snooker - Pool - Indoor Bowls - Darts St John Street, OPOTIKI. Phone (07) 315 6174
NGARUAWAHIA RSA (Inc)
4 Market St, P: 07 824 8905, E: ngaruawahiarsa@vodafone.co.nz
Friendly social atmosphere. Entertainment including live music, raffles, quizzes. Children welcome till 9:30pm. Pool, Snooker, Darts, Gaming Machines, Sky TV, Courtesy Van
Bar hours: Tues-Sat 12pm until late Restaurant hours: Tues-Sat 12-2pm & 6pm until late
MT MAUNGANUI
RETURNED & SERVICES ASSOCIATION (INC) 544 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui THE NEW GENERATION RSA
Clubrooms open 7 days Mon/Tues 10.00am-9.00pm Wed/Thurs 11.00am-10.00pm Fri/Sat 11.00am-11.00pm Sunday noon-8.00pm
Restaurant open 7 days Lunch: Mon/Fri Noon-1.30pm Dinner: Mon/Sat 6.00-8.00pm Sunday: Carvery 5.30pm-7.30pm
Entertainment every Friday & Saturday night, Sundays from 4.00pm Regular Shows. TAB, 18 Gaming Machines, 3 Eight Ball & 8 Snooker Tables, Sky TV, Big Screens & Data Projector, Courtesy Bus, Friendly Members, Great Staff, Wonderful Food, 12 Beers on tap, Excellent Wines, All This in the best climate in NZ Phone / Fax: 07 575 4477 Web: www.mtrsa.co.nz Email: mtrsa@xtra.co.nz Affiliated Members, Guests and Potential Members Welcome
East coast - hawkes bay wairarapa - taranaki manawatu - wellington
RSA (Inc)
Top restaurant with excellent a la carte meals Open Tuesday to Sunday
Gaming Machines T.A.B. Sky Big screen, EFTPOS Entertainment most Friday and Saturday nights 8-ball, Snooker, Darts, Indoor Bowls Function Hall available for Reunion Meetings etc.
HASTINGS RSA Avenue Road West Ph: 06 878 8808 Fax: 06 878 7642
Ample parking (free) for buses and cars
TAUPO
All The Games You Can Play, TAB & Superscreen TVs/Videos
“The Centre Of it All” * Gaming Machines * Sky Tv * Snooker * 8 Ball * Indoor Bowls
Rendezvous Restaurant Wed, Thur, Fri Lunch 12 - 2pm Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat Dinner 5 - 8 Closed Tuesday and Sunday
Club Hours Mon- Wed: 11am -10pm.
Thurs- Sat: 11am - Late. Sun: 2 - 8pm Horomatangi Street Phone: 07 378 7476 Please visit our wesite at: www.tauporsa.co.nz
TE TE PUKE PUKE
WHAKATANE RSA (Inc)
Richardson St Ph: 07 307 0343 Fax: 07 307 2604 Email: whakatanersa@xtra.co.nz
16 Oxford Street
Hours: Mon 1pm - 6.30 pm, Tues - Sat 11am - 9pm Restaurant open Thurs, Fri and Sat nights. Tues - Lunch
All RSA members & Visitors are most welcome to our warm & friendly, air conditioned club
Taumarunui & District RSA
10 Marae St, Taumarunui PO Box 24 PH: 07 895 7517 FAX: 07 895 8343 Email: taumrsa@xtra.co.nz
MANAGER: John Callinan MEMBERS: 862 Restaurant open 7 nights from 5:30pm Club open daily from 11:00am Sunday from 1:00pm 18 Gaming Machines, Courtesy Coach Charge back facilities to local motels. If you are coming to Taumarunui we can arrange local tours, golf club bookings, Motel Bookings.
Entertainment Centre of Taumarunui
TE AWAMUTU
District Memorial RSA (Inc) 381 ALEXANDER STREET P. 07 8713707 E. tarsa@xtra.co.nz
Turn into the main street at the traffic filter and look for our Rose Garden at the end of the main shopping area.
Bar Hours - Mon-Thurs: 11am- 9pm Fri: 11-11pm. Sun: 1- 8pm
Restaurant Hours
Mon 12 noon to 1pm, 5pm to 7pm. Wed & Thurs 5pm-7pm, Fri & Sat 5pm to 8.30pm Sun Smorgasboard 5pm to 7pm Groups catered for during week on request
VISITORS WELCOME
Restaurant Hours Lunch and Dinner 7 days Bar Snacks Available Gaming Machines - Big Screens - 8 Ball - Snooker Darts - Indoor Bowls - Line Dancing - Function Room Live Entertainment Friday Nights
A Friendly Welcome in Warm Whakatane
MEMORIAL R.S.A. (Inc.) Ngaio Street Ph: 07 888 7190 Open from Mon- Sat 3pm, Sun 4pm.
Poppyfields Restaurant:
Open for bus tours & private functions by arrangement
TOKAANU-TURANGI & Districts Memorial RSA
Ph: 07 386 8717 PO Box 1 Katopu Place Turangi Email: trgirsa@hotmail.com Bar 7 days from 11am Restaurant Thur - Sat evenings Gaming Machines, Snooker, Pool, Darts, Indoor Bowls, Library, Big Screen Sky TV Turn 3rd right from roundabout
‘ROSE of the WAIKATO’
HAMILTON
Combined Returned Services Club
Rostrevor Street, Po Box 9028 Ph 07 8380131 Fax 07 8340170 Email: hamcrsc@clear.net.nz. Web: www.hamcrsc.co.nz
Open 7 Days Club Restaurant Lunches Tues-Fri Dinner Tues-Sun from 5.30pm. FUNCTION BOOKINGS BY ARRANGEMENT 18 Gaming Machines * TAB * Sky Big Screen * ATM *Eft Pos * 8 Ball * Snooker * Euchre * 500 * Darts * I/D Bowls
Naenae Memorial RSA (Inc) 23, Treadwell St, Ph 04 567 8159, Open 7 Days Indoor Bowls * Darts * Snooker Outdoor Bowls * Pentanque
When visiting Hutt Valley call at our comfortable clubrooms.
A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU
Otaki & District Memorial RSA
WHANGAMATA RSA (INC) 324 Port Road, Whangamata Ph/Fax: 07 865 9419 Email: whangamata.rsa@actrix.co.nz Web: www.whangamatarsanz.com
Gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula
9 Raukawa Street Ph: 06 36 46221 Open Tues - Sunday Dining room Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun roast lunch TAB - Sky - Snooker - Darts Fridays entertainment Affiliated Members and Guests most welcome
Clubrooms Open: 7 days from 11 am Restaurant Open: 6 days from 11 am Closed Mondays Group Bookings, Bus Tours, etc. by arrangement
Entertainment Big Screen TV’s, Snooker, 8 Ball, Darts, Indoor Bowls, Golf, 12 Gaming Machines
Visitors Most Welcome
ROTORUA RSA (Inc)
Haupapa St, Rotorua
We offer a warm welcome to our thermally heated club. Bar open 7 days.
Restaurant Tues-Fri 12-2pm & Tues-Sat 6-8pm New Café Mon-Fri from 9am-2pm Sky TV, Big Screen TV, Snooker, 8 Ball, Darts Indoor Bowls, Flag 500, Mahjong, Line Dancing, Old Time Dancing, 18 Gaming machines, Live bands
ENJOY OUR COMPANY AND MAKE THE STOP
ACHILLES RESTAURANT Welcome to All. Open for lunch Friday from 12 noon. Dinners Mon, Wed & Thu from 5.30; Fri & Sat from 6.00pm All facilities, Gaming Machines. 110 Amohia Street (Just 50 meters off SH1) Tel: 04 902 7927 www.pramrsa.co.nz
SOUTH TARANAKI RSA (Inc) Bar Hours: Mon, Tues 3-7pm Wed 3-9pm, Thurs 3-7pm. Fri, Sat 3-9pm Clubrooms open some mornings Bistro Meals: Fri. 5-7pm
Princess Street Hawera When in our area you are cordially invited to visit our Clubrooms & enjoy our hospitality. A friendly welcome is assured to all.
Registered Military Museum
Rotorua RSA
1072 Haupapa St, Rotorua Phone/Fax: 348 1056 Email: rotrsa@xtra.co.nz www.rotrsa.co.nz
Come and visit our friendly Club the
MATAMATA
GalLipoli Restaurant Ph: 06 876 4739 Open everyday great value meals
Open 7 Days ---- Bar Hours Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm.Fri & Sat 10am till late. Sun 10.30-8pm
Close to motels in the heart of town
MEMORIAL MEMORIAL RSA RSA (Inc) (Inc) Ph: 07 573 7922
Sat: 11-10pm
Open seven Days
RSA TAURANGA 1237 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga Ph 07 578 9654 Fax 07 577 0715 Email: admin@tgarsa.co.nz www.tgarsa.co.nz
Big Screen TV’s, Snooker, Pool, Darts, Indoor Bowl, Cards, 18 Gaming Machines, Live Bands Bar Hours - Open 7 Days - From 11.00am
WANGANUI Great Entertainment...
S BER MEM ME W E N CO WEL
Live Bands 18 Gaming Machines TAB Terminal Big Screen TVs' 8 Ball * Darts * Bowls Euchre * Housie Raffles * Members' Jackpots
Gallipoli Restaurant
Lunch Tuesday to Saturday from 11.30am Dinner Monday & Wednesday to Saturday from 5.30pm Tuesday Pension Day Special - Lunches Whiteboard Dinner Specials
… MEMBERS AND BONA FIDE GUESTS WELCOME ... 170 St Hill Street, Wanganui Phone: Clubrooms 345 5750 * Restaurant 345 4140 *
Courtesy Bus 027 345 5750
Email: admin@wanganuirsa.co.nz * Website: www.wanganuirsa.co.nz
Oaktree Restaurant
Open 7 Days from Breakfast - 7.00am - Lunch - 12.00 noon Dinner - 5.00pm “When in the Bay stay with us” Motor Inn accommodation available Excellent Rates “Visitors Welcome Anytime”
ANY CHANGES TO CLUB ADVERTS OR CLASSIFIED ADVERTS PLEASE CONTACT DAVE McKEE Ph: 03 983 5518 Fax: 03 983 5552 Email:davem@waterfordpress.co.nz
RSA Life
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
31
Local RSAs NAPIER RSA 34 Vautier Street, Napier
TARADALE
Office: 06 835 7629 Fax: 06 835 1357 Club: 06 835 1034
A warm, sunshine welcome is extended to all visitors to our modern, comfortable clubrooms
156 Gloucester Street Ph/Fax 06 844 4808
OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK Restaurant Open:Lunch: Mon- Sat. Dinner:Mon-Sun
Top meals at reasonable prices
• Live entertainment Fri & Sat nights • Parking • Conference room • Taxi chits available for discounted fares
Membership still open. Affiliated members Welcome
Conveniently located to Marine Parade, motels and city centre THERE ARE NO STRANGERS AMONG US, ONLY FRIENDS WE HAVE NOT MET.
& Districts RSA Inc
Meals Available 7 days - Lunch & Dinner
All Indoor Sports available. Gaming Machines Live Music Every Alternative Saturday nights. Wheelchair available
Sat-Sun 10.30 am
When in Napier or Hastings visit us, we are only 8 minutes from either city. Motel accommodation next door with discounts available
All Visitors Assured of a Warm & Sincere Welcome
Ashburton Where the North meets the South
GREYMOUTH RSA CLUB LEVIN RSA
Open for ALl generations Club open:
Mon: 2pm–7pm Tues: Midday-7pm Wed: 11am–9.30pm Thur: 11am-10.00pm Fri/Sat: 11am till late Sun 12am–7pm
Mon to Thur and Sat: 10.30am -10pm Fri: 10.30am - 11.00pm Sun: 10.30am - 6.00pm
FEATURES Pool, Darts, Big Screen, EFTPOS, Courtesy
Lunch: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am Friday and Saturday Buffet Dinner from 5.30pm
Coach,Off Sales, Gaming, SKY TV, Live Entertainment, Karaoke, Jukebox, Air conditioning - Conference room for hire, Power plugs for motorhomes Restaurant available Thur – Sat for Lunch & Dinner ALL RSA & CHARTERED CLUB MEMBERS WELCOME
Hours Mon - Tues: 11am-7pm. Wed Thurs Fri: 11am-10pm. Sat: 11am-12pm. Sun: 11am- 5pm Tues+Wed Lunch noon. Bistro Thurs, Fri, Sat 5.30-8pm
1 Easton Street. Ph: 06 363 7670 Fax: 06 363 6838 Email: foxtonrsa@xtra.co.nz www.foxtonrsa.co.nz CLUB HOURS
12 Cox Street
Clubrooms Open Mon-Fri 8.30 am
FOXTON RSA INC. OPEN 7 DAYS
ASHBURTON RSA [INC]
Poppies Restaurant:
Features: *ATM * Eft-pos * Modern dual Jackpot 18 Gaming Machines * 8-Ball * Snooker * Darts * Sky TV * Library * Live Entertainment FUNCTION FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
RSA - That’s the Spirit
181 Tainui Street Facilities include a family bar, pool table, dart boards & gaming machines. Housie is played every Monday at 7.30pm. Raffles Tuesday & Friday. We extend to all members a cordial invitation to visit our clubrooms situated on the main highway 5 minutes from the town centre and motels. HOURS: Mon - Sun open from 12pm. Lunch time Courtesy Coach Available Fridays
Call and make some West Coast friends
32 Bristol Street, Levin (next to KFC) P: 368 3475 E: rsalevin@paradise.net.nz www.levinrsa.org.nz
TAWA RSA 89 Oxford St. Ph: 232 5788
A warm welcome is extended to all RSA & Chartered Club visitors We are open: Pool Wed to Sun from 4pm Darts Meals Friday 6.00 - 8.00pm Sunday Roast the last Sunday of Sky TV each month 6.00pm-8pm
Milton Bruce RSA 31 Union Street, Milton Ph: 03 417 8927
Open daily from 5.00pm *All Welcome*
marlborough - nelson west coast canterbury otago - southland
RESTAURANT HOURS Thurs, Fri & Sat. Dinners 5.30 - 9.30pm
NEW, RETURNED & SERVICE MEMBERS MOST WELCOME
RANGIORA RSA CLUB (Inc) 82 Victoria Street Ph: 03 313 7123
Lower Hutt Memorial www.lowerhuttrsa.org.nz
Restaurant: Lunch Wed, Thurs, Fri. Dinner Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun. Courtesy Van Available Thurs, Fri, & Sat nights
A warm welcome is extended to all RSA members, families and friends
Kensington Restaurant Open Upstairs Wednesday - Sunday from 5:30pm
Live Band Friday and Saturday 8.00pm and Sundays 3.00pm 3 Bars, Garden Bar, Large TV Screens, Sky Sport, TAB, Internet, Library, Gaming Room, Conference Facilities.
47 Udy Street, Petone. Ph 568 5404 Members, Guests and Affiliated members welcome
BULLS
SH1 Bulls Ph 06 322 0875
Hours Mon, Tues & Sun:11am -8pm Wed -Sat:11am -10pm When passing through Bulls call at our clubrooms, enjoy our hospitality and have a friendly chat.
Visitors Made Welcome
inVeRCaRgiLL WoRKingMen’s CLuB inC. Incorporating the inVeRCaRgiLL R.s.a. 154 Esk Street, Invercargill Ph. 03 218 8693 Fax 03 218 3011 e-mail office@iwmc.co.nz Hours Mon - Wed. 11.00am - 10.00pm Thurs. 11.00am - 11.00pm Fri. 11.00am - 12 midnight Sat. 10.00am - 1.30am Sun. 12.00noon - 9.00pm Bottle Store Corinthian Restaurant open for lunch Mon - Fri 12noon - 1.30pm Dinner Thurs. - Sun. from 6.00pm Corinthian Convention Centre available for meetings, conferences or functions, large or small 24 Gaming machines - 5 snooker tables Sky TV 5 pool tables Raffles Mon. - Sat. Band on Sat. nights Off-street parking
PAPANUI RSA
CLUB night every FRIDAY 4.30 - 6.30pm in the ANZAC Lounge
Bistro Open 7 Days A Week Lunch 11.30 - 2.00pm Dinner 5:00 - 9.00pm
RIVERTON RSA 141 Palmerston Street
Tues - Thurs 3 - 10pm. Fri 3 - 11pm. Sat 3pm - 11pm When travelling near Western Southland, call in at our clubrooms where you will receive a friendly welcome and hospitality
Any changes to Club Adverts or Classified Adverts PLEASE CONTACT
DAVE McKEE Ph: 03 983 5518 | Fax: 03 983 5552 E: davem@waterfordpress.co.nz
NELSON RSA (Inc)
168 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson. Phone 03 548 6815.
Open from 11.00 am Monday – Saturday; 11.30 am Sunday Tribute: 6.00 pm Wednesdays Lunch 11.00 am – 2.00 pm; Dinner 5.30 – 8.30 pm
ALL VISITORS WELCOME
VISITORS WELCOME
OPEN SEVEN DAYS
Mon 11am - 7pm. Tues 11am - 7pm. Wed 11am - 8pm. Thurs 11am - 11pm. Fri 11am - 12pm. Sat 10am - 12pm. Sun 10am - 9pm
Hours: Tues - Thurs 11am -10pm. Fri 11am - Late. Sat 3pm - Late. Sun 11am - 6pm. Meals: Lunch Tues - Fri & Sun 12 - 1.30pm. Dinner Fri, Sat 6pm to 8pm Sunday Brunch 10am-12 noon Gaming Machines
Music Every Saturday Rock N Roll Friday Nights
5 -7 McKillop St, Tel: 04 237 7695 Fax 04 238 2343
Memorial RSA Inc
12 Civic Ave Ph: 03 208 6218 Fax: 03 208 6220 Email: GoreRSA@xtra.co.nz Clubrooms Open 10.30 am 7 days a week Bar Hours Mon - Fri 10.30 am - 11 pm Sat 10.30 am - 1 am Sun 10.30 am - 9.30 pm Family Bar The Gore RSA Bistro Wed - Fri 12-2 pm. Tues - Sun 5.30 pm - 8 pm Private functions by arrangement * 5 F/size Snooker Tables * 18 Gaming Machines * Big Screen Sky TV * TAB Live entertainment each month. Tea coffee in our smoke free lounge. Off street parking for visitors. Raffles: Thurs & Fri. Flag 500 Wed 7 pm during winter
21 Waiti Rd Timaru Ph: 03 688 4123
8 ball and snooker tables, ATM, Sky TV, Big Screens and Data projector, great beers and an excellent selection of wine. Raffles Tues, Friday & Sat nights.
PORIRUA RSA (Inc) * Sky Tv * TAB * Gaming Room * Pool * Darts * Indoor Bowls * EFTPOS * Wine Club * Kapa Haka BAR HOURS
TIMARU
Gore District
Ph: 03 352 9770 55 Bellvue Ave Papanui Rd & 1 Harewood Rd
Access also from
Visiting Christchurch
Try our hospitality in the heart of Papanui. Adjacent to major civic amenities incl. shopping mall,motels & hotels
Club Hours
Mon -Tues: 11am -9pm. Wed-Thurs: 11am-10pm. Fri- Sat: 11am- 11pm. Sun: 11am- 8pm
Bistro Meals
Lunch: 7 days 12 - 2 pm Dinner: 7 days 5pm onwards
Facilities
Eftpos, Sky TV, Snooker Billiards, Pool, Bowls, Cards, Darts, Gaming Machines, Library, Live Entertainment, Off Street Parking. Power Point for Campervans
Welcome
Chartered Club 66 Wellington St
Picton
RSA & Club
Full Trading Hours. Pool & Snooker Tables. Games Machines. Bistro Meals: Open 7 Days
Everybody Welcome
Marlborough RSA 42 Alfred Street Blenheim (In Clubs Marlborough Complex)
We extend a cordial invitation to all visiting members to visit our Clubrooms Open 7 Days from 9.00, Restaurant meals - 7 Days. Gaming, Pool, Snooker, Sky TV.
RICHMOND/WAIMEA R.S.A. INC. P.0. Box 3034 Richmond 7050.
CHARTERED CLUB
35 Centennial Ave. Alexandra
Alexandra Clyde RSA
Operating from Club Waimea Premises Lower Queen Street, Richmond. Phone 03 543 9179. Open from 11.00am till late. Club Waimea facilities including Caravan Park facilities which are available to all R.S.A. Members. Meals are available Wednesday - Sunday 11.30am Onwards
PO Box 10 Ph: 03 448 8090 Fax: 03 448 8023 Bar Hours Mon-Sat: 11am-Late Sun: 4.30 9pm Bistro Hours Thurs: 6.30-8.30pm. Fri: 6-9pm Sun: 6-8pm Snack Bar open all hours
Catering a Specialty Gaming Machines, Sky Tv,Snooker, Pool Darts,Bowls
Visitors Welcome
motueka
memorial rsa (inc) 49 High Street
www.motuekarsa.co.nz
Open 7 Days Mon-Fri 4pm. Sat 11am. Sun 2pm Restaurant & Dining Room Tues, Thurs - Sun
5.30pm - 8.30pm. Fri & Sat Lunch: 12 noon - 1.00 pm rsa - clubs nz members most welcome
32
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
Travel Australia
SYDNEY
FREE GOLD COAST
High Speed 271 Elizabeth Street, Sydney + 61 2 9264 6001
DIRECT BOOKING ONLINE NOW AVAILABLE Visit: www.hydeparkinn.com.au
Anyone for a Gold Coast Getaway?? Welcome to Palazzo Colonnades boutique, high-rise holiday accommodation apartments in Surfers Paradise.... • Fully self contained, air conditioned one bedroom and two bedroom apartments • Swimming pool, spa, sauna, gymnasium and BBQ facilities
HOT DEAL!
• Under cover, fully secured free parking
Stay 5 Pay 4 from AUS $608.00*
• Flat screen televisions and AUSTAR cable television free of charge • In room wireless internet broadband service • Extensive choice of restaurants within minutes walking distance
TO BOOK PHONE +61 7 5538 4555
• 1.5km from Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre • 150 metres to the beach and 6-8 minutes leisurely stroll to Cavill Avenue
Address: 2988 - 2994 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise. 4217 Telephone: +61 7 5538 4555 Email: info@palazzocolonnades.com.au
FOR THE BEST RATES BOOK DIRECT AT OUR NEW WEBSITE: www.palazzocolonnades.com.au * Valid for sale until 28/03/14. Block out dates apply.
The Hyde Park Inn offers friendly, personalised service and spectacular views across Hyde Park. Central CBD location, just minutes to shopping, theatres, Central Station, The Opera House, Darling Harbour and Kings Cross. Our features include: • Self catering facilities • Complimentary continental breakfast • Air-conditioning • Balcony to Deluxe Rooms • Large family rooms and apartments • Free car parking • Free in-house movie channels • Guest laundry • DVD players to all rooms • Flat Screen LCD televisions
Owned by RSL NSW Branch • Special rates for RSA Members • Special long term rates available Eligible RSA members can join a NSW RSL Sub Branch for even better rates.
Travel New Zealand ACAPULCO MOTOR INN
1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom sub-penthouses. All fully self-contained apartments with private spa baths. Expansive sea views opposite patrolled beach. Resort facilities – indoor heated pool, steam room, outdoor pool, tennis court, gym, games room. Fabulous heated indoor pool renovations now completed, perfect for winter months. Call or email for specials. 238 The Esplanade Burleigh Heads QLD 4220 Ph. 00 617 5535 8866 Fax. 00 617 5535 8523 Email. mail@burleighsurf.com.au
SUNSHINE COAST Queensland
Pandanus Mooloolaba
Largest holiday apartments in the area. Opened in 2005, across from main car park to the beach. P: +61 5457 8989 W: pandanusmooloolaba.com.au
Dockside Mooloolaba Self contained 2 & 3 bedroom apartments Close to Mooloolaba Beach & Bowls Club Heated Pool & tropical gardens Free Wifi - Secure Parking Stay 7 pay for 5 - May, June, July & Nov Cnr Foote & Burnett Sts, Mooloolaba www.docksidemooloolaba.com.au info@docksidemooloolaba.com.au
Tel: +61754782044 or NZ Freephone 0800 000 417
TAUPO
Welcomes RSA members Off season discounts may apply 20 ground floor units 10% Discount to all members 19 Rifle Range Road www.acapulcotaupo.co.nz
w w w.burleighsur f.com.au
Surfers Paradise Fully self contained boutique apartments - 4 star self rating, all with lift access, airconditioning & ocean views. Direct access to beach 50 meters. Heated pool and spa, BBQ area. Transport arranged from Brisbane or Coolangatta Airports. Easy walk to heart of Surfers or Broadbeach
Book direct and get great deals from friendly kiwis, Ph: 00617 5526 7588, Or email: info@emeraldsands.com.au Or visit: www.emeraldsands.com.au
MALIBU MOOLOOLABA
• Ocean Views from all Apartments • 2 Bedroom / 2 bathroom air conditioned • Heated lap pool & spa • Lift access to all 10 floors • Secure U/C Parking • Central to cafes, restaurants, shops, bars & clubs • TV / DVD FREE Austar • 2 Rooftop apartments (Private BBQ) - One with spa SPECIAL DISCOUNT IF YOU MENTION THIS ADVERT 81 The Esplanade Mooloolaba 4557 Ph: 00617 5444 1133 Fax: 00617 5444 1280 E: info@mailibu.com.au www.malibu.com.au
Special Package Deal* Offer includes: Accommodation plus Breakfast & Dinner Buffet
Ph: 07 578 9654 Single: $130 Double $165 Scan for more info >>
Phone 0800 378 7174 HAMILTON Gardena Court Motel. We are close to all
clubs, amenities, RSA members special from $99 single/Dble includes continental breakfast for 2 each morning subject to availability. We Guarantee value for money. Hosts: Alan & Dale Padgett. 257 Ulster St. Ph 07 838 1769. Email: stay@gardena.co.nz. Web: www.gardena.co.nz Reservations: 0800 STAY GARDENA (0800 782 942)
MT MAUNGANUI - Bayfair - B&B 2 brms own bathroom and lounge $90 for 2 Phone: 07 572 2543 Mobile: 027 484 2553
NAPIER. Colonial Lodge Motel. Next door to Taradale RSA. 17 g/f fully s/c units serviced daily. Sky digital, heated swimming & private spa pools, games room, bbq, large garden grounds. Qualmark 4 Star Plus.Tariff $110 - $150 for 1-2 persons. RSA member discount. Reservations 0800 68 44 77. Ph/Fax 06 844 7788. Your hosts Sarah & Mark Johnson. stay@colonialmotel.co.nz www.colonialmotel.co.nz
Tours VIETNAM TOURS 20 Days ex Auck, Wgtn, Chch. From $6495 pp share twin. Special conditions apply. Kiwi Vietnam Tours PO Box 123 Rongotea Ph 06 324 8444, info@kiwivietnamtours.co.nz www.kiwivietnamtours.co.nz
1237 Cameron Rd,Greerton, Tauranga Email: admin@tgarsa.co.nz www.greertonmotorinn.co.nz/rr RUSSELL. F/furn 2 bdrm apartment. Sleeps 4 available all year. 2 adults $400 p week or $80 p night, $15 pn extra person. Ph: 09 426 9747 Fax: 09 426 9780 Email: donandmyra@xtra.co.nz WANGANUI. Bignell St Motel, Quiet Warm Friendly, Comfortable, Pets by arrangement $65 single + $15pp extra. Phone Now 0800 244 635 WELLINGTON Harbour City Motor Inn Cnr Victoria & Webb Str 0800 33 24 68 e: harbourcitymotorinn@ xtra.co.nz, www.harbourcitymotorinn.co.nz. Located in central city with studios, one bedroom unit and 3-bedroom apartment. Close to airport & ferry. Special RSA rates. Host Dolly.
WHAKATANE Bay Hotel Units 90 McAllister Street. Very handy to RSA. Discount for RSA members. Friendly service, courtesy pickup, Pets very welcome. Your hosts Betty & Willy Arends. Ph 07 308 6788 Fax 07 308 6749
FULLY ESCORTED TOURS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
NEW Tour for 2013 'Wonders of Westland' ‘Departs 12th October’ Our 2013/14 programme includes: NZ: Wonders of Westland, Kapiti Island & South Coast, Perusing the Pacific Coast, Winterless North, Top of the South, South of the South, Chatham Islands, Great Barrier Island, High Country Spectacular, Taranaki Rhodo Festival, Masterton for Christmas AUSTRALIA: Touring Tasmania, Sunshine Coast Stay Put, Melbourne Adelaide & the Murray River, Brisbane to Cairns, Gulf to the Outback PACIFIC: Norfolk Island, Rarotonga, Niue
For a free colour brochure contact Scottsdale Tours FREE phone 0800 66 44 14 • info@scottsdaletours.co.nz www.scottsdaletours.co.nz
33
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
Medals English Tie & Medal Co *Replica medals and Miniatures supplied and mounted. *Full sized and Mini medal groups for other family members. *Framed Medal Displays and Copy displays. *Regimental Ties & Blazer pocket badges.
MEDAL MOUNTING COURT STYLE
We do not deal or trade original medals
P. 09 838 4828 F. 09 838 4850 W. www.medals.co.nz 6 Central Park Drive, Henderson, Auckland 0610
MEDALS MOUNTED Court or Swing style. Professional quality guaranteed work. Reasonable prices. Medals also framed for family history displays, museum quality work. Medals & military souvenirs purchased for my own collection especially gallantry awards eg. DFC, MC, MM etc. German & Allied hats, helmets uniforms, RNZAF RAF pilots wings & boots also sought. Ph: Ian Hamilton 09 266 5783
Any changes to Club Adverts or Classified Adverts
SWING STYLE
Medals professionally mounted court or swing style. $20 per medal. Courier return $6.70 . No hidden costs. Damage free mounting. New ribbon. Fully insured. Framing service. Medal cases, replicas and miniatures stocked. Free NZDSM or NZOSM lapel pin with each mounting order. NZ wide mail order service or by appointment. Turnaround is usually 7 days.
A G Bairstow NZ Medals Ltd
PO Box 128-134, Remuera, Auckland 1541 Ph : 09 571 2074 aubreyb@clear.net.nz
www.nzmedals.com
ALSO BUYING MEDALS, DIARIES AND MILITARY ITEMS
MEDAL MOUNTING
Court or Swing Style, Full Size & Miniature medals,Ribbon Bars, Extra sets of medals for family, Framed Family Groups. Supplier of replica WW2 wings and brevet. 27 Years Experience. Contact: Tony Prowse, 6 Chilton Dr, Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast Ph. 04 2973232. Email: tsprowse@xtra.co.nz
MEDAL MOUNTING Full Size and Miniature Orders, Decorations and Medals. Court Mounted or Swing Style. Duplicate groups made up to order. If necessary medals cleaned and new ribbon supplied. Competitive prices and quality work guaranteed.
Contact: Russell Barker P O Box 346 Waikanae 5250 Phone: 04 293 1045 Email: rmbarker@xtra.co.nz
PLEASE CONTACT
DAVE McKEE Ph: 03 983 5518 Fax: 03 983 5552 E: davem@waterfordpress.co.nz
MEDAL MOUNTING, MILITARY HISTORY & GENEALOGY RESEARCH. Orders, decorations & medals (full size & miniatures) court mounted for day, evening wear, and for family history displays. Medals mounted with respect for over 40 years with no modifications to medals or clasps. Contact Medal Mounting Wellington, H.E. Chamberlain, Ph: 04 293 3504. 470 Te Moana Rd. Waikanae. Email: clas.chamberlain@xtra.co.nz.
Any changes to Club Adverts or Classified Adverts
PLEASE CONTACT - DAVE
McKEE
Ph: 03 983 5518 | Fax: 03 983 5552 | E: davem@waterfordpress.co.nz
DON’T JUST THROW our war history AWAY Karen Phelps When people think of preserving military history it’s often the distant past that comes to mind. But the Alexander Turnbull Library is eager to preserve items from our recent involvement in military activities, says the libqrary’s curatorial services leader, John Sullivan. “We’re interested in all campaigns in which New Zealanders have been involved, including peace keeping,” he says. The Ministry for Culture and Heritage describes war as “an unforgettable and powerful experience for many New Zealanders in the 1900s, and a defining stage in the country’s evolution as a nation”. The ministry is out to preserve as much information and experience about these times as it can source. It says it is important that the experiences of people involved in these wars are not forgotten, and is encouraging New Zealanders to save this heritage before it is too late. Sullivan quotes the example of a recent donation of significance – a collection of negatives
from someone who served in East Timor in 2001, illustrating the daily life of the soldiers there. The library collects all sorts of material, including military, and is very dependent on public donations. Sullivan says ordinary items are valuable and welcomed. There’s a steady flow of items, he says. Since 1991, when the library initiated its current collection-management system, 25,296 donations have been made, more than 1000 of them in the last 12 months. In recognition of the role the public plays in preserving the nation’s history, a special day is held for donors who have donated in that year. Participants are given the opportunity to look behind the scenes – this year’s tour included visits to the library’s conservation laboratory, the photographic studio (where items are digitised), and collections stores. “You become part of a community when you donate, and we have a very circular relationship with our donors,” says Sullivan. “We always like to let people know how the material they donate has been used by others.” The library is interested in items, both small
and large scale, from people who lived through war periods, even if they weren’t directly involved in the conflict. A recent donation was the records of a merchant seaman on a troop ship that sailed between New Zealand and England during 1917-19; it recorded the ship’s stops, which, says Sullivan, gives a good idea of the logistics involved in getting troops to war. Another significant donation this year was a group of negatives taken by Anton Berntsen, who trained as a pilot at the New Zealand Flying School in Auckland. Even though Berntsen did not participate directly in the war (he completed his training in 1919), his photographs have become of historical value because they were of a major war-training facility. Not every item offered is accepted. Items are assessed against the current collection and the library selection policy. Sullivan says the library is particularly interested in recorded items for the oral-history archive, which may include audio or video recordings of people talking about their experiences of military and related activities.
“We talk to people when they come in about how the material can be used, and come to an arrangement. This may include things such as copyright or privacy issues, keeping in mind that the library is here so that people can come in and look at items.” The acquisition of rarer items often involves a large amount of luck. Such as photographs found by John Sunley, a prisoner of war at Stalag 18a in Wolfsburg, Austria, who found the confiscated photos showing life as a World War 2 POW in the camp commander’s desk when the war ended. One of the library’s more unusual items is a collection of photos taken during World War 1 at Sidcup Hospital’s plastic surgery unit in England. They detail ground-breaking work in plastic surgery on soldiers who had been shot in the face on the Western Front. So why do people donate? “Public spiritedness,” says John Sullivan. “They want to share what they have with other people. There is a strong sense of validation that what your family has experienced is valuable to the nation as a whole.”
Your ‘how to do it’ guide to donating historical material for public posterity Many people underestimate the value of the historical records in their possession. They think museums and libraries will be interested only in the heroic and the powerful. But virtually any form of evidence is worth saving: Letters; diaries; memoirs; ephemera such as pamphlets or ration books or posters; photographs; souvenirs and trinkets; taped interviews and oral histories; records of soldiers, sailors, airmen, nurses, prisoners of war; views and experiences of conscientious objectors and others opposed to war; people manpowered into war-time occupations; wives “making do” while spouses were away; children sent away from their homes; refugees from war-torn countries; war brides. Where to look Bottom drawers, ask friends or relatives about letters. Ask family members, friends and acquaintances
about their wartime experiences, whether they have letters or photographs. Assure them that the memory of their war, however apparently unimportant, is worth saving for posterity. When a family member dies, check documents and letters for items of historical interest before they are thrown out. Remember – it’s better to save too much, than too little. Contacting a repository Once you have found something that could be worth saving, seek agreement from family members about giving it to a library or museum. Contact a repository where records can be stored in a safe and secure environment. Your donation is a gift, and you have the right to discuss options. The repository may provide copies of originals for you and your family; you may retain the original and allow the repository to make a copy; there may be restrictions on access to
the records to protect confidential material during people’s lifetimes. Preparing a deposit Before handing over the material, it is helpful to find out all you can about the person, or, if it’s your own material, try to recall the relevant dates and name the people in photographs. If you can, write this background up yourself; if you can’t, make sure you tell the archivist or librarian the information. Users of the material will be grateful to understand the context of what they are looking at. Acknowledgement Get a formal receipt for the material. If you have agreed on conditions for the gift, the acknowledgement should spell those out. Repositories
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage rates these repositories as suitable for receiving material and providing professional standards of care: • Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Corner Molesworth and Aitken Sts, PO Box 12-349, Wellington. Email: atl@dia.govt.nz. Website: www. natlib.govt.nz. Ph: 04 4743000. • Auckland War Memorial Museum, Te Papa Whakahiku, Private Bag 92018, Auckland 1030. Email: director@akmuseum.org.nz. Website: www.akmuseum.org.nz. Ph: 09-309 0443. • Army Memorial Museum, PO Box 45, Waiouru 5458. Email: armymuseum@ xtra.co.nz. Ph: 06 3876911. • Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Ave, Christchurch 8001. Email: ccripps@ cantmus.govt.nz. Ph: 03 3665000.
34
RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
What’s New One-off opportunity to trace the Italian Campaign A one-off, commemorative tour next May will give Kiwis the opportunity to learn about New Zealand’s role in the World War 2 Italian Campaign and to honour the contribution of the country’s soldiers. The one-off tour, from May 14-28, is organised by Innovative Travel, which specialises in tours with a difference in the Mediterranean, North Africa and Middle East. It will be hosted in Italy by Rene Wilson, a former New Zealand ambassador with a longstanding interest in New Zealand’s military participation in Italy and the Western Desert during World War 2. Innovative Travel’s managing director, Robyn Galloway, reports enthusiastic early reaction to what she describes as a “special journey for
those who want something more than a brief tour of traditional destinations”. Tour participants will: • Attend the New Zealand commemorations at the Commonwealth War Cemetery (where 456 New Zealand soldiers are buried) at Monte Cassino and the Maori commemorations at the Cassino railway station. • Visit the Sangro River area where 355 New Zealanders are buried and the Ancona area (where another 44 are buried). • Spend a day in Tavarnelle, in the Chianti area, hosted by Jill Gabriel, a Kiwi married to Stefano Fusi, a former Tavarnelle mayor who has written a book about the New Zealand Forces’ involvement in the Tuscany area in 1944. In fact, Jill Gabriel did more than just record history; she
helped rewrite it. The locals had mistaken the New Zealand Maori troops for America Negros and had credited US troops with driving the Germans out. The tour group will meet local villagers, who will recount their memories of the battles. • Visit Florence (the New Zealanders played a pivotal part in freeing Florence and its surrounding areas) and the Florence War Cemetery (where 243 New Zealanders are buried) • Time in Rome (including the Commonwealth War Cemetery where 10 New Zealanders are buried), Ravenna (two-hour guided walking tour of the city) and Milan. Information: Innovative Travel, P.O.Box 21247, Christchurch; 03 3653910; tours@innovativetravel.co.nz.
Rene Wilson: hosting ‘a special journey’.
THREE SMALL PACKAGES YIELD PLEASANT SURPRISES
of Hollywood), confusing (it takes a while to sort out the family who’s who) and a bit repetitive. What Charlie does do, though, is offer us insights into family life for a lad growing up in a working-class environment in Auckland during the 1920s and 1930s. In the aftermath of World War 1 and then the Great Depression, it was a world where all family members had to do their bit to help out...a functional world with little room for dreams and philosophy. Charlie is at his best during his account of his World War 2 service in Greece, Crete and the Middle East...poems and writings Charlie and his fellow soldiers in a special “events book” bring a personal touch to the battles. And Charlie talks us through his gradual disillusionment with the war, his eventual questioning of the cause, and his furlough home after three years. When Our Jack Went To War is told through the letters between two brothers, 18-year-old
Jack, who volunteers for World War 1, and 12-year-old Tom, who is left at home to help his single-parent mother and to continue his schooling. It’s fiction, based on the experience of an Otago family, and laced with relevant newspaper reports of the day and poem or two. It is very powerful. Jack’s letters trace his change from gung-ho adventurer to a state of mind similar to Charlie Knill. Except there’s no happy ending – Jack is killed at Passchendaele, aged 19. Tom’s letters follow a similar pattern – from wanting to join the army like Jack to recognising the futility of the war and with responsibility of helping mother in their single-parent family. Just like Charlie Knill, Tom and his mother also provide a glimpse of life for ordinary people in suburban Dunedin in these times, and the effect on a family of having a son away fighting. His mother’s anger and grief at Jack’s loss are eventually given purpose by the woman next door. “It’s time for the grieving to stop,” said the neighbour. “Do you want all this to be for nothing? You owe it to your Jack. We all do. If your Jack gave his life in the war, then it’s our job to make it worth his while.” • Once A Grunt, by Mike Ledingham, and A Soldier’s Tale, by Lou Geraets, published by Business Media Services Ltd, $29.95 each. Orders: Mike Smith, BMS Books, P.O.Box 6215, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua; 06 3494107; ms@ bms.co.nz; www.bms.co.nz. • When Our Jack Went to War, by Sandy McKay, published by Random House NZ . Recommended retail price: $19.99.
Many Kiwi soldiers took their cameras to war with them when they shipped out in 1914. Against orders, of course. But these forbidden cameras hidden away in kitbags have been the source of many of the 1200-plus images that make up newly published photographic record of New Zealand’s role in World War 1. Images of War: New Zealand and the First World War in Photographs (pictured right) is the result of a major research project by military historian Glyn Harper. Massey University’s professor of war studies has pieced together a pictorial narrative of New Zealand’s war efforts. While many of the images were drawn from the National Army Museum collection, Harper was certain there many more out there. A national appeal for photos brought in thousands from photo albums and private collections. More than three years of work went into sourcing, viewing and selection 30,000 images before deciding on the final cut. Images have chosen
to depict each theatre of war, including the often-forgotten home front. The book, which was released as a paperback in 2009, has now been redesigned in a largeformat format. Some new images and additional information have been added. The new edition is scheduled for release on November 1 Harper says that as the project progressed, he realised what an important but much neglected historical source the photographs were. The images record a large slice of New Zealand’s experience in this pivotal and tragic event, and reveal something of what it was like for the New Zealanders who had to live through it. “I think this is one of the most important books I have worked on.” • Images of War: New Zealand and First World War in Photographs: Glyn Harper and National Army Museum. Published by Harper Collins NZ. Recommended retail price: $99.99 (hardback)
Dion Crooks
It’s long-stranding advice: Never judge a book by its cover. We could add to that: Never judge a book by its size. Once A Grunt, A Soldier’s Tale and When Our Jack Went to War are all small-format in dimension and all come in below 200 pages. In terms of military-related books they are lean on illustrations. They’d be easy to discount. Don’t. Because each of them has its quite distinctive merits. Mike Ledingham has been around a bit – farmhand, soldier, real estate salesman, smallbusiness operator, armed security guard. now caregiver. But the crucial thing he brings to his collection of 10 stories in Once A Grunt is his ability to write. He can spin a good yarn, he has a sharp sense of humour, he knows how to avoid ‘drowning by detail deluge’, and he knows how to avoid over-preaching. The result is a good read – pacy, rollicking stories that make a point and leave you thinking about the issue. They’re not all military-based stories and in his introduction, Ledingham makes it clear that
while they may have been inspired by actual events, the stories “have been taken further in flights of fancy”. Lou Geraets’ A Soldier’s Tale is quite different. It’s the story – or “meanderings” as he calls them – of Charlie (Pop) Knill, born in Auckland in 1916 and still going. Charlie relates the story to Geraets (his son-in-law), who adds occasional historical snippets to help context. You can accuse this book of being mundane (war service apart, Charlie’s life is not the stuff
Mike ‘Farmer’ Ledingham writes with humour and great honesty stories about life in the Infantry and the SAS, and the reality of Civvy Street. His stories reflect a keen appeciation of the funny side of life, intolerance of everyday injustices, and an occasional tendency to be downright bloody stubborn. Cost: $29.95 + p&p Now available direct from BMS Books Tel: (07) 349 4107; Email: ms@bms.co.nz. Or online at www.bms.co.nz
A Soldier’s Life chronicles an ordinary man’s progress through extraordinary events. Charlie ‘Pop’ Knill tells his story from the early 1900s in Auckland, through the Great Depression, the battles of World War II Greece and El Alamein - and the myriad of changes since. A unique take on life. Cost: $29.95 + p&p Now available direct from BMS Books Tel: (07) 349 4107; Email: ms@bms.co.nz. Or online at www.bms.co.nz
THIS IS one of most important books
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RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2013
PERSONNEL FILES ON LINE FOR CENTENARY Archives New Zealand is on a mission to complete digitisation of all World War 1 New Zealand Defence Force personnel files by the end of next June in time for the centenary commemorations of the start of the war. Archivist David Knight says 65% of the 128,000 records have been digitised and the deadline is in sight. Current digitisation work covers all personnel files to 1920. The project also includes digitisation of the South African War records, which has been completed. Knight says personnel files reveal the history of the war and the cost on a personal level. The records also include New Zealanders who served in the British navy and air force, as well as doctors, nurses and the numerous volunteers who did everything from manual labour and first-aid to driving ambulances at the front. “Files from the Queen Mary Auxiliary Army Corp, the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry and Red Cross volunteers make interesting reading,” he says. The files are steadily being made available through Archives NZ’s on-line search engine, Archway. Files can be accessed directly in the
Wellington reading room, but allow a little time for this to be organised. RSA members can also search for relatives’ records on line; if they are not there, they can ask for them to be made available, says Knight. Both the South African War and World War 1 records are available through the Auckland War Memorial’s Cenotaph database, with a direct link to the digitised file on Archway. The personnel records typically contain information such as: next of kin; enlistment, embarkation and discharge dates; length of service in New Zealand and overseas; postings to military units; promotions; medal entitlements and decorations; and gratuity payments made to them or their family after the war. Marriage and children’s details are also often recorded. All World War 1 unit war diaries are also being listed. These detail where and what a unit was doing on a daily basis, providing more information to complement the personnel files. Archivist Sonya Behrnes, who has been working on the unit diaries, says they will be complete and available on Archway by December. Some of the more interesting diaries will be digitised in time for the World War 1 commemorations.
The personnel file of Lt Col William Malone, Commander of the Wellington Infantry Battalion, is now available on line. Malone, seen here outside his dug-out on Quinn’s Post, on Gallipoli was killed at Chunuk Bair, in August 1915. (Archives reference: ACID 17625, WA10/6/23).
RSA backs ‘authentic retelling’ of Gallipoli
A 2015 commemorative tour to Gallipoli and other Turkish landmarks is seen by RNZRSA chief executive Stephen Clarke as “an authentic retelling of this historic event.” “While there are no Gallipoli veterans left, the modern pilgrimage is about Kiwis understanding their history and sense of identity, which makes it a very powerful experience,” he says. In his own family, he has two great-great uncles, Paul and Cyril, served at Gallipoli in the Otago Mounted Rifles. The commemorative tour, organised by Stephen Parsons House of Travel and endorsed by the RNZRSA, will run from April 19-27, 2015/ As well as Gallipoli, it will includes sightseeing around Istanbul, the opportunity to pay personal tribute to fallen New Zealand POWs at the consulate cemetery, and visits to the Temple of Athena and the ancient city of Troy, the scene of the Trojan wars. A hundred confirmed bookings have been received for tour, which has capacity for 200 people. Stephen Clarke says the RSA was established as a direct result of Gallipoli, the first such association to be formed in the world to look after the needs of returned soldiers and their families. “Gallipoli was the catalyst for the RSA and the concept spread very quickly to other countries involved in the conflict. The first Anzac Day
Kiwi academics Christopher Pugsley (left) and Glyn Harper will travel with the tour.
commemoration was held in communities through New Zealand on April 25, 1916. “For the first time in our history New Zealand and Australian forces were fighting under their own flag and not as part of the British Empire. Landing on Anzac Cove on April 25, 1915, the Anzacs felt a sense of nationalism. The Anzac spirit was born there and survives to this day,
both at home and on the Gallipoli peninsula.” Steve Parsons’s interest was fuelled by a grandfather, Birkett Hunter, who served with the Wellington Mounted Rifles and came ashore on the first day of the Gallipoli campaign. Parsons’
father fought in Egypt during World War 2 and captained the NZEF (New Zealand Expeditionary Forces) in their rugby internationals from 1941 to 1943. “We’ll be participating in history as we commemorate the centenary of New Zealand becoming a nation, and I wanted to be caught up in it because of family connections and my experience of leading people to where it happened,” he says. Travelling with the tour will be: Glyn Harper, professor of war studies at Massey University; Christopher Pugsley, senior lecturer in war studies at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst; historian Cliff Simons, and Stephen Clarke, himself a military historian. The tour will be a central part of the RNZRSA’s annual conference in October, where the importance of how big World War 1 was to New Zealand will be addressed. “The pilgrimage will be a wonderful opportunity to help Kiwis understand the spirit of the original Anzacs and realise their values of courage, commitment, camaraderie and compassion are still relevant today,” he says . Information: Stephen Parsons, managing director, House of Travel – 06 3567051; 0800 269222.
I have worked on, says HISTORIAN
Archives New Zealand Keeps you in touch with our nation’s military history Go online at: www.archway.archives.govt.nz for records from the South African War and World War One Visit our website: www.archives.govt.nz to view our online exhibitions, films of significance to New Zealand’s history on Archives TV Channel and much more Archives New Zealand Ref.PC4_17_00_8
Published on Oct 6, 2013
The official publication of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association
