RSA Review Summer 2014 by Waterford Press Limited

SUMMER 2014

NOW WAS THE HOUR

The Kapa Haka group from Queen’s High School and King’s High School in full voice during Dunedin’s commemoration of the embarkation of troops for World War 1. Details: page 15. Photo: John Cosgrove News

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Our RSA Poets

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Remembering

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RSA Life

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‘Unique entry point’ into social history

Our collection of RSA verse

Graf Spee captain ‘the real hero’

Kevin pots title for host club

How do the themes of army recruiting advertising reflect society? A military man comes up with some answers.

We receive a surprising volume of verse, so we decided to bring some of it together for all of you to enjoy.

It’s 75 years since the famous Battle of the River Plate. Alistair Kerr traces the action and decides a German was the ‘real hero’

The Otaki RSA hosted the RSA national snooker singles championship – and was rewarded with a home-club victory.

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.RSA.ORG.NZ | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RSANATIONAL | HTTPS:/TWITER.COM/RSA_NATIONAL

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

News The official publication of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association Volume 90 No.4 Summer 2014 Published December 11, 2014

In this issue 02 News 08 National 10 Poetic RSA 15 Remembering 16 Lost Trails

Recruiting ephemera ‘unique entry point’ into social history Dan Wildy is a regular military bloke – he’s officer commanding of the 1st (NZ) Military Intelligence Company. He’s also a part-time doctoral student at Massey University. In his thesis – Printed New Zealand Army recruit advertising, 1899-1999 – Wildy maintains printed army recruiting ephemera, such as posters, pamphlets and leaflets, provide a unique entry point into exploring and understanding our social history. “The themes used in such items; how they have reflected changes in New Zealand society; and how they reflect the army’s self-perceived role in New Zealand society are all fascinating subjects largely untouched in existing literature.” He hopes to explore these areas and provide some new insights into our country’s past. And, in the best army tradition, he is seeking help from the troops – in this case, you, the readers. He seeks to enlist as wide a military audience as possible to “add considerable value” to his research. In particular, he is after your experiences, your stories, your yarns.

Army recruiting through the 20th century (from left), Malaya, 2NZEF, WW2 nurses, National Service 1961.

As he says. “Ephemera provides just an entry point. Personal accounts and recollections are what will give this study real value and bring it to life as a piece of social history.” The qualifications to talk to Dan Wildy are undemanding: “If you were at some time on the receiving end of New Zealand Army recruitment efforts, or possibly part of a recruiting team, your recollections would be greatly appreciated.

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@rsa.org.nz www.rsa.org.nz

Peter Owens

Last Post, What’s On and Lost Trails are placed in RSA Review as a free service.

EDITOR: Dion Crooks Ph (03) 983 5505 dion@waterfordpress.co.nz

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Christchurch faces of the New Zealand Cadet Forces ‘parade of national significance’. Photo: Liz Blackwell.

CADETS MARCH FOR 150 Wayne Henderson Major, New Zealand Cadet Corps

Virtually every cadet in the country was parading at the same time on Remembrance Sunday this year. Because many New Zealanders who fought in World War 1 had been introduced to the military life through cadets, it was fitting that the New Zealand Cadet Force should undertake a parade of national significance to celebrate 150 years of cadets and as a tribute to recognise those who served in conflict.

The NZCF and the RSA chose Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday closest to Armistice Day. And local NZCF staff and cadet units worked with local RSAs and councils in organising parades in cities and towns around New Zealand. In some of the bigger areas, more than one cadet unit paraded. In many cases, serving or former service New Zealand Defence Force personnel also took part. A major parade was held at Parliament in Wellington, with one cadet from each of New Zealand’s 99 Cadet Force units in attendance. To page 6

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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.

• To contact, contribute, or discuss this topic, co: Maj D Wildy, C/- Linton Camp Officers’ Mess, Linton Military Camp, Private Bag, Palmerston North. Email at: d_wildy@icloud.com.

Fourteen new life members a sign of new life at Clutha

23 RSA Life

PUBLISHER: James Lynch Ph (03) 983 5500 james@waterfordpress.co.nz

Gaining access to any anecdotes you might have, or copies of photographs and ephemera items you possess, would add considerably to the thoroughness and value of this thesis.”

The vice-chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, Air ViceMarshal Kevin Short, inspects the cadets in Christchurch. Photo: David Kerr.

Fourteen Clutha District RSA members, aged between 85 and 97, have been honoured with life membership. These are the first life memberships awarded since 2006. Eric Bissett, of Kaitangata, has been the club’s only living life member. Leslie and May Reid, both 90, received their awards on the same day they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Also honoured were: William Barron, William Baird, and Thomas McNab (all 96) ,Norman Maze, 94, George Panting, Ronald Spence and William Easson (all 92), Colin Ross, 90, Harry Mclevey, James Taylor and Alexander Robinson (all 88) and Clary Walsh, 87. Clutha District RSA president Nigel Beck told a large gathering at the RSA in Balclutha that these awards recognised the contribution and services made to the club, and were the beginnings of the RSA’s World War I commemorations. The new life members have served in a wide variety of places, including Japan, Palestine, Fiji, Egypt, Syria and the Pacific Islands. May Reid, the only woman among the recipients, was a coast watcher for the RAF on the United Kingdom coast during World War 2. Beck and Clutha district deputy mayor Stuart Cowie also referred to the contributions the new life members had made to the Clutha district. The occasion was the culmination of a major struggle by a group of Clutha RSA stalwarts to revive the moribund branch. The club had no home for nearly 10 years after it leased out its premises in Balclutha’s main street, and club membership diminished. The problem was exacerbated by the rule restricting membership to service members, many of whom were unable to take an active role. The crunch came several years ago when the tenants of the RSA premises surrendered their lease. This coincided with a massive shake-up in the club as many older members saw that it was heading towards being wound up. A new committee was elected and membership was opened to non-service people approved To page 6

News

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

TRAUMA STORY ‘HIT A NERVE’ Karen Phelps Gary and Colleen Roberts would like to start a New Zealand branch of the American-based Our House Foundation charity to help New Zealanders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in war zones. The Pakuranga (Auckland) couple believe the pressures people face when they return to New Zealand after serving in conflict zones could be underestimated. Their interest was sparked by a newspaper story about the charity and getting in touch with its founder, clinical psychologist Rita Spilken. Colleen Roberts had nursed veterans at Cornwall Hospital in the 1960s and the story hit home. “When Colleen was nursing, nobody wanted to talk about what had happened to them,” says Gary Roberts. “Maybe it’s the same today, as we are having trouble getting much response from people in starting this charity in New Zealand. “Reading the story really hit a nerve with us though. We’re just a normal couple of Kiwis, but we thought that maybe we could help.” The foundation aims to assist in the restoration of the mental health of military men and women returning home from conflict zones. Through reorientation and rehabilitation, the foundation

The Rotorua RSA has taken over the management of its restaurant – a move club manager Cathy Donoghue believes will open up a new line of business. The local drinking population is dwindling, and people prefer to go out for a good meal in a nice atmosphere, she says. “Food is the way a lot of people are going

In brief RSA adds soles to cadets

Gary and Colleen Roberts...keen to help returning soldiers.

aims to address the whole person – mind, body and spirit. The foundation also networks with relevant community organisations as support resources for veterans. The Our House Foundation was started in the United States in 2004 when Spilken recognised the need for additional resources to help veterans adjust from the day-to-day stresses of a war zone to civilian life. The Robertses have been to the US to see the foundation’s work and to receive training; the charity has made them honorary board members. They are now looking for support to form a

New Zealand branch. They want to begin by assisting women returning from conflict zones – which the foundation has identified as an area of particular need. “It gets a bit frustrating at times trying to get someone to listen to us,” says Gary Roberts. “But it’s a passion we have, so we will keep pushing the cause. To get this up and running in New Zealand will take a lot of work. We’d love to hear from anyone interested in helping get this venture off the ground.” • Gary and Colleen Roberts can be contacted on: 09 5764752; gary31roberts@clear.net.nz.

these days. And with the new drink driving laws reducing the permitted blood alcohol limit, we as hosts have to be more responsible. We’re encouraging people to use our facility and our van to get home.” The restaurant opens for dinner every night and for lunch six days a week; the club is also managing the catering for functions at the restaurant. Local businesses and social groups are also being offered the opportunity to challenge club

members to tournaments in snooker, 8 ball, indoor bowls, golf, dance sports, and darts. Donoghue says the RSA has increased its online presence, and made itself more available through social networks with its own Facebook page and website. It has also joined Clubs New Zealand, largely because of the training schemes offered for management and staff, the gaming machine and staffing support provided, and the opportunity to compete in sports events with other clubs.

FOOD SEEN AS AN ENTREE TO NEW BUSINESS AND MEMBERS Kelly Deeks

The RSA has presented the New Zealand Cadet Forces with 250 pairs of shoes in support of youth development. The black, dress shoes will be used by New Zealand cadets when wearing uniform; cadets are not issued with uniform shoes, so many wear school shoes or sneakers. Each cadet unit fundraises to buy boots and shoes, and this donation will help those who have difficulty raising the funds, says NZCF commandant Cdr Glen Stokes.

Anzac redevelopment The Lower Hutt Memorial RSA will work with city council on the development of a new Anzac lawn and expanded Cenotaph area in time for Anzac Day 2015. RSA president Alison Sexton says the work has been widely discussed by club members, who have been involved with the project from the outset. Work is scheduled to begin before Christmas. Sited at the head of the lawn, the Cenotaph will be the focal point of formal commemorations and a place for recreation and activity at other times.

Leave-centre restrictions Bookings for New Zealand Army leave centres are now restricted to RSA service members. The annual meeting of the Army Central Welfare Executive Committee on October 14 decided that booking will no longer be accepted from RSA associate members. The decision took effect immediately.

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4 News

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

PRESIDENT PROMISES ‘QUIET REVOLUTION’ When Warrant Officer BJ Clark was posted to the Sinai Peninsula in 1989, he often reflected on the New Zealand troops who had fought there in the harsh Egyptian climate more than 70 years earlier. Clark was then part of the United Nations multi-national force sent to help maintain the peace in the Middle Eastern hot spot. Now, as the newly elected national president of the RSA, he will lead the RSA’s centennial commemorations of New Zealanders who served in World War 1 – at Gallipoli, on the Western Front and in the Middle East. It’s an historic time, but the RSA and its new president have the future firmly in mind. Sixty-year-old Clark – officially Barry John, but known to everyone as BJ – wants to quietly revolutionise the RSA movement so that it becomes more effective and relevant to members and generations to come. “The spirit of Anzac saw our men and women look out for, support one another, and come together in comradeship,” he says. “A hundred years later, I want that same attitude to be enhanced in RSA around the country. “My goal is to lead a quiet revolution of attitudes – changing the way Kiwis see the RSA, bringing associations together to share their strengths, showing New Zealanders we welcome them into the RSA movement, and championing our current service personnel as well as our veterans.” That revolution has already begun. In October the RSA launched its National Association – a new on-line membership for service personnel who move frequently and Kiwis of all ages and backgrounds who don’t have an RSA connection. The association allows members to access RSAs in New Zealand and RSL clubs in Australia, and provides them with a club card which grants benefits and deals on products and services. The RSA has also released an on-line annual report.

The RSA’s work is as vital as ever. While we still have men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to serve their country, we have a role to play in looking after them and providing support.

BJ Clark: ‘We lived in the basement, often covered in dust. Our job was to make the embassy secure. It’s a memory I’ll always have.’

Whatever forms the RSA’s own centenary in 2016 takes, Clark wants to emphasise “the new attitude”. He sees the organisation’s work being as vital as ever. “While we still have men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to serve their country, we have a role to play in looking after them and providing support.” He has been impressed with the resurgence of interest by young people in the milestones leading up to and including the early involvement of New Zealand in World War 1.

“We’ve seen young New Zealanders attending Anzac Day ceremonies in increasing numbers. Many are honouring their family members. Now we want to attract them to an RSA that is relevant and alive.” BJ Clark was born in Greymouth, grew up in Nelson, and joined the New Zealand Army as a regular force cadet 44 years ago – part of the class of ‘70 – intent on a career as a carpenter/ joiner in the Royal New Zealand Engineers’ Corps. He has seen service in Singapore, Fiji, the Antarctic and the Sinai Peninsula. One experience

that stood out was the six months he spent in Moscow helping to refurbish the New Zealand Embassy. “We lived in the basement, often covered in dust. Our job was to make the embassy secure. It’s a memory I’ll always have.” Another defining recollection was seeking out the British war grave cemeteries in Sinai, the resting place of hundreds of Kiwis who fought there during World War 1. “There was so much sadness reading the names of soldiers, not a dry eye anywhere. They were so far from home and unable to be brought back. I thought of the sacrifices they made in the desert.” Early in his army life he was attracted to the RSA. He joined in Christchurch in 1973. His building know-how proved important as he helped the Papanui RSA find new premises, and he was soon on the club executive. He became president of Papanui in 1998, then Canterbury district president, and, in 2008, national vice president. Clark left the army in 1991 as a warrant officer and senior trades instructor: “The army shaped me. It taught me skills, leadership, camaraderie, how to accept differences in people and work with them,” he says.

New blood on the RSA national executive: from left, , Jenepher Glover, Chris Turver, Corina Bruce.

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The RSA has broken new ground by voting two women and a “civilian” (no military background) on to its national executive committee – the group empowered by the National Council to govern the RSA on a day-to-day basis. Corina Bruce, Jenepher Glover and Chris Turver were elected at the RSA National Council in October. Bruce will not be around when the RSA celebrates its 150th anniversary, but wants to ensure that the movement in 2066 will be relevant to those who join and are serving today. “Our role is to ensure the RSA remains true to its foundations, values and objectives for all generations, including those who serve, have served or will serve. This includes embracing the diversity of all our services, connecting the RSA with our communities and stakeholders through the Anzac spirit and comradeship, and continuing open dialogue between members, services and communities.” Capt Corina Bruce was appointed commanding officer for the Royal New Zealand Navy base, HMNZS Philomel, in Devonport in 2010 – the first female to hold the post. She has very recently relinquished that job. She was a finalist in the 2014 Women of Influence Awards in the board and management category. Glover, a detective with the Dunedin CIB, is a specialist interviewer. She says her training has taught her to listen and understand, and

find a resolution. She says she’ll use those skills to listen to veterans and members and to hear what the community is saying. “I’d like the RSA to cement our place in the community and, in doing so, reflect what it is saying. I’d also like to see a more diverse membership. Our young veterans and serving members of the military need our support, and I will encourage them to join.” She has been in the New Zealand Police since 1979, including a posting to the Solomon Islands and East Timor as officer in charge of the major crime investigation unit. A member of the Dunedin RSA executive committee since 2004, she is in her second term as club president. Turver, who is president of the Paraparaumu RSAs, has used his strategic-planning, communication and business-development background to help the club build membership and income. He was a war correspondent with 161Bty in Vietnam, was on patrol with 1RNZIR on the Borneo border, and on the HMNZS Canterbury nuclear protest voyage to Mururoa. He says the survival of RSAs depends on its ability to change the historical way it does things. “We need to create an environment that the community want to go to. I want to regenerate the interest of young people in the services and recently retired personnel by making RSAs relevant to them.”

News

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

All-inclusive refurbished memorial gates seen as a signal that ‘Kapiti cares’ Servicemen and women who return from stressful United Nations and Allied Coalition operations have few natural “homes” to share their experiences together – and the Paraparaumu RSA & Community Club is doing something about that. The refurbishment of Paraparaumu’s memorial gates has focused attention on the fact that the last memorial plaque attached was “Vietnam”. RSA president Chris Turver says there has been no recognition for military personnel who have served New Zealand in other trouble-spots. The RSA has established a Welcome Home sub-committee to engage with current and

recently retired service personnel and their families, many of whom live in Kapiti. Turver says the sub-committee includes younger RSA tri-service veterans who want to engage directly with their comrades – and the first and most critical step is to demonstrate that Kapiti cares. New Zealand has never properly recognised operational service in often hostile and dangerous conditions from the Far East and Middle East to the Balkans, the Pacific and Afghanistan, he adds. “Few of us realise that many personnel have returned not just with harsh memories, but with

deep psychological impacts from the often horrific events they had to deal with. RSAs have to open their arms to them.” The Kapiti Coast District Council, which is managing the $270,000 memorial gates project to commemorate those who lost their lives in World War 1, has agreed to add a “United Nations & Allied Coalitions – Post 1945” plaque on the main archway. The plaque will be dedicated on February 14 in a ceremony organisers hope will attract many servicemen and women and their families, and make them feel there is recognition and ‘welcome

home’ for what they did. Turver, a Vietnam veteran, says those who returned from that war feel a particular kinship with today’s military personnel because they were ignored for many years until formally welcomed home in the grounds of Parliament in 2008, and receiving a public apology from the prime minister. The Paraparaumu RSA & Community Club is inviting all Kapiti residents to the dedication service and to show their appreciation for the young men and women who have served, or are still serving, overseas.

PLANS AFOOT TO RETRACE MARCH These troops were the first of more than 60,000 to tackle “The Crossing” from Wairarapa to the Hutt Valley over the next three years. The march was often led by Frederick Rutherford; the patriotic “Little Bootmaker” from Featherston would see the soldiers off in the early morning, then join the march. He was eventually adopted as the mascot for departing soldiers, striding in front of them bearing a flag. The 100th anniversary of that first Crossing comes round next year, and there are plans for men to once again march across the Rimutakas – this time in tribute to the valour of all those young New Zealanders. The 2015 marchers will assemble early on September 27 (the organisers have opted for the 27th rather than the original 23rd because traffic should be lighter on a Sunday). Some will be descendants of the original marchers; others

The men of the 24th Reinforcements near the end of their march over the Rimutakas in March 1917.

will be members or former members of the New Zealand Defence Force. As many as possible will be dressing World War 1-era uniforms. They will depart in darkness from the World War 1 training camp, complete with a military band. After a wreath-laying at the Featherston cenotaph, they will leave the band behind as they head for the hill.

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They are expected at the 940-metre summit around 7am, where they will stop for breakfast, just as their predecessors did. (In 1915, refreshments were provided by the women of the Wairarapa Patriotic Association, who had gone on ahead of the troops and were waiting To page 6

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Early on September 23, 1915, the people of Featherston were woken by the tramp of marching feet. A column of more than 1000 young New Zealanders was on its way to war. They had already come seven kilometres from their training camp at Tauherenikau, accompanied by a military band. Ahead lay an arduous 34km route march on rough, metal road across the Rimutaka Range to the Trentham Military Camp. From there they would travel by train to Wellington and board a troop ship for Port Suez, Egypt. By the following year they would be fighting in the mud on the Western Front. Many would not return. A small number of them fought in the latter stages of the Gallipoli Campaign. Most, though, were in the Battle of the Somme, where more than a million men were killed or wounded.

6 News/Opinion

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

RSA With a View: Alistair Kerr

THINK ABOUT HOW YOUR CLUB HANDLES MEMBER, BUSINESS ISSUES Our RSA’s annual meeting and election of a new executive committee has motivated me to reflect on how other clubs relate to their executive committees. In recent years, we have successfully introduced policies of transparency and member involvement. How true is that so for your club? Of course, every RSA is different, depending such factors as size, location and established methods of government. But, I’m sure there are principles that apply across the board. As members, you may like to apply these questions and reflect on how your club manages those issues.

• How well does your executive committee understand and respond to the views of members? How well does it communicate its decisions on those matters to members in a full and timely way? How well are the minutes of meetings made easily accessible, by email, for example? • How accessible is the executive to the members? Do your rules allow and encourage financial members to attend and, by arrangement, speak on any issue? (except, of course, when the executive is “in committee”). Can any member – returned, service or associate – stand for election to the executive?

• Given the way in which more people seem to be seeking acceptable social venues, a move that requires RSA clubs to be run as businesses and to attract younger members, how actively are you seeking and encouraging younger members to stand for the executive? • How well does your executive use the wisdom and experience of past executive members in appropriate situations? • How well does your exec invite and use the skills of suitably qualified members to help with, say, building, technological or staff decisions? As most of our clubs are faced with the need to

develop as preferred, high-quality, social venues if they are to survive, with the RSA core values as a point of difference, their executive committees, more than ever, are faced with ensuring their financial viability by governing them as profitable businesses. I can’t help but wonder if a lack of realisation of the importance of the need to trade profitably has been contributing factor to some recent RSA club closures. Whatever, give some thought to these questions and, above all, get behind your president and your executive committee and help them keep your club functioning for all to enjoy.

Cadets march for 150th celebration From page 2 The reviewing officer for was Lt Gen (rtd) Don McIver, the immediate past national president of the RSA. Officers and cadets then marched to St Paul’s Cathedral for a formal service. The Christchurch PONS, organised by Flt Lt Pip Corlett in conjunction with Christchurch Memorial RSA president Pete Dawson and assistance from the Christchurch City Council, was led by the New Zealand Army Band. At the end of the march, the cadets were inspected by the vice-chief of Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short. About 1000 cadets were involved in the CADET150 exercise at Waiouru in January. Activities included flying, tramping, shooting, RNZN boat rides, and abseiling. The NZCF – the Sea Cadet Corps, NZ Cadet Corps and the Air Training Corps – is based on the values of respect, integrity, loyalty and

discipline. New Zealand’s first cadet unit was formed at Dunedin High School (now Otago Boys’ High School) in 1864. The NZ Cadet Corps grew into what was popularly known as school cadets (when battledress was worn, and barracks week was held at most boys’ schools) until about 1971 when it became part of the NZ Cadet Forces. Sea Cadets was formed in 1929 when the Canterbury Navy League created Training Ship Steadfast (presently amalgamated with TS Cornwell to form TS Godley because of earthquake-related reasons). Sea cadets retain a strong interest in sailing, boat work and other nautical activities. The Air Training Corps was born in 1941 out of a need to supply pre-trained airmen for the Air Force. The ATC supplied thousands of men for the war effort. It was so useful it was retained after the war and still has a focus on youth development.

Plenty of signs of new life at Clutha

From page 2 the committee. A chartered club licence was granted in February 2014. From a base of around 87 members, the Clutha RSA is gradually gaining momentum; past members are renewing their membership and new members of all ages are joining. Committee member Ken Mathieson sees the re-opening of the Clyde St premises as giving a focus to the purposes of the RSA and reminding the community what service and sacrifice meant to past generations. He has also found and cleaned up the club’s sporting trophies, Committee members have a hands-on role in

running the club. Mathieson and new secretary Holly Aldcroft agree the club’s success lies in providing a top-quality catering service to the district’s social and business organisations. A member who is a qualified chef has planned and assisted in the preparation of meals for locals – a service that is proving very popular. The committee is also re-structuring and reviewing its welfare activities, with newly appointed welfare people reporting directly to the committee. The club is now open to members from 1pm to 10pm Thursday to Sunday, and activity is being revived. Snooker players now throng the billiards table and lounge on Thursday nights.

Plans afoot to retrace Rimutaka march

with steam boilers to make tea. (It was said that every soldier needed at last least 10 sandwiches). A memorial will be unveiled and dedicated at the summit before the marchers move on to Kaitoke, where they will be picked up buses and taken to Upper Hutt. There they will parade through the city before another bus trip to a formal welcome and march-past at Trentham camp. The next day will be “open day” with displays and band performances. A group of volunteers is behind the The Crossing idea, and one of them, Tweet Bird,

says it has received enthusiastic blessing from old soldiers, the RSA and local bodies. Featherston Camp, New Zealand’s largest training base during World War 1, was built in 1915 after Trentham proved inadequate. Before its completion, soldiers trained in a temporary tent camp at Tauherenikau. It is estimated that 60,000 young men – 58 per cent of the New Zealanders who served in World War 1 – trained at Featherston between 1916 and 1918. The camp covered 753 hectares and, at its peak, could sleep nearly 120,000 men. It had its own post office, shops and churches.

The recent centenary of the outbreak of World War 1 and the 75th anniversary of the start of World War 2 have prompted D G Snowden, from Selwyn Village in Point Chevalier, Auckland, to remind us that amidst the carnage and loss of life, there were humanitarian acts in both conflicts. He recalls a letter he read in an English newspaper following the death of Roy Blatchley, of Painswick, Gloucestershire, in 1989. During World War 2, Blatchley – who went on to become a doctor – was a 20-year-old in the

Fleet Air Arm. He was flying his Walrus flying boat in the Mediterranean when he spotted a crippled German submarine on the surface. The crew were on deck and the sub was flying a white flag. He immediately flew back to the nearest British warship to report, and was ordered back to stay with the submarine. There he found a RAF plane, piloted by an American, machine-gunning the submarine, and the crew were jumping into the water. Blatchley landed his flying boat and

From page 5

The moment of truth...Huey (a French-built NH90 helicopter, heaves a complete L5 howitzer

FRUSTRATION ENDS WITH ‘MARRIAGE’ IN THE SKY Chris Turver Military history has been made in New Zealand by matching the right helicopter and the right gun to significantly improve the mobility of artillery support. It came close to the 49th anniversary of the first abortive attempts in Vietnam to sling a complete L5 howitzer under a Huey. Two of the RNZAF’s new NH90 medium utility helicopters easily carried four 105mm howitzers, together with guns, crews, ammunition and support equipment, in eight lifts from Waiouru military base into the back-hills for a live shoot. The demonstration came during the annual Ben Cat live-firing exercise by 161Bty of 16 Field Regiment, New Zealand Artillery – the same battery that served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1971. The battery now has the sophisticated L119 105mm howitzer, complete with built-in, computerised navigation, target-aiming, acquisition, and fire-control systems. Veterans of the original Operation Ben Cat in Vietnam in 1965, who had been invited to watch the exercise, remembered years of frustration in trying to airlift the original L5 howitzers under American Iroquois helicopters to improve mobility in supporting ground forces. In the end it could be done by breaking down the L5s and flying separate parts into action by

Iroquois for ground reassembly, or using the big American Chinook helicopters. 16 Field Regiment, regarded through international exercises as one of the best light-artillery units in the world, has been waiting since then for a perfect mobility marriage with the right helicopter partner. Over September 17-18, the RNZAF honed its skills in lifting the L119s, under-slung in strops, manoeuvring in flight, and finally carrying the guns high into the hills for the Ben Cat live-firing exercise. The French-built NH90s can carry an underslung load of 4000 kilograms – more than twice that of an L119 – or 18 troops in light order. Their top speed is 300kph and they have a range of 780 kilometres. The NH90s were escorted by a sleek A109 light, utility helicopter, one of five replacements for the Sioux. What the “marriage” will mean, when all the testing processes have been completed, will be an outstanding level of mobility from land, or sea if a naval vessel such as the support ship HMNZS Canterbury were to be used. This will make New Zealand an increasingly attractive operational partner for its allies.

• Chris Turver was the first New Zealand war correspondent with 161 Battery in Vietnam in 1965.

WAR ANNIVERSARIES BRING STORY OF HUMANITARIAN PILOT BACK TO MIND picked up the 16 survivors, who included the captain. He could not take off because of the extra weight, so he taxied his craft back to the British warship. The letter-writer said she asked him: “Did you get a medal?” He retorted: “Medal? I bloody nearly got court martialed?” She noted that she was sure he was joking. The German crew-members were sent to Canada as prisoners of war, and in 1989, Blatchley flew to Canada to meet the captain, who had become

a Canadian citizen. A few months later, he travelled to Germany as guest of honour at a reunion of the u-boat crew and was presented with a plaque commemorating their rescue. Roy Blatchley died a week after returning home. The letter-writer says he was “overwhelmingly proud” of the plaque and his local pub, the Royal Oak in Painswick, had a replica made to hang in the bar. Blatchley’s ashes were committed to the sea by the Royal Navy in a ceremony off Portsmouth.

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RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

National

RSA ‘WILL BE LEADING THE BATTLE’ TO RETAIN THE FLAG BJ Clark, RSA national president Thank you for the privilege and honour of being elected the national president of the Royal New Zealand Returned And Services’ Association. I have served an apprenticeship under four presidents – David Cox, John Campbell, Robin Klitscher and Don McIver; all of them have brought differing skills to the table and I hope I have learned something from each of them. I sincerely thank Don for his leadership over the last four years, and hope he can now put his feet up and enjoy a well deserved rest. I would like to congratulate him on the award of the RSA Badge in Gold and Life Membership, which was unanimously approved at Council. We have completed our National Council and I believe it was very positive and effective. There were some very robust discussions, but that is exactly where we should air our differences, debate them, resolve them, and then move on. We are sometimes distracted by small internal debates, and this can detract from our prime responsibility of ensuring those who have served are supported. There were three new elected members on the national executive – Chris Turver, Jenepher Glover and Corina Bruce (the latter two may be our first elected female representatives). The National Council mandated implementation of the Independent Task Force’s recommendations, and the national executive council will work to ensure the transition is as smooth

The RSA has had many requests from the public to retain the current flag.

as possible and keep you informed of progress. Sincere thanks to Robin Klitscher and members of the Independent Task Force for their work and dedication in formulating the final proposal, which will lead us into our next 100 years. We have a well-led, hard-working and loyal team in our National Office who are always ready and willing to help our RSAs. They have been with us only a short time, but their passion and enthusiasm for the RSA is obvious – that was clearly shown by how hard they all worked during Council. I would like to thank the staff personally and on your behalf for their input

into ensuring we had a successful Council. The Prime Minister has announced that he is to initiate two referendums on changing the flag. It is very unfortunate that the Government should initiate this debate at a time when we are remembering the service and sacrifice of those who, 100 years ago, left these shores under that very flag. I would have thought there were more pressing matters than one that does not seem to have a mandate from the public. We should also be concerned at the process, which is now estimated to cost taxpayers between $17 million and $25m. Surely a more

common-sense approach to this matter, if it must be dealt with now, is to first hold a referendum to see if the public wants change; if the result is no, then why have the second referendum? I am sure many people are thinking of better uses for such a significant amount of taxpayers’ cash: such as child poverty, health, education, support for veterans, carer support, support for the disabled, and many other important issues. There are also the hidden costs, which have not been discussed – the replacement of current flags, any item with the flag on it (including driving licences), and many other changes that will be necessary. We will be leading the battle to retain the current flag using the byline, “Fighting for the Flag”, which has been printed on bumper stickers available through the National Office or local RSAs. This issue is already initiating a considerable amount of discussion. We have received many requests by the media for our view, and requests and support from the public for us to lead this fight. I wish to make the offer that I am available at any time to discuss issues affecting you. I may not be able to resolve them all, but I will use any resources I have to try. A thought: Nothing is impossible to the willing mind.

NATIONAL ON-LINE OPTION ‘REMOVES BARRIERS TO MEMBERSHIP’ David Moger, RSA chief executive We are now fully into the official WW100 commemoration period, with the centenary of the declaration of war in August and the departure of the main body in October already behind us. As we consider the events of 100 years ago, we also need to look forward to the next 100 years. It is critical we ensure the RSA movement grows and thrives, and that means reviewing how we do things. A hundred years ago, life was very

different. The way people lived in communities was very different. The way people joined the RSA was very different. A few years ago, some bright spark invented the internet and the future of such things as bookshops and real-estate agents looked bleak as the futurists claimed all such purchases would go on line. Whilst there hasn’t quite been the retail meltdown forecast, there is no doubt the

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internet has had a major impact on our lives. Amazon is now a household name. Google has become a verb, and New Zealand Post is struggling to cope with the rapid changes from letters to e-mails. A recent survey showed that more than a third of New Zealanders spend more money shopping on line than they do on a shopping trip to the store. What’s more, despite the perception that the internet and social media are driven by Gen Y and Gen X, one of the fastest-growing segments of internet use is the older generation as they learn a new way of connecting with friends and family. The RSA is now responding to these changes in the way we live, and is engaging with people much more on line. In April this year, we launched our Facebook page and this, together with our Twitter feed, gives us a whole new way to communicate. Already we are getting positive results. We have also produced an on-line, annual report this year, featuring interactive features and moving graphics. The president of Australia’s RSL was so impressed that he wants to steal the idea. The biggest move, though, is the launch of the RSA National Association, providing a national on-line membership option with a

single membership fee. The aim is to remove barriers to membership. The RSA National Association is designed to complement the current membership of local RSAs by providing a membership option for those who would not otherwise join. There are many reasons why someone would not wish to join locally. They may not have an RSA close by. They may not want to be part of a traditional club environment. They may move around the country with work or have homes in different places. They may wish to connect with the core Anzac values of our organisation, but not wish to use local RSA facilities. They may be overseas or in an organisation with staff in multiple locations. They may simply want to connect with the RSA on line rather than face to face. The RSA National Association appeals to a much wider audience than we do currently, and I’m delighted to say that we have four amazing foundation members. Lt Gen Tim Keating, the current chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, sees the RSA National Association as an ideal way for NZDF service personnel to get involved with the RSA. Lt Gen (rtd) Rhys Jones thinks the new Association provides a great way for recent To page 9

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

On-line option cuts through barriers to membership From page 8 ex-service personnel to maintain their connection with the ex-service community. Phillip Meyer, a businessman and investment banker with strong connections in the business community, and film-maker Sir Peter Jackson are both committed to our cause, and want to see more and more New Zealanders supporting the RSA and the cause through the new RSA National Association. The RSA National Association provides all the benefits of traditional RSA membership, including access to all RSAs, and is a great way of getting started with the movement. We launched the RSA National Association at a “Pop Up RSA” in Wellington in October and, in the first couple of weeks, more than 700 people joined up, becoming part of a national movement with 105,000 members. We welcome them warmly, and we’ll be engaging with them via e-mail and social media. But we also hope they will take the opportunity to visit RSAs around the country and get to know us better. It’s a constantly changing world that we live in and we have responded with this new membership option. But one thing will never change. We stand for the Anzac values of Courage, Commitment, Compassion and Comradeship, and will always remember those who served and sacrificed for them. We invite all New Zealanders to join us and support those values and remember those who served, be it face to face at a local RSA or on line with the RSA National Association at www.rsa.org.nz.

Your say ARTICLE REKINDLES MEMORIES OF SHELLBURST I was most interested to read your article on Alan Ambury (RSA Review, winter 2014). I am the last remaining veteran of the group of four who received the burst of shrapnel that finished our war. We were going up the road in line abreast to relieve a company of 21Bn at San Michele when the shell landed under Alan – the others were in front of him or behind him. Yes, July 27 has been foremost in my mind for a long time. It took about 18 months to clean the shrapnel out of me. After the war I was a building contractor for 50 years and finished my time with 24 New

Zealand Infantry Battalion as its president for many years. In July I presented the oratory to three of our Last Post members; the funeral of the fourth, Bruce Murcott, was in Hamilton and there was a clash of times. I believe, without a doubt, that I led the finest bunch of New Zealanders who have existed, and I attest to the ability of each one of those you mention in your article. During our combat days we were stationed on Mt Terrille, north of Cassino, and witnessed the final battle when the Poles took Cassino. It was 3000 feet up and we had to go down each day to the mulehead for supplies. When the

final assault took place, we sat and watched all hell break loose with a barrage the size of El Alamein. How could a 21-year-old ever forget that? Galvan Garmonsway was there too. Today I live in retirement with my 94-year-old wife, and it is great to look back on one’s life. Our battalion had an extended life through being able to recruit the sons and daughters of our veterans to keep our functions going. My gratitude to them is everlasting. I must mention also the support we receive from our families on Anzac Day and a Christmas dinner.

The Victory Services Club hotel in London has the reputation of being “one of the world`s best kept secrets”. Consequently, I wonder how many RSA members know about it. I recently had the pleasure of staying several weeks at the Victory and, in every way, it is a first-class establishment with a great luxury-hotel feel about it. It caters for serving and ex-service members of the British and Commonwealth armed services and their families, and NATO allies. Membership is 20 pounds sterling a year and can be obtained by sending a copy of an identity document (such as a passport) and record of service in the military (I supplied a copy of my Royal Navy discharge form World War 2). There is a variety of accommodation for individuals, couples and families. Rooms are beautifully furnished and fully equipped, and are serviced daily. The restaurant serves very

appetising a la carte food, and alcoh0lic and non-alcoholic drinks. There is a quiet lounge bar where snacks and drinks are served. The reading room is stocked with a selection of books, daily newspapers and magazines. The staff were most attentive and helpful to me. There is a 24-hour reception service and I found I invariably received an almost instant reply to any e-mail I sent from New Zealand. The rates the Victory charges are, I believe, very modest compared with a normal hotel in London, and there are discounts for longer stays.

Located a stone’s throw from Marble Arch in the centre of London, the hotel is ideally situated for anyone wishing to explore the capital; it is also near multiple bus routes, and the underground service connects with the main railway stations for visitors wishing to travel round the United Kingdom or the Continent. Should you want more information about the Victory, contact: Victory Services Club, 63-79 Seymour St, London W2 2HF, England; email info@vsc.co.uk.

J A ADLINGTON 440203 (Auckland)

Victory Services Club comes highly recommended

JOHN COPPING 2447 (Howick RSA)

If you’ve got something you want to say or an opinion you want to air on a RSA-related topic or matter, we’re keen to hear from you. Send it to: Letters, RSA Review, P.O.Box 37-346, Christchurch 8245, or e-mail to: dion@waterfordpress.co.nz.

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

Our RSA poets Poetry, according to someone who should know – one William Wordsworth – is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.

Others, touched by its effect on family members and friends, or humbled by the courage of a select few, have put those feelings into verse.

The realities of war provide fertile ground for these `powerful feelings’, and RSA Review has printed poems in previous editions detailing personal experiences of war.

The response to these poems has been significant. Significant enough to set aside a special section to publish the growing pile of poems that has arrived on our desks. Here is a selection.

The Ballad of Donald Forrester-Brown: VC – 1916 He was born and raised of Dunedin stock, a Kiwi to the core and took to being a farmer, when a world was waging war “Come fight for king and Country, men”, was the loud and fervent call so he sold his farm, and headed north, Joined the first-NZEF None could foretell what was in store, for those brave men who left. The Somme offensive had just begun, when they hit the Western Front their eyes all sharp and fearless, like men on a rabbit hunt but things did not go plan that day, and soon it turned to dread 1200 men were missing or wounded, and 600 more were dead. But Brown was made of solid stuff, and his courage flowed like wine as he led the attacks on machine gun posts, that were holding up their line. His contempt for all danger, and his coolness under fire kept morale at a fever pitch, and hearts were lifted higher

and just as luck would have it, and the placements made secure a sniper’s bullet found its mark, and lay him down so sure. They buried him at Warlencourt, up in there in Northern France and there, with 3000 others, he rests, at the end

of their advance and the generals way behind the lines, heard the news, and it was good and bestowed a VC, posthumously, lest it be misunderstood. And though it’s been a hundred years or so, he lays there still, today

A testament to Kiwi boys, who went to war ... and stayed And looking back, what did we learn, and what little did we gain save always, to remember them, lest it shouldhappen…..once again. A poem for the fallen by D. Parsons 2014

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Our RSA Poets 11

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

The Guts and Gore from the First World War On the 15th of April, the month before May the boats picked us up and sailed away the horses were neighing, the donkeys were braying as the boat rocked forward and back.

sit on a bench and reload my gun ahhh! a rat and 20 odd fleas oh God help me please. I place my hand in my pocket and pull out a letter it’s from my family and makes me feel better.

The soldiers all had fear in their face although their legs were marching with grace as the guns fired around us as we heaved and pulled ourselves out of the boat we really didn’t realise dead bodies don’t float all I could see was guts and gore today was the day of the Gallipoli war.

I grab my gun and my hand grenade and put on my helmet I bought last decade I slowly walk up to the wooden ladder OWW. I get a wound in my arm feels like I’ve been shot oh no I had better not I wrap my injury up in a cloth I slap my face and cough a big cough.

BOMB AHEAD! quick, dive to the sand although it was a big blow, no one was hurt the commander behind me, grabbing my shirt “you’re going too slow son, we’re not leaving till this war is won.

As I ascend the ladder and stare ahead twenty thousand men fatally shot dead My pappa my brother father and son all shot and killed in World War one.

I jump into my trench Rebekah Bowling, a pupil at Carterton High School in the Wairarapa, wrote this poem when she was 11 years-old.

The Price of Freedom I never was a soldier, so have no tale to tell of cloying mud and seas of blood and trenches into hell. I didn’t get the call up, so how am I to know of ghosts who stand on scarlet sand where angels fear to go? I didn’t serve my country, so missed the pained goodbyes of men who cried as brothers died beneath those leaden skies. I never fought for freedom, so couldn’t understand the metal rain of searing pain that ripped across the sand.

I didn’t have the calling, so where do I begin to understand exploding land that tears them limb from limb? I never had to comprehend the pain of mothers’ cries. The tragic price of devil’s dice when rolled to see who dies. So why should I remember? How could it ever be that gallant dead, spilled poppy red and gave their lives for me? I never was a soldier, and never went away like those who tried, and cried, and died, and marched so I could stay.

Michael Holt ex-RNZMP, from Carterton, was sent this poem by Kevin Ashman, an ex-British military policeman with whom he served as part of the ANZUK Force in Singapore. Michael felt it was well worth passing on to a wider audience.

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12 Our RSA Poets

RSA REVIEW • SummER 2014

A Poem Worth Reading He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast he sat around the legion telling stories of the past. Of the war that he once fought in and the deeds that he had done, in his exploits with his buddies, they were heroes everyone. And ‘tho sometimes to his neighbour his tales became a joke all his buddies listened quietly for they knew of where he spoke. But we’ll hear his tales no longer for old Joe passed away. the worlds a little poorer for a veteran died today. He won’t be mourned by many just his children and his wife. for he lived an ordinary very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family going quietly on his way. the world won’t note his passing tho’ a veteran died today. When politicians leave this earth their bodies lie in state. while thousands mourn their passing and proclaim they were great. Papers tell of their stories from the time they were young.

Christmas Care To care at Christmas time and all year through gifts of heartfelt joy and a kindness that’s true. It shows respect when someone cares about you a nice Christmas greeting brings happiness that’s due. Each year brings reflection to the soul and mind Change is part of life we all do find. To care at Christmas time and all year through gifts of heartfelt joy and a kindness that’s true.

Wendy Joy Baker, who lives in Southland, has been a consistent contributor of poems to RSA Review. She writes a poem for each Anzac Day. She has strong family connections with World War 1 and World War 2. Seven of her family were involved – her father, mother, both grandfathers, two uncles and a grandmother. Wendy Baker has been writing poetry for more than 10 years – “for the love of it”. She describes it as one of her “creative passions”.

with their compromise and ploys who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys.

but the passing of a veteran goes unnoticed and unsung. Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land someone who breaks a promise and deceives his fellow men? Or the ordinary fellow who in times of war and strife goes of to serve his country and offers up his life. The politician’s stipend and the style in which he lives are often disproportionate to the service that he gives while the veteran who offered up his all is paid up with a medal perhaps a pension small.

Should you find yourself in danger with the enemies at hand would you really want some cop-out with his ever waffling stand? Or would you want a veteran his home, his country, his kin Just a common veteran who would fight to his end. He was just a common veteran and the ranks are growing thin but his presence should remind us we may need his likes again. For when the countries are in conflict we find the veterans’ part

It is not the politicians

is to clean up all the troubles hat the politicians start. If we do not honour him while he is here to hear the praise then at least give him homage at the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline In the paper: ‘Our country is in mourning, a veteran died today.’

John Butler, from Timaru, discovered this poem while sorting through the archives of his grandfather, Bill Butler. The boxes had been stored for some years since Bill’s death. John says Bill did this sort of thing, but never told anyone he wrote about his collleague during his days in the Air Force. John himself is an RSA member and has been in the Army Territorials (A77158) since January 16 1987.

Nor the Years Condemn: A Memorial Ode John Douglas Starke 1894-1942 1914: Given a passport to hell.

When death took the love of his life no road was there long enough nor stone walls strong enough for to keep him from wandering the land that would not claim him.

Son of our southernmost city sharpshooter of the 8th Company whirlwind of the Otago Regiment outlaw of the NZEF Raider of Armentieres bearer of the wounded undeterred under fire his prison could not keep this nomad of No-Man’s Land shoulder stars indelible, Victoria Cross unattainable.

Until the Last Post sounded ‘time for eternal rest’ Starkie’s turn to cross the river of death ranking now where no rank counts among the hosts and hordes of those whom the deeds of war had beleaguered had entrapped and disfigured. Until the Day of Resurrection when the cry will be heard again amplified and from a multitude, “I was dead! I was buried! But now I live!”

In a world at war with destitution demobilised to deprivation and dislocation belonging again to No-Man’s Land where the wind was fickle, showed no mercy here battle-tack would not suffice.

To a Son on his Birthday Today I held you in my arms moments after you were born. I held you tight and stroked your cheek my emotions strangely torn. For seeing you so much like him, and knowing he was gone, my tears though sad, were filled with joy in you, he now lives on. Your little fingers clasped my own, your eyes stared into mine, I knew right then we would survive my love for you sublime. My little man, my son, my son, your Daddy loved you so it grieved him much to understand his love you’d never know. For he was hurt and had to leave Jesus softly called him home, but he watches every thing you do - you need never be alone.

Jacqui Gooding says her poem just came to her as she was thinking about her son. His father was in the British Army, and did three tours of Northern Ireland in the 1970s. Her father was a major in the Royal New Zealand Artillery in North Africa during World War 2 and her mother was a leading wren, who also served in Africa, where they met and married – 1694 Maj. Betts B F, 4th Field Reg, 26 Fd Battery and 16931 LW Betts, J C F (nee Reade), Rosyth Wrens, RN. Jacqui says Remembrance Day in the United Kingdom and Anzac Day in New Zealand always remind her of those who have served their country in any battle area. “I was brought up to feel very proud of our fighting men and women. She and her husband are members of the Te Awamutu RSA. If her poem could be read and enjoyed by others, or maybe help a mum a little, that would be brilliant , she says – and her own parents would have been delighted.

M.J.Walton, from Palmerston North, wrote this memorial poem in May 2014. The man remembered is Pte John Douglas Stark – Invercargill-born, half North American Indian, half Spanish – a hell-raiser from Otago. “Starkie” or “Darkie”, as he was known, was the subject of Robyn Hyde’s best selling book, Passport To Hell. He was recognised as a top sniper and observer who was in element lying camouflaged out in No Man’s Land. He was recommended for a VC during World War 1, but his reputation as the “outlaw of the NZEF” is believed to have vetoed his chances. He combined bravery with compassion, to the enemy as well. He also “did the impossible” by escaping from a military prison at Le Havre. Stark died in his bed in Auckland in 1942 and is buried in the Waikumete cemetery there.

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RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

THE LAST POST WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

ADAMSON KG 614435 WWII, 23Bn 08/09/2014 Ashburton ARNOTT JL NZ16000 Malaya, RNZN 15/09/2014 Whangarei ASHTON EGM 647026 WWII, NZArmy 27Bn 20/10/2014 Christchurch AVERY SG 327494 Malaya 28/08/2014 Tauranga B

BAKER BW CHX113238 WWII, Marines 12/09/2014 Silverdale BALLOCH JB 75307 RNZAF 30/09/2014 Hastings BARKER DB 410844 16/09/2014 Mt Maunganui BARNETT WJ 264695 WWII, 2NZEF 15/08/2014 Mosgiel BATCHELOR MS 75212 RNZAF 12/10/2014 Blenheim BATCHELOR NT 664314 WWII, JForce 17/08/2014 Dunedin BEATON NC 822343 Inf 1 07/08/2014 Taradale BECK H 657237 WWII, Inf 20/08/2014 Dunedin BENNETT RL NZ24311508 WWII Pacific, RNZAF 12/09/2014 Waitara BENSON BRG 7981 WWII, RNZN 29/08/2014 Rangiora BIEL B 79869 WRNZAF 13/08/2014 Howick BIELAWSKI JA 815796 NZArmy 16/09/2014 Christchurch BLAKIE DAS 82314 WWII, NZArmy 4 & 6RMT 18/08/2014 Christchurch BLOXHAM EA 817034 5Fd Sqn, RNZE 09/09/2014 Taradale BOYLE LM NZ8241 WWII 06/10/2014 Tauranga BRADSHAW W RM129085 WWII, Royal Marines 07/09/2014 Hastings BREITMEYER RW 3123 WWII, RNZN 02/10/2014 Christchurch BROMLEY LF 443480 WWII, NZArmy 30/09/2014 Christchurch BROOKER K 284242 WWII, 2NZEF 23/08/2014 Napier BROWN RF 8509 WWII 22/08/2014 Dunedin BURGESS DG 211038 NZArmy, Korea 04/10/2014 Levin BURNETT GF 238960 WWII, 21Bn 2NZEF 30/10/2014 Christchurch C

CARDWELL FA 422096 WWII, RNZAF, 44Sqn, 617 Sqn 26/09/2014 Christchurch CARLSON MD 648490 NZArmy, CMT 09/08/2014 Dannevirke CARROLL RR 578787 Malaya, 1RNZIR 08/09/2014 Taradale CASTLES JV NZ4210958 WWII, RNZAF 05/10/2014 Hastings CLOTHIER R 451146 WWII, RNZAF 11/06/2014 Christchurch COLVIN WJ 618640 WWII 04/09/2014 Waikanae CONAGLEN EP 452557 RNZAF 16/06/2014 Christchurch COONEY HD 979130 27/09/2014 Rotorua COTTINGHAM NG 139442 WWII 13/01/2014 Lower Hutt COX H 408480 15/09/2014 Rotorua CRADOCK WL 71100 WWII, RNZAF 10/10/2014 Christchurch CRAM PR 620581 18 Div Cav 17/08/2014 Te Puke CREEK DW 19173271 Singapore, British Army 30/08/2014 Taradale CRUTCHLEY E 237644 Middle East, Italy 14/10/2014 Christchurch CRUTCHLEY ESJ 35246 WWII, 25Bn, 4Fd 11/08/2014 Lower Hutt CUMMINGS CN 36426 WWII, 6Fd Engs 17/08/2014 Matamata CURRIE HD 817293 WWII, NZWAAC 09/07/2014 Wanganui D

DAVIDSON JWD 81855 WWII, NZ Army 11/07/2014 Papatoetoe DAWSON WH JX296933 21/09/2014 Rotorua DAWSON DJ 347184 NZArmy 23/09/2014 Hikurangi DE LAUTOUR CB 815048 NZArmy Malaya 1Bn 30/08/2014 Christchurch DELLOW RJ 240144 WWII, NZ Army 6Fd Regt 22/08/2014 Timaru DERN K 0194691401 Vietnam USMC 21/08/2014 Christchurch DODSON RC 774908 NZArmy Palestine 16/10/2014 Blenheim DOWNING LA 422500 WWII, RNZAF 06/10/2014 Timaru DRAYTON JB 264324 14/10/2014 Te Puke DUNNING JR NZ7489 WWII 06/10/2014 Tauranga DYER P 75219 RNZAF 06/05/2014 Red Beach E

ELSBY DG 348324 NZArmy 20/08/2014 Matakatia

EMIRALI KR NZ8503 WWII, RNZN 31/08/2014 Orewa EMMERSON MDM 18123 27/09/2014 Rotorua EVANS WJB 22838737 WWII, British Army 24/09/2014 Howick EYNON TD 1/400308 KForce 15/08/2014 Waihi F

FELLOWS KA L/SFX817018 Korea Fleet Air Arm 25/09/2014 Nelson FLAUS WJ 414005 WWII, RNZAF 12/08/2014 Invercargill FORD AVD 456341 WWII, WAAF 24/09/2014 Christchurch FORD PWB WWII 15/09/2014 Hastings FRASER DE NZ9927 WWII, RNZN 28/08/2014 Hastings FROST L DJX308756 WWII, RNZAF 17/09/2014 Hastings G

GABBOTT NR 235123 WWII, NZArmy 17/06/2014 Dannevirke GABRIELLE R 3009263 WWII, RAF 18/09/2014 Whangarei GEORGE A 403441 WWII, RNZAF 22/09/2014 Manaia GIBLIN AG 436608 WWII, RNZAF 22/08/2014 Nelson GLYNN G WWII, Pacific 23/05/2014 Tawa GRAINGER GR NZ425191 01/09/2014 Rotorua GREEN GS 305153 Dvr 25CMT 02/07/2014 Devonport GREY H (GUV) E539716 1RNZIR Malaysia & Vietnam 41947 New Plymouth GUILLARD CA 77391 04/09/2014 Katikati H

HALL MF 61422 27/06/2014 Invercargill HARRINGTON WR 617054 WWII, 16/10/2014 Dunedin HARRIS W 104007 WWII, RNZN 02/10/2014 Christchurch HART DM 620182 JForce, NZArmy 04/09/2014 Christchurch HARVEY CG 442566 WWII, RNZAF Pacific 15/08/2014 Nelson HAWKINS TS R255898 WWII, British MN 18/12/2012 Waikanae HENDERSON JS 428319 WWII, RNZAF 19/08/2014 Christchurch HESSELL CF NZ4076 WWII, RNZN 19/07/2014 Pleasant Point HICKS CG 969277 Malaya 02/09/2014 Mosgiel HIGGINS TF 74777 25/09/2014 Rotorua HINDS LW 628564 WWII, 22/09/2014 Dunedin HOE RW 569418 NZArmy 18/09/2014 Howick HOLLAND MIB 445029 WWII, WAAF 11/07/2014 Tauranga HOLMES HJ 30754 WWII 26/08/2014 Gisborne HORN RA 648144 03/10/2014 Levin HUGILL TH 73081 RNZAF 05/09/2014 Orewa HUMPHRIES PJ 7554 WWII, RNZN 04/08/2014 Christchurch HUNT J 22393576 British Army, Malaysia 03/10/2014 Bulls HURST G 431912 WWII 30/04/2014 Dunedin I

IMMS RC SM620839/444485 WWII, NZ Army RNZAF 02/08/2014 Whangarei INGLEDEW RJ MN 03/08/2014 Papatoetoe J

JENSEN BH 690358 03/10/2014 Papamoa JOHNS AA 73871 Italy 15/08/2014 Waihi Beach JONES DL 709977 05/07/2014 Otaki JORDAN AC 648377 Japan 2 DivCav 06/08/2014 Opotiki JOYCE EE 809352 WWII, RNZWAAC 26/10/2014 Dargaville K

KAY D 465867 N Army CMT 27/07/2014 Morrinsville KENNEDY R 275755 WWII 24/10/2014 Christchurch KERR CE 820576 Malaya NZArmy 19/08/2014 Christchurch KNOX LL 369441 NZArmy 20/10/2014 Whangaparaoa L

LAMBERT H 459060 WWII, 4Fd Arty 14/08/2014 Hastings LARSEN RE 32772 WWII, 25 Bn 28/09/2014 Putaruru LAY RD 653546 NZ Army 02/10/2014 Whangaparaoa LEMPRIERE HW 4210519 WWII, NZArmy Canada 20/06/2014 Paraparaumu LUXTON W 44647 RNZAF 19/08/2014 Taradale M

MACKIE JO WWII, Pacific 29/06/2014 Tawa MACTIER MS 206395 Korea 14/08/2014 Auckland MADDEN J C/JX170213 WWII, RN 02/08/2014 Taradale

MAGINN WCT 832846 RN 01/10/2014 Invercargill MAHER JT 41178 WWII, 22Bn 08/08/2014 Taihape MAJOR C 515081 06/07/2014 Tauranga MANSELL BO 2647 WWII 06/07/2014 Tauranga MANSON DM R309530 WWII, MN 05/09/2014 Akaroa MAPP G 821344 JForce 02/07/2014 Tauranga MARSHALL GF 2766 WWII, RNZN, Korea 30/08/2014 Devonport MARSHALL PL 16356 WWII 15/09/2014 Mt Maunganui MARSHALL GS 637617 WWII 27/07/2014 Mt Maunganui MCCABE J 39891 WWII, RNZAF 25/08/2014 Christchurch MCCARTEN G 3584888 08/09/2014 Auckland MCCLURE J 4311696 WWII, NZArmy, RNZAF 05/08/2014 Christchurch MCCUE R 23632617 Malaya, Royal Arty 13/09/2014 Kerikeri MCDERMID MA 208175 12/09/2014 Queenstown MCGEE WG 250813 JForce, 5Fd Engs 29/09/2014 Richmond MCGRANNACHAN D 447490 WWII, 5Fd Arty 27/08/2014 Taradale MCGRATH PR 900152 Vietnam RNZIR 30/09/2014 Dunedin MCLAUGHLAN KP 926678 RNZE 12/09/2014 Dunedin MCLEVIE HI 443050 WWII, JForce 31/10/2014 Balclutha MCWATT W 22648335 Malaya 04/09/2014 Taradale MELLON J R258409 WWII, 21/10/2014 Turangi MENZIES HG 50527 WWII Korea NZArmy 30/07/2014 Dannevirke MOORE LFG AT Corps 06/10/2014 Matamata MUDFORD NJ NZ4213337 WWII, RNZAF 25/08/2014 Matamata MUNRO GN 578572 NZArmy 26/07/2014 Stanmore Bay MURRAY F 628277 WWII, NZArmy 07/08/2014 Manaia N

NEILSON RJ NZ9386 WWII, RN 14/10/2014 Nelson NEVIN A 4561 RNZN 03/11/2014 Dunedin NEWPORT RJ W72401 RNZAF 10/10/2014 Blenheim NEWTON EA 423421 WWII, 01/09/2014 Dunedin NICOL LJ 818461 NZ Army, Korea & Malaya 27/10/2014 Christchurch NIDD FG 427373 WWII, 2Div Cav 19/09/2014 Dunedin NURSE G 16252 WWII, NZArmy Div Cav 20/10/2014 Leeston NYSSEN HJ 291031069 CMT 25/08/2014 Manaia O

OLSON HR 1905137 WWII 12/09/2014 Matamata OOSTENDORP PC 25123099 WWII, Indonesia 3 Bn 09/08/2014 Invercargill ORTON JS 811790 WWII, NZWAAC 07/10/2014 Hastings OXENHAM DO 295996 26/08/2014 Huapai P

PARKER E NZ4216442 RNZAF 24/09/2014 Napier PATCH A 206196 Korea 03/07/2014 Otaki PATERSON JD 0/7315 WWII, RNZN 08/08/2014 Howick PATRICK DWS 624918 03/08/2014 Wanganui PETRICEVICH FG 810948 NZArmy 25/09/2014 Orewa PHILLIPS JT 443014 WWII, JForce 22/10/2014 Dunedin PIKHALOFF JA 224381 03/09/2014 Papamoa POHE RJC 619473 WWII, 2NZ Div Cav Regt 11/10/2014 Whangarei POINTON H WA2335 WWII, WRAN 25/07/2014 Tawa POWER JT 390516 25/06/2014 Papatoetoe PRATT KL 342231 NZArmy 18/09/2014 Howick PURDIE RS 45586 08/09/2014 Auckland R

RALFE TC 4210993 WWII 11/07/2014 Tauranga RANDALL P 641724 WWII 07/10/2014 Green Island REAKS LEJ NZ18632 RNZN 04/08/2014 Papatoetoe REECE DA 815090 01/08/2014 Amberley REEKIE RD 43883 WWII 26/09/2014 Tauranga REID ST 4310500 WWII, RNZAF 08/08/2014 Rangiora REWI TW NZ42909 WWII, 29/10/2014 Masterton RICH DA 818651 NZArmy, Malaya 03/10/2014 Christchurch RIDGWAY BG G18981 RNZN 24/07/2014 Wanganui RITCHIE JA WWII, RNZNVR 29/09/2014 Christchurch ROBERTSON SL 938755 25/10/2014 Dunedin ROBERTSON JL 44402 WWII, 12/09/2014 Hastings ROLLITT K NZ6385 WWII, RNZN 14/07/2014 Rangiora ROPER AF 446616 WWII, 2NZEF 10/10/2014 Oxford ROUXELLE T 127259 WWII, 08/06/2014 Wellington RUMBLE RF 16921 WWII, 1 Ammunition Co

13/05/2014 Invercargill RUMSEY A 2021290 WWII, WAAF 06/09/2014 Lake Hawea RYAN TP 436230 WWII, 4Fd Regt 30/10/2014 Lower Hutt S

SAINSBURY RNL 923157 WWII, RAF 13/10/2014 Orewa SANDRI JGB 618718 WWII, JForce 26Bn 26/07/2014 Timaru SCHUMACHER MC 818314 29/07/2014 Rotorua SCOBIE GF 391296 WWII, RNZAF 26/10/2014 Blenheim SELWOOD A 206559 Korea, RNZASC 10Coy 04/09/2014 Tauranga SHATTKY E NZ402794 WWII, RNZAF 13/10/2014 Hastings SHERSON JP 25966 NZArmy 03/09/2014 Papatoetoe SIMCOX N 43628 WWII 19/08/2014 Otaki SIMPSON L 14661191 WWII, British Army 22/07/2014 Christchurch SKINNER RA 626335 WWII, NZArmy 29/09/2014 Howick SMALL AJ 122559 WWII, NZArmy 27/09/2014 Wellington SMALL RJ 618672 WWII, MG Bn 2NZEF 15/08/2014 Invercargill SMITH SA 76658 WWII, RNZAF 06/10/2014 Christchurch SMITH FJ K5206 WWII, NZArmy 04/10/2014 Orewa STANTON RF 77681 Malaya, Singapore, RNZAF 12/09/2014 Blenheim STICHBURY LB 42311 WWII, RNZAF 75Sqn 19/08/2014 Tawa SUCH AR R272114 WWII, MN 30/08/2014 Taradale T

TAIT S 822299 WWII, NZ WRAC 06/08/2014 Christchurch TAYLOR GWE 78355 RNZAF 01/09/2014 Christchurch TAYLOR AW 142287V WWII, South African Army 04/09/2014 Nelson TEAL JW 45025 WWII, NZArmy 25Bn 02/10/2014 Whangarei TEMEPARA W Q785682 Vietnam 1RNZIR 03/09/2014 Christchurch THOMPSON IMH 47089 Japan RNZAF 27/08/2014 Blenheim THOMSEN KF CMT NZ Army 24/06/2014 Christchurch TIDMAN IA 36610 WWII , JForce 13/06/2014 Otaki TODD JC 1440858 WWII, 78 Regt RA 08/08/2014 Wanganui TODD RB 45449 17/06/2014 Mt Maunganui TREVETHICK N 815758 2NZEF, JForce 01/10/2014 Australia TUCKER RL 4215714 WWII, RNZAF 03/09/2014 Carterton u

URIDGE BT 444703 14/09/2014 Turangi V

VEALE L 395973 21/09/2014 Napier VIDLER ER 56058 WWII, South Africa 30/06/2014 Wanganui W

WAETFORD DT 40380 NZArmy, Malaya 20/10/2014 Whananaki WAKEMAN IC SN16754 RNZN 18/10/2014 Tutukaka WEBB GB 488199 RAF 03/10/2014 Blenheim WILLCOCKS AH 22002 WWII, NZArmy Engs 27/10/2014 Nelson WILSON MW 43884 WWII, 28/09/2014 Tauranga WIN PW NZ432712 WWII, RNZAF, MN 26/10/2014 Nelson WOOD VG MN164159 WWII, RNZN 28/09/2014 Howick WOOD V 457322 WWII, 27 MG Bn 27/06/2014 Timaru WRATTEN A 662121 NZArmy, Japan 03/09/2014 Blenheim Y

YEATMAN EA 820302 WWII, NZArmy, WRAC 20/08/2014 Christchurch YOUNG KG 436022 WWII, RNZAF 30/10/2014 Christchurch YOUNG SG 439907 WWII, NZArmy 05/08/2014 Mosgiel

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

Remembering

YOUNG AND OLD RE-ENACT WW1 PARADE

Photos (clockwise from top): Josh Scadden, a 15-year-old King’s High School pupil and the youngest member of the Dunedin RSA, with Dame Dorothy Fraser, widow of the late Labour government minister, Bill Fraser. Mitchell Fox pushes the penny farthing while nurses Maree Fox, Pat Fox and Judith Amyes join the parade. Derrick Cullimore at the helm of a scout car during the procession. Soldiers from the 2/4 Bn RNZIR march in unison.

Soldiers from 2/4Bn RNZIR, Scouts, nurses, university students, veterans, military enthusiasts and the public at large melded into thousands who came out to commemorate the day the first Otago/Southland soldiers left for World War 1. • August 4, 1914: Britain declares war on Germany. • August 7: New Zealand offers Britain an expeditionary force. • August 10: Otago/Southland territorial soldiers sent an order to mobilise. • August 13: Territorials gather at Dunedin’s Garrison Hall for six weeks of training at Tahuna and Forbury parks. • September 22: Soldiers travel by train to Port Chalmers to board a troop ship to Wellington. • October: Otago/Southland contingent part of convoy of troop ships to Europe. Dunedin remembered this series of events on September 28 with a walk/fun run at Tahuna Park where the soldiers were billeted, then a re-enactment of the 1914 embarkation parade by southern soldiers and nurses, along Princess St to the railway station. There the parade was met by about 380 people who had come by train form Invercargill and Gore. PHOTOS: John Cosgrove, Phil Janssen.

Commemorative train trip a sell-out Peter Owens Scheduled passenger train services between Invercargill and Dunedin are long gone, but the platform at Invercargill railway station was thronged with people in early on September 28. They were there as passengers or supporters for a unique train journey. The train left at 7am on a special journey to commemorate the embarkation of the 8th Southland Infantry Company from Port Chalmers to World War 1. The original trip had taken place at the same time 100 years previously. Many of the passengers wore period clothing, and their ages ranged from babies of a few months to 97-year-old Norman Dickie, from Gore, who found it an enjoyable and memorable experience. All 388 seats were sold before the official sale date. The trip was organised by Venture Southland projects assistant Julie Russell, and was supported by the Community Trust of Southland, the Invercargill Licensing Trust, the Invercargill City Council, the Southland Regional Heritage Committee and the Southland District Council. The train left Invercargill in the gloom of the first clocks-forward, daylight saving dawn of 2014, with the Ascot Park Hotel Brass Band

Pipers greet the Dawn to Dusk train on the plaform of the Gore railway station.

piping a farewell. Shortly after 8am the train arrived in Gore Railway Station to Scotland the Brave played by pipers from two local bands. On arrival at Dunedin, there was a short commemorative ceremony where the passengers were addressed by mayors David Cull (Dunedin) and Tim Shadbolt (Invercargill). Both paid homage to the sacrifices made by these southern men in World War 1. Many activities were on offer during the day. The return journey left Dunedin at 3pm and arrived in Invercargill about 7.30 pm.

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

Lost Trails the Torquay cemetery. They show the graves of : 3/84 Sgt R Chadwick, NZMC; 79721 Pte A R Curtis, Canterbury Regt; 23006 L/Cpl D G May, NZRB; 27938 Pte W Mouton, Otago Regt; 10/1643 Pte J Russell, Wellington Regt; 12529 Farrier A E Williams, NZASC. These photographs can be requested from Margaret Marks: Ministry for Culture and Heritage, margaret.marks@ mch.govt.nz.

Stokers ahoy Peter (Loopy) Beckett RNZN4702 is looking for members of the class of 24th Stokers who joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in mid-1952; some went to the Black Prince and some to the Pukaki. Contact: Peter (Loopy) Beckett, 11b Kimbolton Rd, Feilding 4702.

Flock House/Korea connection Above: Gareth Bradnam is not sure where his grandfather took this photograph. However, judging by the landscape, he thinks it is probably somewhere in North Africa. Right: Edwin Clarence (aka Happy) Bradnam (standing) and his best mate, Andy Thompson.

Edwin Bradnam, Andy Thompson Gareth Bradnam is looking for old comrades of, or information on the war experiences of, his grandfather, Edwin (aka Happy) Clarence Bradnam, or his best mate, Andy Thompson. Gareth wants to write a book about his grandad because he believes his story is amazing; he would love to come face to face with Edwin and Andy’s old mates, and is able to travel around the country or overseas. Edwin Bradnam was a driver in 1 Supply Company during World War 2. He and Andy took many photos during the war, and Gareth has managed to find identify where most of them were taken by researching on Google, reading books and travelling to

some of the spots. Edwin and Andy were in the North African and Italian campaigns, and moved units several times – from the Mobile Dental Company to the 18th Tank Transport Company. However, Gareth believes they spent most of their time in 1 Supply company. Andy left a girlfriend in Wellington, who he planned to marry on his returned home. But, April 27, 1945 Andy was shot by a sniper while on a troop-transport detail in Italy. When Edwin returned home, he travelled to Wellington to return Andy’s possessions to his girlfriend. Gareth says they fell in love, married, had children and lived happily. Contact: Gareth Bradnam,gareth.bradnam@hotmail.co.nz.

Ernest Coxshall Military Medal Sonya Ward would like to find her father’s British Military Medal. Ernest Coxshall 3207 was in the Air Servicing Commandos, who repaired, serviced and maintained aircraft and their fighting equipment. He was awarded the medal for bravery in Burma. Contact: Sonya Ward, sonya.ward@xtra.co.nz”.

Torquay cemetery photographs Mrs Josie Aldridge of Essex, in the United Kingdom, has sent New Zealand’s Ministry for Culture and Heritage hard-copy photographs of the World War 1 New Zealand war graves in

Barry Buchanan (Flock House 1944 and Korea 1952-54) is keen to record the names of ex-Flock House cadets who served in Korea. He knows of Walter Semmens, Dave Patty, Bob Phyn, Cyril Hill and himself. If you have the Flock House/Korea connection and are not on his list, please make contact: Barry Buchanan, 3 Jono St, Feilding; Kimbolton Rd, Feilding 4702; 06 3240316.

• If you’re looking for someone, some-

thing, or anything related to someone or something, let us know. Our readers may well be able to help, but you’ll never know if you don’t ask. Send the details of what or who you are seeking, send any relevant photos, and send your contact details to: Lost Trails, RSA Review, P.O.Box 37-346, Christchurch 8245, or e-mail to: dion@waterfordpress.co.nz.

Life can be fragile and you never know when the ability to make your own decisions will be taken from you through sickness or injury. An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is a legal document that protects your future because it means you’ve chosen who you trust to make decisions for you if you can no longer decide for yourself. An EPA means your wishes will be respected, it can protect you from financial abuse, and saves your family from having to get a court order to make decisions about you if you can no longer look after your own affairs. What is an EPA? An EPA is a legal document that gives someone else the authority to act for you if you’re no longer able to make decisions for yourself. If you have an EPA, someone you trust – your ‘attorney’ – will legally be able to make decisions about your finances, your property, and your care and welfare if you’re not able to. There are two types of EPAs: Property – covers your money and assets and can come into effect before you’ve been assessed as being ‘mentally incapable’ by a medical professional. You may have more than one attorney for this EPA. Personal care and welfare – covers your health, accommodation and associated care decisions, and comes into effect if you become ‘mentally incapable’. You may have only one attorney for this EPA. You choose any special terms and conditions, such as what your attorney can and can’t decide for you. You can also select someone else for your attorney to consult with and/or report to. What is an attorney? If you have an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), the person you’ve named to make decisions about your personal care and/or your property for you if you can’t, is your ‘attorney’. You are their ‘donor’. You can use the same attorney for both EPAs or appoint different attorneys. You can have more than one for your property EPA, but only one for your personal care and welfare EPA. Your attorney should be someone who knows you well and who you trust to make the decisions you would. Usually they are a family member or a friend, but they can be anyone you think will always have your best interests in mind. How do I get an EPA? When you’ve decided on your attorney and what you want them to do, you need to arrange a lawyer, qualified legal executive or representative of a trustee corporation (like the Public Trust), to help you set up your EPA. They’ll make sure you understand all your options, what the EPA document means and that it meets all legal requirements. You and your nominated attorney/s must each sign the official forms relating to the kind of EPA you are setting up. You must sign the forms in front of your witness, and your attorney’s signature must also be witnessed by someone other than you (it doesn’t have to be a legal professional). How much does it cost to get an EPA? Setting up an EPA does cost money as you’ll need to see

a lawyer, qualified legal executive or a representative of a trustee company (such as the Public Trust), who most likely charge fees for their time. Prices do vary widely so you may want to shop around. Some offer a SuperGold card discount – you can find legal professionals in your area who offer this at www.supergold.govt.nz Being prepared can also make the process quicker and therefore cheaper. A checklist of things to do and think about before going to see your lawyer is available at www.msd.govt/.nz/epa How can I find out more? The Office for Senior Citizens has a range of brochures, frequently asked questions about EPAs and EPA forms

available at www.msd.govt.nz/epa or by calling 0800 273 674. Information and advice is also available at your local Citizens Advice Bureau, public library, Community Law Centre, or Age Concern, or by contacting your legal professional. The Office for Senior Citizens is one of the population offices within the Ministry of Social Development. The Office for Senior Citizens has a primary focus on building strong social sector relationships to inform the Minister for Senior Citizens about issues affecting older people. If you’d like to know more about the Office for Senior Citizens you can like the Office’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OfficeforSeniorCitizens

18 Remembering

RSA REVIEW â&#x20AC;˘ SUMMER 2014

GRAF SPEE CAPTAIN REAL HE Captain Zur See Hans Wilhelm Langsdorff gives his famous traditional naval salute at the funeral of his 36 sailors, while everyone else gives the Nazi salute, much to the chagrin of the German ambassador.

December 13, 2014 marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the River Plate, the first major naval engagement of World War 2. At the time it was lauded as a great victory for the three, lightly armed British ships that forced a German â&#x20AC;&#x153;battleshipâ&#x20AC;? to flee to a neutral port where it was eventually scuttled by the captain, who then shot himself. Those are the basic facts, and they are all true. But the passage of time has shown there was more to it than just those bare facts. Alistair Kerr investigates.

The saying that â&#x20AC;&#x153;in wartime, the first casualty is Truthâ&#x20AC;? was true of the Battle of the River Plate. Quite understandably, the British government extracted the most favourable facts for propaganda purposes; but let us examine the story with the benefit of the information that has emerged since. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;battleshipâ&#x20AC;? in question was the heavy cruiser Graf Spee, a masterpiece of naval design. After World War 1, Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s naval shops were restricted to a maximum size of 10,000 tons, but the Graf Spee and her sister ships packed so much firepower into that measurement they were dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x153;pocket battleshipsâ&#x20AC;?. They had nine 11-inch guns and eight 5.9-inch guns â&#x20AC;&#x201C; armament that made them powerful enough to out-shoot anything they couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t out-run, and their diesel engines gave them enough speed to out-run anything they couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t out-shoot. Their main role was as commerce-raiders, roving the shipping lanes, sinking enemy merchant ships. In doing that, they would deny the enemy vital supplies and tie up many of its naval ships in searching the seas for the raiders. From the outbreak of war in September 1939, the Graf Spee filled this role very well, sinking nine ships in the South Atlantic and off South Africa, and causing the Royal Navy to scour the area for her. Not a life was lost. Kapitan Zur See Hans Wilhelm Langsdorff was a naval officer of the old school, and a man who despised his Nazi masters. However, as a professional, he dedicated himself to the service of his country, but with humanity. One of the groups looking for him was a force, commanded by Commodore Henry Harwood, of three British cruisers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HMS Exeter, an 8-inch gun ship, and two identical 6-inch gun ships, HMS Ajax and HMS Achilles. Achilles was attached to the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy

Enjoy our tropical butterfly house, giant saltwater crocodiles, rare tamarins, aquaria, bugs exhibit, the farmyard petting zoo with chinchillas, tortoises and more.

and was crewed largely by New Zealanders. By mid-December, Harwood guessed that, after having been reported in the Eastern Atlantic, Langsdorff would seek targets in the busy sealanes off the mouth of the River Plate which divided the countries of Uruguay and Argentina. At dawn on December 13, 1939, the masthead lookout on Ajax called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smoke on the horizon!â&#x20AC;? Exeter went to investigate and soon saw that beneath the smoke was the fighting top of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;pocket battleshipâ&#x20AC;?, and battle was joined. Langsdorffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orders were to avoid battles if possible, but he made the mistake of identifying the cruisers as destroyers, and thought that he could soon sink them. Battle ensigns streaming (with Achilles also flying a New Zealand ensign), the cruisers opened fire. Harwood split his group, sending the more powerful Exeter away to the left while the others took up the chase on the right, forcing Langsdorff to divide Graf Speeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attack. He elected to concentrate on Exeter and soon reduced her to the use of only one gun. She was so badly damaged she was told to withdraw to the south. Ajax and Achilles kept after Graf Spee, hitting her several times. Harwood was frustrated at the apparent lack of real damage, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We might as well be chucking bloody snowballs at her!â&#x20AC;?. After about 90 minutes of furious action, the Graf Spee altered away, heading for the South America coast. Both remaining cruisers harried her from 10pm, coming under frequent fire from the big guns of Graf Speeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s after-turret. Eventually, at midnight, the Graf Spee slowed and entered Montevideo harbour. The battle was over. That is, the shooting battle was over. Several days of intense diplomatic and propaganda activity followed. Would the Graf Spee come out and fight? International law required a belligerent ship to leave a neutral port after 72 hours, so repairs had to be done in that time. The Graf Spee had suffered more serious damage than was immediately visible. Her fuel-cleaning system was disabled, her bakeries and kitchens

destroyed, and she had several large shell holes in her hull. She was also short of ammunition for her main armament and her engines were in need of a thorough overhaul. At first the British diplomats in Montevideo pressured the pro-British Uruguayan government to enforce the 72-hour rule. That would expel the Graf Spee, forcing her to come out and fight, and Ajax and Achilles had now been joined by the 8-inch gun cruiser, HMS Cumberland. In the meantime Langsdorff had permission to come ashore to bury his 36 dead sailors. The big funeral procession was attended by all the captains of the merchant ships sunk by the Graf Spee. While the Germans sought to maximise the publicity of the event, there is a famous graveside photo, showing all the Germans giving the Nazi salute, while Langsdorff is giving the traditional naval salute, and getting a very dirty look from the German ambassador! Then the diplomatic battle swung the other way, as the British diplomats sought to keep her there while heavier naval reinforcements in the shape of the battle-cruiser Renown and the carrier Ark Royal were summoned. Carefully â&#x20AC;&#x153;leakedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; messages led the Germans to think these ships were very much closer than the three days it would actually have taken them to arrive. So, to keep the Graf Spee in port, the diplomats invoked another international rule â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that, in this case, if a British merchant ship sailed, the Graf Spee couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave until 24 hours later. As it happened, the first ship that sailed was the MV Dunster Grange, a cargo ship in which, nine years later, I visited Montevideo. Just put yourself in Langsdorffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place. He was under pressure from Berlin to provide a great victory. Yet, his ship was in no condition to fight a sea battle, especially in restricted coastal waters against what he was sure was a vastly superior force. Even if that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen, the ship would require major repairs to make her fit to sail back to Germany in wintry seas. He has already lost 36 young lives. What could, or should he do?

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HMS Achilles, attached to the New Zealand division of the Royal Navy and crewed largely by Kiwis, hounded the Graf Spee, hitting her several times.

Remembering

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

ERO OF THE RIVER PLATE

PHOTOS – Far left: A stern view of the German ‘pocket battleship’ Graf Spee, showing the formidable firepower of its big after-turret guns. The heavy cruiser had nine 11-inch guns and eight 5.9-inch guns was a masterpiece of naval design. Left: The crew of the Graf Spee inspect damage to the hull. The ship had more serious damage than was immediately visible. Above: Kapitan Zur See Hans Langsdorff was described by one biographer as the ‘Prince of Honour’. Having scuttled his ship, he wrote his last letter to his family, wrapped himself in one of the Graf Spee’s battle ensigns, and shot himself.

• Option one: Attempt an escape into the Atlantic. This would entail either fighting his way through the British screen or going down in a blaze of glory. But the ship was in no state to attempt to fight her way out, or for that matter, fight anywhere at all. • Option two: Accept internment in Montevideo. This carried the risk that Britain could possibly capture the ship over the objections of the Uruguayan government. • Option three: Move the ship to Buenos Aires. The Argentine government was more pro-German, but this would mean making a passage through the many channels of the River Plate estuary with the attendant risk of running aground and becoming an easy target for the British ships. • Option four: Destroy the ship. This was really the only choice. It would mean that few, if any, lives would be lost and the ship would not be interned. Eventually Langsdorff decided that rather

than try to fight in an unseaworthy ship and try to make it back to Germany with the needless sacrifice of many young lives, he had only one practical option. The German High Command agreed and, it seems that Hitler, for once, did the right thing and absolved Langsdorff of the responsibility for the final decision by issuing the order to scuttle the Graf Spee himself. Of course, there was great excitement in Montevideo. Radio commentators were giving a running commentary on all the events and the citizens were expecting to have ringside seats at a great sea fight. As the crowds watched, all but a skeleton crew left the ship. Then came the sound of the anchor being weighed and the engines starting. As the sun was setting on Sunday, December 17, Langsdorff took his ship slowly out of the harbour and into the main shipping channel. The crowds watched in silence. Was she going out to fight? After several minutes the ship turned

out of that channel and slowly came to a stop as she nosed into a sandbank clear of the main fairway. Then, right on 10;54 as the sun set, there was a huge explosion as the scuttling charges blew her up and she settled on the bottom. From the barge where they had been taken, her crew saluted their ship – again with the Nazi salute, and again, Langsdorff farewelled her with the naval salute. After seeing that all members of his crew were safely accommodated in Buenos Aires, Langsdorff made up his mind to follow honourable naval tradition. He felt that, having lost his ship and having accepted his crew’s pleas not to go down with her, he should now see that honour was satisfied. He wrote his last letters to his family and to his commanding officer. Then, wrapping himself in one of the Graf Spee’s battle ensigns, he shot himself. The Battle of the River Plate was an action that reflected honour on all its participants. The British ships took on and defeated a slightly

larger and much more powerful adversary. Their tactics, tenacious commitment, gunnery and general seamanship combined to uphold the finest traditions of the Royal Navy. But Kapitan Zur See Hans Langsdorff emerged as the individual hero. And history now shows that, not only did he display all the traditional characteristics of a professional naval officer, he was, indeed, imbued with the virtues of honour that all naval officers would seek to match today. He took the fight to the enemy. He used every tactic to defeat them, yet, realising his ship was badly damaged, he sought sanctuary so that he could repair it to continue the battle. Then finding himself trapped, he considered the lives of his crew before going out again to seek any personal glory. His last actions were for the welfare of his crew, then, having lost his ship, he chose to join her. One biographer summed him up well, when he entitled his biography “Langsdorff of the Graf Spee, Prince of Honour”.

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

Health & Well-Being

NOTHING TO FEAR FROM CHANGES TO VETERANS’ SUPPORT ACT Margaret Snow, RSA national support services advisor

By the time you read this, the new Veterans’ Support Act will be in force, and any new claims you make or requests for current disabilities will be dealt with under the provisions of the new act. Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand head Jacki Couchman says there is nothing to fear from the changes to the act. I agree with that. Those already in receipt of war disablement pensions will not have their entitlements reduced. (It will be continue to be business as usual.) You will still be able to talk to your case manager and obtain information about anything that is troubling you concerning your disability or the help you can receive from VANZ. There have been some concerns that extra disablement pension for those with severe injuries has not been spelt out in the new act in a similar fashion to section 23 of the old War Pensions Act 1954. I understand that the higher rates of disablement pension will still be available and will be considered using information from veterans and their medical professionals. That will be pretty much as it happens now. If you, as a veteran, have been told that one of your service-related accepted disabilities is

likely to cause your death within 12 months, you should ensure you obtain a letter or report from your medical professional with that information. You should send it in to your case manager, and VANZ will consider the information; if it is accepted, VANZ can increase your disablement pension to the maximum, and will ask you if you would like to receive 12 months’ worth of the pension as a lump sum. If you are still alive at the end of the 12 months, you will again receive fortnightly payments of the maximum rate of disablement pension. You will not be able to elect to have another lump sum. For many veterans, there will be vocational and social rehabilitation. Vocational rehabilitation is to help people get back into the workforce, so will not be required by all veterans. Social rehabilitation is designed to assist in restoring a veteran’s independence to the maximum extent practicable. This can include: • aids and appliances • attendant care • child care • Education support • home help • modifications to the home

• training for independence • transport for independence VANZ case managers will need to agree with veterans on appropriate assistance, taking into account just how much a particular item or service is going to improve the veteran’s independence. Clearly, items such as child-care will be required only by veterans who had responsibility for providing day-to-day care of young children before the onset of the disability that now precludes them from doing it. If you have questions about the new law and have access to the internet, go to the Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand website (www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz) and look at the ‘frequently asked questions’. You will find a lot of information there. There are also information sheets on various subjects within the Veterans Support Act. Support advisers in your local RSA will be able to help you access information and give you a hand with completing forms.

ACC Have you had an accident and made a claim for ACC cover, then found that three months later

you are still getting pain because of the injury? * Could you contact me (e-mail, margarets@ rsa.org.nz, ph, 04 8949183, or letter, Margaret Snow, RNZRSA, P O Box 27 248, Marion Square, Wellington 6141) and tell me what help you have received through your GP or other medical professional, and your ACC case manager to get into programmes to help manage or reduce your pain? * What expectations were you given? * Did the outcome match those expectations? It is very important that people who have had accidents covered by ACC do use the services available. There is no point in sitting at home and grousing because your pain is stopping you doing the things you want to do. If that pain can be alleviated and ACC can help you get into a pain-management programme that suits your needs and circumstances, you should take up the opportunity. Another matter to do with ACC: Have you had any difficulties getting in contact with your ACC case manager? If yes, please give me some details of what happened and how it has affected you.

Levin Home

For war veterans and friends Levin Home is proud of its history supporting New Zealand’s War Veterans. Today we continue to support those who fought for our country, along with both women and children who also experienced the impact of war. Residents tell us they enjoy not only the companionship of fellow residents, friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere, but also the large rooms, a great social calendar and the ability to keep enjoying the things they love. Call us on (06) 366 0052 to find out more. Email lhwv@psc.org.nz Call 0800 36 54 83 (that’s 0800 ENLIVEN) or Visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz

Health & Well-Being

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

MORE SUPPORT TO VETERANS AND FAMILIES The Veterans’ Support Act, which took effect on December 7, gives Veterans’ Affairs the ability to introduce new types of entitlements and support for veterans and their families, says Veterans’ Affairs head Jacki Couchman She says the War Pensions Act 1954 was outdated and new legislation was needed to give Veterans’ Affairs the ability to meet the needs of veterans. So what does this mean for veterans? First and foremost, says Couchman, veterans should not worry unnecessarily that they will be disadvantaged by changes under the new act: “Service eligibility criteria remain unchanged and no veterans will have their current entitlements reduced. What it does mean is that, in time, Veterans’ Affairs will be able to take a broader approach to the assistance it provides. We want to provide a more holistic service to veterans. Not just focusing on service-related healthcare needs, but taking into account their social and, if required, work needs as well.” She says VANZ will be looking at social and vocational rehabilitation for current and former servicemen and women, at how to support them to live independently and, if possible, help them remain in or return to employment. Changes under the Veterans’ Support Act are being introduced in two parts: • Scheme One (on December 7, 2014) covers veterans from World War 2 to the Vietnam War. Entitlements will continue to be based on those currently available under the 1954 act. This continues the practice of paying a periodic pension to veterans with a service-related impairment, and providing entitlements for spouses and partners, children, and dependants of veterans. • Scheme Two (on December 7, 2015) covers those with qualifying operational service since April 1, 1974. These entitlements will be closely aligned with those available through the Accident

No veteran will have a current entitlement reduced by the new legislation; rather, many veterans and their family members will benefit from increased entitlements, care and support.

Veteran Affairs New Zealand head Jacki Couchman says the new act will provide a more holistic service.

Compensation Commission, but with additional support that recognises veterans’ special service to New Zealand. Couchman says that, in time, Veterans’ Affairs

will provide more support to veterans and their families through: • additional types of entitlements, care and support: • a clearer decision-making process for applicants: • a monitoring process that allows veterans and their families to track the progress of their application more easily: • payments additional to the ACC programme to recognise military service: • rehabilitation services tailored to individuals; • extended eligibility for the veteran’s pension. The 2014 act contains the same service-eligibility

criteria as the 1954 act, which means all deployments covered under the 1954 act are covered under the new legislation. No veteran will have a current entitlement reduced by the new legislation; rather, many veterans and their family members will benefit from increased entitlements, care and support. Veterans will continue to have the same case manager. Information: • The Veterans’ Affairs website (www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz). Fact sheets addressing particular cases and circumstances are also on this site. • New Zealand freephone: 0800 483 8372 (0800 4 VETERAN); international 64 4 4952070.

but that could change at any time, she says. Couchman, a former lawyer with a Master of Business Administration and experience in dealing with change and modernisation of government agencies, took over as VANZ general manager in May 2014. She says her sister and brother-in-law served with the Australian Army, and her six-year-old son has been saying since he was three that he he wants to join the army. She sees her priorities for VANZ as ”appreciating and thanking our veterans for their service,

ensuring they and their families get the right support, and recognising and understanding the way our population of veterans is changing”. She says the new legislation gives VANZ the ability to introduce more health, social and vocational rehabilitation for current and former servicemen and women. “We will be able to support veterans to train for another career if that’s in their best interests. This recognises that it is not all about just the health of veterans, but about their career, their family and their general well-being.”

‘It’s not all about the health, but about career, family and well-being’ It surprises people that New Zealand veterans can be aged from 19 to more than 100 years old, says VANZ general manager Jacki Couchman. Implementing the new Veterans Support Act has prompted Veterans Affairs legislation the challenge the way New Zealanders, including members of the New Zealand Defence Force, think of veterans, she says. She maintains it is important that younger veterans and serving personnel are aware of VANZ and what it does. They may feel that the organisation is irrelevant to them at the moment,

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RSA

PO Box 31-225, Milford, Auckland 0741

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2012

What’s On REGULAR MEETINGS 2ND NEW ZEALAND DIVISIONAL CAVALRY (WAIKATO BRANCH) 2015 meetings – 26 March, 11.30am, Morrinsville RSA, luncheon; 25 June, 11.30am, Hamilton Combined Returned Services Club, luncheon and annual meeting; 27 August, 11.30am, Te Awamutu RSA, luncheon; 26 November, 11.30am, Hamilton Combined Returned Services Club, Christmas luncheon. Contact: Molly Varley 07 8565317. AUCKLAND BRANCH, CMT/NS ASSOCIATION INC Meets monthly on third Tuesday, 1100 hours, New Lynn RSA. Keen to welcome new members to enjoy friendship and camaraderie, fun and laughter, and perhaps stay for a light lunch. Guest speakers, outings, bus trips with wives, partners and girlfriends. Most members attend Anzac Day parades; group also parades as a unit at the Auckland Naval Base, HMNZS Philomel, for the annual Armistice Day memorial service to pay tribute and lay a wreath at the memorial wall. Contact: Mark Sinclair, president, 09 534 8138; Malcolm Baird, vice-president 09 2676557; Brian Caltaux, secretary, 09 4209794. CMT/NS ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH INC Anyone who took part in Compulsory Military Training or National Service welcome. Meets at Papanui RSA. Variety of activities monthly. Contact: Alison Smith, secretary, 21 Kearneys Rd, Bromley, Christchurch 8062; 03 9817623, legles@paradise.net.nz.

REUNION , 27-29 March, Whangarei RSA. All members and all other ships’ matelots and partners invited. Registration form will be included with the December 2014 Claymore and posted on website. Information: website, www.hmnzsotago. org; Claymore editor/vice-president Terry Whimp, whimps@vodafone.co.nz; 09 4738854 (office hours).

23 INTAKE RNZAF AIRMAN CADET SCHOOL/5 CET 5OTH ANNIVERSARY 19-21 February. Contact: Dave Bryant, davebryant@telus.net; https://sites.google. com/site/23intakeairmancadetschoolrnz af/home.

41 SQUADRON RNZAF ASSOCIATION BIENNIAL REUNION 27-29 March, Wellington.

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; affiliate 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.

The Friday evening: Meet’n’greet. Saturday: Leisure activities, dinner. Sunday: Short, commemorative service. Details: Reunion website www.41sqnreunion2015.org.nz.

APRIL RE-ENACTMENT OF CANTERBURY MOUNTED RIFLES DEPARTURE FROM NEW ZEALAND FOR WORLD WAR 1914 24-25 April, Starts at The Peaks Hall, Apr 24; main ride Apr 25 finishing at Waikari Hall. Minimum age 16; horses must be fit. Contact: North Canterbury – Terry, Terry@ amuri.net; Tina, tmlongman@hotmail. co.nz; Rest of South Island – Jackie, johnjackiemac@xtra.co.nz.

JUNE 161 BATTERY, 16 FIELD REGIMENT, ROYAL NEW ZEALAND ARTILLERY VIETNAM 14-16 June, Palmerston North. 50th anniversary of deployment to Vietnam. Open to all who served with the battery in Vietnam. Contact: John Barrett, 07 5494829; 027 2807915; jonlinbar@ yahoo.com.

ITALY STAR ASSOCIATION (CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH) 2015 meetings: 21 February, 18 April, June 27, August 29, October 31, November 28 (Christmas luncheon). 1.30pm, Papanui RSA, 55 Bellvue Ave, Christchurch. Contact: Peter Scott, 27 Kenwyn Ave, St Albans, Christchurch 8052; 03 3556732; peter.judy@actrix.co.nz.

June, Tauranga RSA. Contact: Deidre Rich, 09 8343998; richfamily@xtra.co.nz.

SOUTHLAND CMT GROUP Ex-CM and National Servicemen welcome. Meets monthly, third Thursday. Gore RSA or nominated venue. Usually lunch, visit to place of interest, or speaker. Contact: John Turner. 03 2016084, ardluss@farmside. co.nz.

VIETNAM VETERANS – WARNING ORDER 18 July, Papanui RSA, Christchurch. Proposed get-together to celebrate 50 years since 161 Bty arrived in Vietnam; infantry followed in 1967. Cost $20. Contact: Eddie Bassett 03 9201581 or Wendy, Papanui RSA 03 3521185; papanui. rsa@xtra.co.nz

2015

SEPTEMBER

JANUARY

2 NZ REGIMENT(1959-61) NATIONAL REUNION 14-16 September, Tauranga. Contact: Evan Torrance, reunion coordinator, 58 Rongopai St, Roslyn, Palmerston North 4414; 06 3549914; evan. zilla@xtra.co.nz.

AIR FORCE AND FLEET AIR ARM VETERANS 16-18 January (Wellington Anniversary weekend) , Wings Over Wairarapa Air Show. Plans to be finalised, but benefits should be as at previous air shows. If interested, forward name, address, unit, name of caregiver, and intended day of attending to: Reg Wellington, 18B Ruihi St, Rotorua; 07 3462922; poneke@ ihug.co.nz.

MARCH

RNZRSA NATIONAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE & ANNUAL MEETING 22-23

JULY

RE-ENACTMENT OF ‘THE CROSSING’ – WORLD WAR 1 TROOPS’ MARCH ACROSS THE RIMUTAKA RANGE 26-27 September, Tauherenikau to Trentham. Contact: Tweet Bird, 06 3788184; 027 4439044, ambassadorcaterers@ gmail.com.

NOVEMBER

HMNZS CANTERBURY F421 FIRST COMMISSION, MESS MEMBERS OF 3L REUNION 20-22 March, Lakeland Resort, Taupo. Meet and Greet Friday, dinner Saturday, ‘tot time’ Sunday. Any of frigate Canterbury crew and any exRNZN personnel welcome to any of these activities. Contact: Bob McKenzie, 25 Truro Rd, Camborne, Wellington 6006; 04 2332188; bamck@xtra.co.nz.

RNZN ENGINE ROOM BRANCH REUNION 6-8 Nov, Napier. Registration forms available from February 1. Closing date with fees: September 15. Expressions of interest and information. Dennis Zachan, 12 Norrie Place, Tamatea, Napier; 06 8442201; 021 673242; exstokers@gmail,com.

HMNZS OTAGO ASSOCIATION 55TH

FEBRUARY

2016

CALLS TO JOIN

CMT ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH INC Anyone who took part in Compulsory Military Training or National Service welcome to meet at the Papanui RSA. Variety of activities monthly. Contact: Alison Smith, secretary, 21 Kearneys Rd, Bromley, Christchurch 8062, 03 9817623, legles@paradise.net.nz 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. 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. 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. 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. J FORCE ASSOCIATION, WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY BRANCH Meets third Wednesday of month at Mt Maunganui RSA. Warm welcome to visitors and keen to hear about other branches. Membership: 19 veterans, 22 wives and widows. Activities: Christmas dinner, quarterly 8 balcompetition, short trips. Contact: President, Ron Browne, 07 5758916; ronaldbrowne@xtra.co.nz.

MOUNTED TROOPERS ASSOCIATION North IIsland 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 six-person 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 co-ordinators, 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 BATTLE OF CRETE ASSOCIATION Contact: Deirdre Hauschild, c/- Mount Maunganui RSA, P.O.Box 4011, Mount Maunganui South 3116; 07 5764362; dee.hauschild@gmail.com. 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

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

RSA Life Navy training a good base for career in management Peter Owens New Clutha District Council chief executive Steve Hill has a degree in management studies, a masters in public management, and has done a senior-executive development course. All of this is standard for local-body managers these days, but Hill is different in that he began his working career an officer in the Royal New Zealand Navy. Fresh from Hamilton’s Melville High School, he entered the navy as a midshipman and progressed through the commissioned ranks as he served in New Zealand and overseas for 15 years. He believes his navy training has provided the base for his career. “I joined straight from school. The navy has excellent leadership training and I benefited from this. It also gives great management training as you move up in rank.” In the navy’s supply and secretarial arm, he became familiar with logistics, pay, and administration, stores, catering and legal issues. He was supply officer in the frigate HMNZS Waikato and the hydrographic survey vessel HMNZS Ex-Royal New Zealand Monowai. Hill believes Navy man Steve Hill is the new Clutha District the navy’s strongest Council chief executive. feature was in the creation and fostering of a team environment. He says this spirit of camaraderie is unmatched by anything outside the service. He resigned from the navy in 1995, and completed a management degree with firstclass honours at the University of Waikato. He then held various management roles with the Tauranga-based Western Bay of Plenty District Council until moving to Clutha. Western Bay of Plenty is one of only two New Zealand councils to receive a “gold” award from the New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation. While in Tauranga, Hill did a masters degree in public management through Victoria University and a short management course through the University of Harvard in the United States.

(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 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,

VETS COMMEMORATE WW 2 Twenty-one World War 2 veterans (right) responded to a Waipa District Council/Te Awamutu & District Memorial RSA invitation to an afternoon tea in September to commemorate 75 years since the declaration of war. Mayor Jim Mylcreest spoke of the honour, respect and admiration he has for the men and women who served their country. “We again pay our deepest respects to those of who fought for the freedom we continue to enjoy today. You have protected our democracy, our freedom, our way of life. Today, we thank you.” He also spoke of his experiences when doing his own training in Waiouru and of a letter his father had written for his grandchildren, to be read after he had died as words of wisdom, with the benefit of hindsight: “Strive to get as high as you can in the ranks and in the forces, as this will get you further away from the firing line.” Te Awamutu RSA president Lou Brown paid respect to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and to their families. The veterans, councillors, caregivers, and family members renewed friendships and shared stories over afternoon tea. It was evident the camaraderie is still there amongst the vets.

RSA benefits from fundraising to mark Upham birthday A $5000 cheque from McLean College’s Upham House will be used for welfare purposes and to offer two academic scholarships to students of families with an RSA association. The presentation was part of a function to mark the birthday of New Zealand soldier Charles Upham, who was awarded the Victoria Cross and then a bar during World War 2. His daughter, Amanda Upham, cut the birthday cake. House captains Robert Hudson and Rachel Cooper – supported by service captains Troy O’Shaughnessy and Juliette Naude, who had much to do with raising the money – presented the cheque to Howick Returned Services Community Poppy and Welfare Trust chairman Barry Dreyer. The money was raised through book sales and other events, and was described by Barry Dreyer as “a fantastic effort”. Upham House has a long association with the Howick RSA through selling Anzac poppies, helping with pensioners, and holding an Anzac service in the house.

Right: The cheque presentation, (from left): Robert Hudson, Rachel Cooper, Sue Rivalland, Barry Dreyer and Howick RSA president Mike Cole.

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 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). 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 is intended to preserve memories, and commemorate those who were injured, and fell

Wanted: stories of locals involved in WW 1 in action. Remembrance Day and Anzac Day parades, and regular meetings. Information and application form: Chris Pattison, 021 2316612; ytrose@vodafone.co.nz. THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION Seeking members to rekindle activity. Regular meetings at Papanui RSA, Christchurch. Send rank, name, address, phone number and e-mail address to: Frank Newsome, Unit 19, 53 Condell Ave, Papanui Christchurch 8053; 03 3525471; frankandaudrey@clear.net.nz. TS VINDICATRIX ASSOCIATION Ex-Vindicatrix boys – those who served on the training ship – are invited to join the association’s Lower North Island branch. Write: Arthur Woolard, 21 Pohutukawa Drive, R.D.1, Levin 5571.

The Porirua Historical Association is looking for stories of local men and women who were involved in World War 1. The on-line collection is seen as a project to commemorate the centenary of World War 1. Secretary Brian Mosen says the project expands on research begun by Allan Dodson on Plimmerton people who went to the war. It will also include the Porirua Mental Hospital from where many doctors went on to join the New Zealand Medical Corp, some gaining high rank in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The plan is to obtain a photo of every soldier and to contact remaining family members to get them to approve the story before publication. An exhibition of photographs is planned at Pataka in March. The digitisation of World War 1 New Zealand Defence Force personnel files by Archives New Zealand and the Alexander Turnbull Library this year will make Dodson’s research easier, but the Historical Association is also seeking further funding for him. • Contact: Allan Dodson, 04 2331087.

RSA Life

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

NZDF CHIEF DRAWS BIG CROWD Peter Owens With 2000 members Gore has the largest RSA in the South Island, but there’s generally very little evidence of a military presence in the area. But that all changed when members thronged to a fundraising dinner attended by the new chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, Lt Gen Tim Keating’s visit to Gore was the first by a senior NZDF officer since the late Sir Bernard Freyberg in 1948. The dinner raised $10,000 for the Fallen Heroes Trust, which assists New Zealand serviceman and women who have been injured on service, and their families. It also aids the families of service personnel killed while serving in the armed forces. Keating, whose three-year term, began on February 1, praised the Gore RSA for its active support of returned personnel and their families, and stressed that the RSA as a movement was important for the NZDF. He said that for him, service and personal sacrifice encapsulates the spirit of Anzac. He joined the New Zealand Army in 1982, and has held various command positions, including commanding officer 1 NZSAS Group, commandant cfficer Cadet School, and commander 2nd Land Force Group. He was deployed to Bamiyan, in Afghanistan, as the commander of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in 2005.

Reefton RSA women’s section secretary Kath O’Sullivan (left) and Stella Hudson (president) pass the wreath over to RSA president Ray Chandler.

Poppies knitted into memorial wreath Lt Gen Tim Keating’s visit to Gore was the first by a senior New Zealand Defence Force officer since the late Sir Bernard Freyberg in 1948

He has a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the United States Army War College, in Pennsylvania. And in 2008 he was made a Member of the

As part of Reefton RSA preparations to mark the centenary of the outbreak of World War 1, members of the women’s section knitted poppies for a memorial wreath on display in the WMC/ RSA clubroom. The wreath contains 62 poppies – one for each of the men from the district who lost their lives in the war.

New Zealand Order of Merit. He was promoted to the position of chief of army in February 2011, and then vice-chief of Defence Force in December 2012.

Local king of the table provides payback for organisers PHOTOS – Far left: Otaki RSA’s Kevin Salmonds with the winner’s trophy. Left: Hamish McMillan gets his eye in before a match with a lot of advice from fellow Otaki RSA platers (from left) Alan Prax, Alan Flaws, Mark Hannah, John Underwood, Gary O’Neill, Don Watson and Gordon Anderson. Photos: Athol Corbett

A local victory topped off the occasion for the organisers of the RSA national singles snooker championship at the Otaki RSA over Labour weekend. In the best-of-five-frames final, Otaki RSA’s Kevin Salmonds pipped Vanny Ry of (Papakura RSA) in the fifth frame. Ry shot the highest break of the tournament with a 96.

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RSA Life 25

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

BIRTHDAY TREAT FOR LONDON VET WO2 Emlyn (Len) Glydwr Jones celebrated his 95th birthday at the Titirangi RSA in October with his daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The London veteran enjoyed the atmosphere, food and friendship, and is looking forward to his next visit to the club. He recalls fighting alongside New Zealanders at Monte Cassino, where, he says, they “lived like rats in atrocious conditions and terrible weather”. After joining the West Kent Regiment in 1939 at the age of 20, he saw service in Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Egypt and Austria. His only home leave was for additional training after four years of service; he returned home in 1946 to see his three-year-old daughter for the first time. He was wounded three times, and was awarded the Military Medal after leading his platoon on an assault on The Hill of Muddy Water after his commanding officer had been killed. The action was successful, but only 24 of the 121 men returned. In 2012 he was awarded the British Armed Forces Veteran of the Year award. He has attended many reunions in the United Kingdom and overseas, and still sells poppies every year in south-east London for the British Legion.

Korean Peace medals were presented to Korean War veterans at a special luncheon hosted by the Papakura RSA recently. Recipients were (from left) Percy Manning, John Hudson, Alex Whaipu, Ben Thomas, Alfred Miles, John Taylor and James Smith. Consul General Pak, from the Korean Embassy, sits with the veterans.

Three armed forces WO2 Len Jones, a former British Army Veteran of the Year who saw service in Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Egypt and Austria, celebrated his 95th birthday at Titirangi RSA.

MOTUEKA TAKES RESTAURANT HELM The Motueka Memorial RSA has taken control of its kitchen and restaurant, employing its own chef, and revitalising the menu. “Members were asking us for more food options, particularly more healthy options, and we will be seeking to deliver these as well as enhancing the presentation of our food in general,” says club manager Bernee Fransen. The new restaurant will offer a blackboard menu plus carvery, buffet, bistro meals and takeaway options. Anatoki salmon, lamb shanks braised in red wine, and lemon and thyme marinated chicken breast with greek salad and home-made fruit chutney are some of what’s on offer. Favourites such as a daily roast of the day, sirloin steak and fish of the day will continue to feature strongly, and there is a special menu for kids.

Korean peace medals

The new arrangement has also allowed the RSA to negotiate better deals with suppliers, says Fransen. The Buffer Drummond Restaurant is named after the club’s longest serving president. “He was quite a character and was president for 30 years,” says Bernee. “He made such a contribution to the club it was appropriate to name the restaurant in his memory.” Chef Robert Harding brings many years of experience in the industry and Bernee says he has developed a “cult following” through his innovative and tasty cuisine. The restaurant is open every day and can seat 120 people comfortably, which makes it the largest restaurant in the area, says Fransen. The club has 10 beers on tap as well as a lot of non-alcoholic drink options.

‘Destination’ market a shop window for RSA The Onehunga and Districts RSA hosted a weekly Sunday market for six to seven weeks. The market ran from early November until just before Christmas. The occasion presented an opportunity for local artists and craftspeople, for sellers of artisan food – and for the RSA – to get alongside their community and shop-window what they have to offer. “You won’t find any cheap $2 stuff here,” the promoters proclaimed, “this is a destination you will want to visit. “If you are after that ‘one off’ gift or simply to take a look at some truly great pieces of work, then this market is the one for you.”

Titirangi and Eltham recognise, celebrate new life members Left: Colleen Osborne (centre) receives the documentation of her life membership of the Titirangi RSA women’s section. The award was presented by the section patron, Mary McMillan (right), with help from the vice-president, Pauline Munns (left).

A photo of these three veterans hangs on the wall of the Whakatane RSA. The trio represent the three armed services, air force, navy and army. Two of them are regulars at the Malayan vets’ raffles and garden session on Saturday mornings, and were in attendance at Malayan Veterans’ Day in September, From left: Sgt Keith Channon 43505, 1943-47, RNZAF No.5 Sqn Fiji and Solomon Islands, 14th Sqn Japan; CPO Bob Batt 1605, NZDRN, 1938-52, HMS Achilles; Pte Bob Bennett 451860, 1940-46, 25th BN Egypt, 8th Army Italy, bren gunner.

Awards at Hastings Floss Dunkin and Cath Coutts were presented with life membership badges and certificates, and 16 members were presented with long service badges when the Hastings Women’s Section celebrated its 67th birthday. Guests from the women’s sections at the neighbouring Waipukurau, Wairoa, Taradale and Napier RSAs joined the Hastings group for the birthday lunch.

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Left: Terry Wolfe (centre) celebrates the award of life membership of the Eltham RSA with club president Geoff Campbell (left) and Wellington/ Taranaki/West Coast district president Glover Anderson (right). A large crowd of family members and friends were on hand for the presentation, which was made on Anzac Day.

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26 RSA Life – Huntly RSA

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

‘DRIVING FORCE’ PLANS FOR HER SUCCESSION The Huntly RSA lost the driving force behind the organisation of its Over 50s Club with the death of Pat Hargreaves, who had been battling cancer, at the age of 75 on October 28. As president for the past eight years, she was the backbone of the Over 50s Club, says Huntly RSA secretary/manager Claire Cormack. Many of the Over 50s’ 80-plus members were at her funeral at the Huntly RSA. “She was very organised and she planned all of the club’s trips away, which they would have every six weeks,” she says. “Pat knew she was dying and she had everything organised right down to the last detail for Doreen Lane, now the acting president, to take over.” Doreen Lane has jumped straight into the driving seat, and has already co-ordinated a successful Christmas party, with more than 60 members attending. The Huntly RSA’s Sports Club held its inaugural Classic Car Show this year. It attracted members and classic car owners from Huntly and beyond, was well received, and will be held again in 2015. The RSA also started a new Travel Club in October. Claire Cormack says 20 members have already signed up for the first trip – a three-day comedy cruise that will leave from Auckland in April. Jean Beverland, a Huntly RSA member, has

The frontage of the Huntly RSA. .

The Huntly RSA has lost a driving force with the death of Over 50s Club president Pat Hargreaves at the age of 75

researched the club’s history this year and put together a presentation for a service at the club to commemorate the centenary of the start of World War 1. Cormack says the service was attended by more than 100 people, who enjoyed a mix-and-mingle afternoon with typical World War 1 foods made members with recipes from the time. The Huntly RSA dates back to early 1918, when John Porteous, known as Jack, was asked to muster as many returned servicemen as possible for an Anzac service.

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Twenty men turned up to the ceremonial church service at the Presbyterian church, and from this gathering, a sub-branch of the Auckland RSA was formed with Porteous as secretary, a position he held for 45 years. The first president was Kenneth Caldwell. By late 1918 there were 80 members, and an effort was made to build RSA rooms – £500 was raised, but it was not quite enough, and was invested. By the mid-1920s, no effort had been made to erect a memorial for the Huntly men

who died in World War I, so the RSA decided to use its funds to improve the site in the main street and erect a cenotaph. The RSA remained homeless, and in 1944, was meeting in the town hall supper room. By January 1945, the meetings were in the old Drill Hall, which by 1946, was called the RSA Hall. The Huntly RSA is still on that site. By 1949 the club had 423 members and a start had been made on proposed additions to the clubhouse.

The Huntly RSA’s World War 1 committee, with its president, Liz McKelvie on the right..

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RSA Life 27

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

Vets in full voice at Dunedin service

Members of the Army Group Centre in World War 1 uniform with (from left): Helen Pullan, Terry Richardson, Damien O’Connor, Stu Bryant, Steve Markham, Robin Godbaz, Ian Blackman, Ian Radcliffe, Rev Jessie Kerr, Erica Short, Jilliane Godbaz, Rick Williams, Aaron Kennaway,

FOXHILL REMEMBERS ITS OWN The 10 men who went to World War 1 from the tiny Foxhill community about 30 kilometres south Nelson have been honoured at a special commemoration ceremony. The idea came from Helen Pullan after the St Luke’s Church memorial roll of honour was moved to the Rutherford Memorial Hall in 2006. She is active in community and school affairs, her husband is the hall committee chairman, and she became the chief organiser. The RichmondWaimea RSA also got involved.

Seventy-five people turned out to what Helen Pullan describes as a special way of remembering, in the context of the World War 1 centenary, those who served. Hall secretary-treasurer Erica Short says it is also important to remember those who survived and “often lived a difficult peace through mental problems or injuries”. Candles were lit as the 10 names were read, and the Last Post was played, followed by a minute’s silence. Lt Col Rick Williams was the guest speaker.

‘Gentle tug’ leads to life membership honour Thirteen years as president were recognised when Andy Kells was awarded life membership of the Takapau & District RSA. He was president from 2001 – not long after returning home from a 20-year regular force army career – until 2014. He says he got involved because of a “gentle tug” by a World War 2 veteran and the realisation that his late father had been part of the association that had built the community-orientated clubrooms. Andy believes more must be done to ensure current and ex-serving New Zealand Defence Force personnel become more involved at RSA governance level. The Takapau & Districts had been on the brink of winding up in 2001, but by concentrating on becoming a grass-roots club, it now has 100-plus

Takapau & Districts RSA president Roger Maaka (left) presents life membership to his long-term predecessor, Andy Kells.

members and is licensed to host affiliated members and guests. In presenting the award at the club’s Christmas function, new president Roger Maaka said Andy Kells’s commitment to ensuring relationships with veterans, wives, widows and widowers continued had been a particularly important part of the RSA club’s recovery and development.

President recognised for contribution

Richmond-Waimea RSA support adviser Robin Godbaz is the only relation of his great uncle and soldier Walter Watson remaining in the area. Walter married a month before leaving and died of influenza in England. His widow never remarried or had children. The Rutherford Hall is also home to other community artefacts, including the World War 2 roll of honour and a small harmonium, around 140 years old, from St Luke’s church that was used in the ceremony.

Malaya veteran David Ellison sings the national anthem at the Dunedin RSA’s Armistice Day service of remembrance at the Dunedin Cenotaph.

More than 300 turned out for the Dunedin RSA’s Armistice Day annual service of remembrance at the Dunedin Cenotaph – a mix of veterans, soldiers, sailors, airmen and women, Dunedin and Mosgiel RSA members, the public, and a number of RSL visitors off a visiting cruise ship. The main speaker, Capt Aaron Soppet, from 2/4 RNZIR HQ, spoke about his and the New Zealand Army team’s experiences at the recent Invictus Games in London. The Balmacewen Intermediate School choir sang, and a group from the Tahuna School awas in attendance. The arrival of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – the time when hostilities officially ceased – was signalled by the traditional howitzer salute (a 25-pounder manned by members of the local Royal New Zealand Artillery group). This was repeated after two minutes of silence. A fly-over by a helicopter and a Tiger marked the end of the service. –Words, photo: John Cosgrove.

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Contact RSA National Office to subscribe today. Richmond-Waimea RSA president Terry Richardson (second from left) celebrates his life membership award with his wife, Rose (left), Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast district president Derek Nees (who made the presentation) and his wife, Lianne. The award was made at the club’s Christmas lunch on November 22.

Onehunga takes to on-the-ground marketing The Onehunga and Districts RSA has got into marketing in a big way to show locals what it has has to offer. The club has been hosting a weekly Sunday market – starting on November 2 and running until just before Christmas). The market is an opportunity for local artists and craftspeople and sellers of artisan food to

show their community what they have to offer. “You won’t find any cheap $2 stuff here – this is a destination you will want to visit,” say the promoters. “If you are after that ‘one off’ gift or simply to take a look at some truly great pieces of work, then this market is the one for you.”

RSA National Office PO Box 27248, Marion Square, Wellington, 6141 04 384 7994 rsareview@rsa.org.nz

2014 Direct Debit Subscribers Using direct debit makes subscribing to the RSA Review super easy. If you paid for your 2014 subscription by direct debit, you don’t need to do anything to subscribe for 2015. Your $20 subscription payment for 2015 will automatically come out of your nominated account on 10 February 2015. To change your delivery address, or to cancel your subscription, please contact RSA National Office before 23 January 2015. RSA National Office PO Box 27248, Marion Square, Wellington, 6141 04 384 7994 rsareview@rsa.org.nz

RSA Life – Opotiki RSA

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

Veteran gunners target milestone Veterans of the first New Zealand combat unit to serve in Vietnam are planning to mark the 50th anniversary of what turned out to be one of their most difficult and controversial assignments. The original 120 gunners of 161Bty of 16 Fd Reg, Royal New Zealand Artillery, were sent to Vietnam in June 1965; the unit lost two killed and many wounded in the first year. Over the seven years of the war, more than 800 gunners served in Vietnam, first at Bien Hoa north-west of Saigon and then at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy province on the east coast. In all, four gunners were killed and one died in theatre. Two forward observers were decorated for their courage and skill in calling down close fire when the units they were supporting came under heavy attack. Capt Bruce Murphy won the Military Cross

161 Bt in action in Vietnam. Photo: Dennis Dwayne

and Capt Maurie Stanley was awarded the MBE. One of those attacks, the Battle of Long Tan in 1966, became a classic example of the value of accurate and sustained artillery fire in preventing an Australian infantry unit being overrun. The 50th anniversary in Palmerston North from June 14-16 next year is open to all who served with 161Bty in Vietnam. The anniversary will include a ceremonial parade. “We are hoping for a very big turn-out because whatever history tells us about the Vietnam war, our gunners carved a reputation second to none for their commitment and professionalism and they deserve to be honoured,” says organising committee chairman John (Woody) Barrett.

• Information: John Barrett, 07 5494829; 027 2807915; jonlinbar@yahoo.com.

OPOTIKI’S THOUSAND PACK A LOT INTO RSA LIFE Opotiki RSA sports teams have been involved in several sports tournaments this year. One of these was a trip to a darts tournament at the Tauranga RSA. Although Opotiki did not feature in the tournament placings, one team received a meat-pack prize for its efforts – in coming dead last. RSA bowlers have taken part in quite a few tournaments this year, and will host a tournament in March 2015. The RSA lost one of its oldest members this year with the death of 103-year-old Brian Mansell. He was a regular at the club with his wife every Friday night for a meal and the membership draw. Two new barbecue tables for use in the outdoor area have been donated by two members, Murray Clark and Treggar. The tables have already made an appearance as members enjoy the summer weather, says club manager Tui Horua. The RSA facilities, in the main centre of Opotiki, include the club-run Razza restaurant, a bar, a TAB, pool and snooker tables, darts, indoor bowls, and large television screens with Sky. The club is open every day, with the restaurant open for lunch and dinner on Thursdays and Fridays, and for dinner on Saturdays. Membership sits around 1040 members, and has been stable in recent years, says Tui Horua.

Photos – Far left: Brian Mansell, who died aged 103 this year, as Opotiki RSA members will remember him... ready for his meal at the club. Left: Rui Leotao, one of the bar staff. Bottom left: The outdoor area. Bottom right: The remembrance section of the clubrooms.

Meanwhile, the RSA is treating its members with what Tui Huroa describes as one of the best-value Christmas lunches available in the area. The restaurant will be open from 11.30am to 3.30pm on Christmas Day, serving a menu that

will include ham, chicken, and pork, vegetables, fresh seafood, pavlova and steamed pudding. The Christmas lunch will cost $50 for adults, $25 for 11 to 14-year-olds, $15 for four to 10-yearolds, and is feee to under-fours. It will follow a

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CALL US ON 07 31 56301 OR 07 31 56302 knjashford@xtra.co.nz FAX: 07 31 56303

cocktail party for members on Christmas Eve, with special draws. The party continues on New Year’s Eve when the Black Rock band will provide the entertainment as members welcome 2015.

Enquire about our FREE Dispenser Programme. Conditions Apply

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RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

Local RSAs Kaikohe & District Memorial RSA (Inc)

NORTHLAND

Northern 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

11am - 11.30pm Sun 1pm - 9pm

“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

Hours 11am-10pm, Mon to Sat. Noon-6pm Sun

Family Restaurant - Meals Wed Thurs Friday and by arrangement. Courtesy Coach Available Please phone (09) 408 0423

WHANGAREI 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

www.whangareirsa.co.nz

AUCKLAND

HOBSONVILLE

114 Hobsonville Road • Ph: 09 416 7227 Restaurant Ph: 09 416 9239 • E: hobbyrsa@xtra.co.nz

28 Neville St Warkworth Ph 09 425 8568 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

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.

663 SWANSON RD - PH 833 9013

A WARM INVITATION IS EXTENDED TO RSA MEMBERS & GUESTS TO THE FRIENDLIEST RSA IN THE WEST

SILVERDALE

The Orpheus Restaurant Open Thurs - Sat lunch 12 - 2 pm, dinner 5.30 - 8pm 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

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

9 Glendale Rd West Auckland Ph: 09 818 4219 Web: www.glenedenrsa.co.nz

Open: 11am Mon-Sat. Noon on Sun

We are better than the rest. We are the friendliest in the West

Meals Lunch: Tues - Fri. Dinner: Thurs - Sun. Entertainment: Fri & Sat.

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

RSA

A warm welcome is assured to all members and visitors. Special welcome to local and out of town visitors.

Open Tues - Thurs from 2pm. Fri - Sun from Midday. • Restaurant open Fri - Sun lunch, Wed - Sun Dinner. Excellent meals at reasonable prices. • Live entertainment last Friday of each month. • Quiz Nights 7pm 3rd Thursday of every month. Car Boot Sale last Sunday of every month 8am, sellers $8 • Excellent Bar staff & service • Large car park. Easy bus turnnig • Coach Tours welcome - advance booking essential • Facilities available for function hire • Other facilities include darts, pool, indoor bowls & fishing club

THE SMALL RSA WITH THE BIG HEART

Bus trips catered for by request.

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

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

ORAKEI RSA

Ph: 09 528 6245 & 09 521 2710

(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.

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

BIRKENHEAD RSA

WARKWORTH & DISTRICTS RSA Inc

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

SWANSON

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

WAIHEKE RSA

Fridays & Saturdays from 7 pm DINE & DANCE LIVE MUSIC www.howickrsa.co.nz INC

29 Belgium Street, Ostend

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

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!

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.

NEW LYNN

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

PAPATOETOE 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

AVONDALE RSA Overlooking the Racecourse

Come & visit your mates. A friendly Welcome Assured

Handy to rail & bus. Shop in New Lynn & relax in our spacious clubrooms

MEALS Lunch: Mon to Fri Dinner: Everynight Entertainment: Thursday, Friday and Sunday Evenings

The Best in the West

If you are in town give us a call. Ph: 09 828 5000

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

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 REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

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 WEL COME

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

27 Studholme Street Morrinsville Ph: 07 889-7014

RSA (Inc)

Top restaurant with excellent a la carte meals Open Tuesday to Sunday

Hours: Tues - Fri: 3pm - 10pm, Sat 11am - Late, 3rd Sunday each month: 3pm - 8pm

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.

Retreat Restaurant: Thurs - Sat 5pm - 9pm Lunch every 2nd Tuesday 11am - 1pm

AMPLE PARKING (FREE) FOR BUSES AND CARS

Family Lounge: Regular entertainment, 12 gaming machines with $1000 jackpot, Sky TV on the big screens, pool & snooker tables, indoor & outdoor bowls, fishing and darts.

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

Avenue Road West Ph: 06 878 8808 Fax: 06 878 7642

OPEN SEVEN DAYS

www.morrinsvillersa.org.nz

“The Centre Of it All” * Gaming Machines * Sky Tv * Snooker * 8 Ball * Indoor Bowls

Rendezvous Restaurant

WHAKATANE RSA (Inc)

Richardson St Ph: 07 307 0343 Fax: 07 307 2604 Email: whakatanersa@xtra.co.nz

Open 7 Days ---- Bar Hours

Wed, Thur, Fri Lunch 12 - 2pm Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat Dinner 5 - 8 Closed Tuesday and Sunday

Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm.Fri & Sat 10am till late. Sun 2pm-8pm

Club Hours Mon- Wed: 11am -10pm.

Lunch and Dinner Tues-Sat Bar Snacks Available

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

Restaurant Hours

Gaming Machines - Big Screens - 8 Ball - Snooker Darts - Indoor Bowls - Line Dancing - Karaoke Thursday evenings

Live Entertainment Friday Nights Close to motels in the heart of town

16 Oxford Street

MEMORIAL MEMORIAL RSA RSA A (Inc) (Inc) Ph: 07 573 7922 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

A Friendly Welcome in Warm Whakatane

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

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 Lunch 12-2pm Mon-Sat, Dinner 6-9pm Seven days. 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

Registered Military Museum

Rotorua RSA

1072 Haupapa St, Rotorua Phone/Fax: 348 1056 Email: rotrsa@xtra.co.nz www.rotrsa.co.nz

‘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

GALLIPOLI RESTAURANT

Ph: 06 876 4739

VISITORS WELCOME

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 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

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.

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

Come and visit our friendly Club the

MATAMATA

HASTINGS RSA

All The Games You Can Play, TAB & Superscreen TVs/Videos

TAUPO

Sat: 11-10pm

EAST COAST - HAWKES BAY WAIRARAPA - TARANAKI MANAWATU - WELLINGTON

Email: admin@wanganuirsa.co.nz * Website: www.wanganuirsa.co.nz

RSA TAURANGA 1237 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga

Ph 07 578 9654 Fax 07 577 0715 E: admin@tgarsa.co.nz | www.tgarsa.co.nz

Lower Hutt Memorial www.lowerhuttrsa.org.nz

Big Screen TV’s, Snooker, Pool, Darts, Indoor Bowl, Cards, 18 Gaming Machines, Live Bands Bar Hours - Open 7 Days - From 11.00am

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”

CLUB night every FRIDAY 4.30 - 6.30pm in the ANZAC Lounge

Kensington Restaurant Open Upstairs Wednesday - Sunday from 5:30pm Bistro Open 7 Days A Week Lunch 11.30 - 2.00pm Dinner 5:00 - 9.00pm 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

RSA Life

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

Local RSAs NAPIER RSA 34 Vautier Street, Napier

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

MARLBOROUGH - NELSON WEST COAST CANTERBURY OTAGO - SOUTHLAND

OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK Restaurant Open:Lunch: Mon- Sat. Dinner:Mon-Sun

Milton Bruce RSA

Top meals at reasonable prices

• Live entertainment Fri & Sat nights • Parking • Conference room • Taxi chits available for discounted fares

31 Union Street, Milton Ph: 03 417 8927

Membership still open. Afﬁliated members Welcome

Conveniently located to Marine Parade, motels and city centre

Open daily from 5.00pm *All Welcome*

THERE ARE NO STRANGERS AMONG US, ONLY FRIENDS WE HAVE NOT MET.

PAPANUI RSA 1 Easton Street, Ph: 06 3637670 Fax: 06 3636838 Email: foxtonrsa@xtra.co.nz www.foxtonrsa.co.nz Friendly & safe environment (children welcomed)

Open:

Mon. & Tues. Wednesday Thursday Fri. & Sat. Sunday First & last Sun of the month

11am - 7pm 11am - 9pm 11am - 10pm 11am - 12pm 2pm - 7pm 12pm - 7pm

Reasonably priced quality meals available: Lunch – Thurs., Fri., Sat. 12pm to 1.30pm Sun (first and last of the month) Dinner –Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 6pm to 8.00pm SKY TV, big screen, pool, darts, pokies, juke box Campervans welcomed (two sites are powered) Venue available for hire for special events and functions

TAWA RSA 89 Oxford St. Ph: 232 5788

A warm welcome is extended to all RSA & Char tered 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

PORIRUA RSA (Inc) 5 -7 McKillop St, Tel: 04 237 7695 Fax 04 238 2343 OPEN SEVEN DAYS

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

RESTAURANT HOURS Thurs, Fri & Sat. Dinners 5.30 - 9.30pm

NEW, RETURNED & SERVICE MEMBERS MOST 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.

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

RIVERTON & DISTRICTS 141 Palmerston Street Riverton 9822 Phone: (03) 2348737

156 Gloucester Street Ph/Fax 06 844 4808

ashburton rsa [inc]

12 Cox Street

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

All Indoor Sports available. Gaming Machines Live Music Every Alternative Saturday nights. Wheelchair available

ashburton Where the North meets the South

GREYMOUTH RSA CLUB

CLUB BAR HOURS MEALS

Enjoy Southern Hospitality Tue-Sat 3-6pm & Fri 3-9pm

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

NEW BRIGHTON RSA 21 Mafeking Street, New Brighton, Christchurch Ph: 03 388 9059 Open daily from 3.30pm Sunday 11.30am Meals available Thurs, Fri & Sat “All Welcome”

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

RANGIORA RSA CLUB (Inc) 82 Victoria Street Ph: 03 313 7123 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

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

motueka

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.

memorial rsa (inc) 49 High Street

Look us up on Facebook

Open 7 Days Mon-Thur 2.30pm Fri-Sun 11.00am Restaurant open 7 days

Dinner 5.30-8:30pm Lunch Fri-Sun 11:30am-1:30pm rsa - clubs nz members most welcome

Travel Australia 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

HOURS: Mon - Sun open from 12pm. Lunch time Courtesy Coach Available Fridays

Call and make some West Coast friends

Book direct and get great deals from friendly kiwis, CHARTERED CLUB 35 Centennial Ave. Alexandra

Alexandra Clyde RSA PO Box 10 Ph: 03 448 8090 Fax: 03 448 8023

Meals Available 7 days - Lunch & Dinner

All Visitors Assured of a Warm & Sincere Welcome

38 Kirk Rd, Templeton

Last Thurs of month Fri from 5.30pm, Sat from 5.30pm

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.

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

When in Napier or Hastings visit us, we are only 8 minutes from either city. Motel accommodation next door with discounts available

Paparua Templeton RSA

P.0. Box 3034 Richmond 7050.

Clubrooms Open Mon-Fri 8.30 am Sat-Sun 10.30 am

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 from 5.30 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

Wed 1pm - 7pm, Thurs 4pm - 7pm, Fri 4pm till late, Sat 4pm til late

Visitors Made Welcome

INC TARADALE &RSADISTRICTS

Gore District

RICHMOND/WAIMEA R.S.A. INC.

* Sky Tv * TAB * Gaming Room * Pool * Darts * Indoor Bowls * EFTPOS * Wine Club * Kapa Haka BAR HOURS Mon 11am - 7pm. Tues 11am - 7pm. Wed 11am - 8pm. Thurs 11am - 11pm. Fri 11am - 12pm. Sat 10am - 12pm. Sun 10am - 9pm

INVERCARGILL WORKINGMEN’S CLUB INC. Incorporating the INVERCARGILL R.S.A.

CATERING A SPECIALTY Gaming Machines, Sky Tv,Snooker, Pool Darts,Bowls

Visitors Welcome

4 Star Boutique self-contained apartments • Walk to Broadbeach & Surfers Paradise • Heated Pool & Spa

93 Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach Phone 0061 7 55 610 444

www.sanmateo.com.au info@sanmateo.com.au

Ph: 00617 5526 7588, Or email: info@emeraldsands.com.au Or visit: www.emeraldsands.com.au

Across from Gold Coast beach, walk to the casino, SC immaculate unit, quiet location, $65 Aus - double/per night

09 4181 721

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

Travel Australia Anyone for f a Gold Coast Getaway?? Getaway??

FREE High Speed

Welcome to Palazzo Colonnades boutique, high-rise holiday accommodation apartments in Surfers Paradise....

271 Elizabeth Street, Sydney + 61 2 9264 6001

DIRECT BOOKING ONLINE NOW AVAILABLE

• Fully self contained, air conditioned one bedroom and two bedroom apartments

Visit: www.hydeparkinn.com.au

• Heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, gymnasium and BBQ facilities

HOT DEAL!

• Under cover, fully secured free parking • Flat screen televisions and AUSTAR cable television free of charge

Stay 5 Pay 4 from AUS $608.00*

• In room wireless internet broadband service • Extensive choice of restaurants within minutes walking distance • 1.5km from Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre

TO BOOK PHONE +61 7 5538 4555

• 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 1/12/14 – 19/12/14 and 27/1/15 – 31/3/15. Block out dates apply.

Stay 7 and pay 5 applies to 2 bed standard apartment ONLY 1st May 2015 to 26th June 2015

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

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.

ACAPULCO MOTOR INN Special Package Deal*

Call or email for specials. 238 The Esplanade Burleigh Heads QLD 4220 Ph. 00 617 5535 8866

Offer includes: Accommodation plus Breakfast & Dinner Buffet

w w w.burleighsur f.com.au

Ph: 07 578 9654 Single: $130 Double $165 Scan for more info >>

1237 Cameron Rd,Greerton, Tauranga Email: admin@tgarsa.co.nz www.greertonmotorinn.co.nz/rr

Seachange Coolum Beach

Managers are ex RNZN Great winter specials March-October (excluding school/public holidays) Starting from $120 per night for 7 nights or more Email us directly for a quote: info@seachangecoolumbeach.com.au Apartments offer air conditioned botique units, ideal for couples, families and anyone looking for a relaxing holiday on the Sunshine Coast

www.seachangecoolumbeach.com.au

WANGANUI. Bignell St Motel, Quiet Warm Friendly, Comfortable, Pets by arrangement $65 single + $15pp extra. Phone Now 0800 244 635

10% Discount to all members 19 Rifle Range Road www.acapulcotaupo.co.nz

Phone 0800 378 7174 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

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

Phone us on 00617 54717799

P. +617 5449 0222 www.noosatropicana.com.au

Our Noosa Holiday Accommodation is set within stunning tropical gardens, providing an atmosphere of lush tranquility and the opportunity to completely relax and rejuvenate. Our Sunshine Coast Holiday Accommodation is located at Noosa Sound, within easy reach of the famous Noosa Hastings St and Noosa Main beach at Noosa Heads and Noosaville's Gympie Terrace on the sandy foreshores of the stunning Noosa River.

Immerse yourself

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: 0 9 4 2 6 9 7 4 7 Email: donandmyra@xtra.co.nz

TAUPO

Welcomes RSA members Off season discounts may apply 20 ground floor units

Our Noosa Holiday Apartments allow visitors to enjoy a Noosa shopping experience, the Noosa restaurants and the vibrant atmosphere of this beach-side township and then retire to a setting of peace and comfort. Our spacious Noosa holiday accommodation comprises of one, two and three bedroom Noosa holiday apartments and one, two and three bedroom Rooftop apartments, set amongst lush tropical gardens encasing a lagoon style heated pool complete with poolside daybed and BBQ’s. Everything you need to sit back and enjoy Noosa.

Tours FULLY ESCORTED TOURS FOR SENIORS Our 2015 tours include: NZ: Perusing the Pacific Coast; Winterless North; Kapiti Island & South Coast; Top of the South; South of the South; Hawke's Bay Historic Homes; Waiheke Island; Great Barrier Island; High Country Spectacular; Wonders of Westland; Taranaki Rhododendron Festival; Chatham Islands; East Cape for Christmas. AUSTRALIA: Touring Tasmania; Melbourne, Adelaide & the Murray River; Australia's Red Centre; South Australia Explorer; Sydney, Canberra & Outback; Cape York Discoverer. PACIFIC: Vanuatu; Tahiti; Norfolk Island.

For our 2015 colour brochure or to make a booking Ph 0800 66 44 14 or email info@scottsdaletours.co.nz www.scottsdaletours.co.nz

VIETNAM TOURS 20 Days ex Auck, Wgtn, Chch. From $6795 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

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

RSA Life 33

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2014

New Lynn aims to be the West’s ‘club of choice’

Medals

Karen Phelps

Ian Martyn (Founder) Brian Ramsay BEM (mil)

MEDAL MOUNTING COURT STYLE

SWING STYLE

Damage free professional medal mounting in either court style or swing style $20 per medal with new ribbon (full size & miniature). $8 return courier NZ wide. Replicas of all medals available at just $40 per medal inc mounting. NZ wide mail order service or by appointment. Turnaround is usually 7 days. Framing from just $150

As New Lynn rapidly becomes the hub of West Auckland, the New Lynn RSA is seeking to meet the needs of the growing suburb, says club secretary manager Dale Mays. Located in the centre of the action opposite Lynn Mall and the new train station, the RSA is well situated to play a big part in the area, including catering to families, he says. “Millions of dollars are being poured into New Lynn by central and regional government,” says Mays. “The hope is that New Lynn will one day rival places like Newmarket as one of the most prestigious town centres in the Auckland region.” The train station makes getting to and from the RSA easy, he says. “It has made a big difference to the RSA with many members taking advantage of the handy transport.” The station, the largest New Zealand railway project for several decades, involved a kilometrelong trench being dug through the town centre along the railway corridor allowing trains to pass through the town centre in both directions every 10 minutes without holding up traffic. Mays has certainly seen the flow-on effects of the project already. More than 500 of the club’s 2500 members have joined in the past year.

“It is predicted that there will be 10,000 new residents living in New Lynn in the next five years,” he says. To cater to the young families populating the area, the New Lynn RSA now allows children to enter the bar area as long as they are accompanied by an adult. It also has a ‘snug room’ capable of accommodating around 20 people. Mays says this is a separate area within the club...a relaxing place for families to hang out with television, coffee tables, comfy couches and chairs. The RSA is also taking youth memberships, and its junior section is open to teenagers 13 years and older. Mays quotes this as just another way in which the club is hoping to reach out to the next generation. The club has a full TAB in a separate room off the sports bar with 11 televisions and selfservice pod. Next door is a gaming area with a modern décor. The New Lynn RSA’s restaurant has capacity to seat 120 people. An outdoor area allows for al fresco dining. A hall, which holds around 300 people, can be hired for functions. “The RSA is modern, but retains the important RSA focus, and we hope to cater to some of these people moving to the area. We aim to be the club of choice in the New Lynn community.”

A G Bairstow NZ Medals Ltd

PO Box 128-134, Remuera, Auckland 1541 Ph : 09 571 2074 aubreyb@clear.net.nz

www.nzmedals.com

Phone +64 6 387 6911

www.armymuseum.co.nz

W e are calling on people who have a special interest in New Zealand’s military past for support. As you probably know

MEDAL MOUNTING Full Size and Miniature Orders, Decorations and Medals. Court Mounted or Swing Style. If necessary medals cleaned and new ribbon supplied. Duplicate groups made up to order. Registered with New Zealand Defence Force as an Approved Medal Mounter Quality work guaranteed Contact: Russell Barker, P O Box 346, Waikanae 5250 Phone: 04 293 1045 Email: rmbarker@xtra.co.nz Website: www.kiwimedalmounting.com

we are part -funded by the New Zealand Defence Force and we raise the rest of the money we need for our operations and development though our own endeavours. That is why the remarkable support we receive from people like yourself is so important to us. We currently have two amazing projects at the National Army Museum which you may especially wish to be a part of. We are going to create a life - size World War One battlefield and we are going to build a compelling new entrance way to assist with our increasing numbers. Both projects are essentially special memorial ones and are timed to be part of the World War One Commemorations. We will need between $2 million and $3 million to complete the projects and we are hoping people will support this cause as a special part of our heritage. May we take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in the work of the National Army Museum. Yours sincerely,

Jeanette Richardson ONZM

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, 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.

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

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. 28 Years Experience. Contact: Tony Prowse, 6 Chilton Dr, Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast Ph. 04 2973232. Email: tsprowse@xtra.co.nz NZ Defence Force Approved Mounter

Any changes to Club Adverts or Classified Adverts

PLEASE CONTACT

To make a donation or for more details on our upcoming projects please click the “Donate Now” button to be redirected to our fundraising page. To show our appreciation for the support that people may give us for our two land-mark projects the following are available: Platinum $5,000 & Above

VIP invitation to the WWI Battlefield opening, lifetime “Friends of the Museum” individual membership, a deluxe private “Behind the Scenes” tour of our collections, a unique ceramic poppy only available through the National Army Museum, and entry into the “Generous Givers Book”

Gold

$1,000-$4,999

Invitation to WWI exhibition openings, individual one year membership to “Friends of the Museum”, a private “Behind the Scenes” tour of our collections, a unique ceramic poppy only available through the National Army Museum, and entry into the “Generous Givers Book”

Silver

$500-$999

Entry into the “Generous Givers” book, a one year family pass to the National Army Museum, 1 lapel badge, and a private guided tour of the museum.

Bronze

$100-$499

Entry into the “Generous Givers Book”, a family pass for a Museum visit, one lapel badge, and a free guided tour of the Museum.

DAVE McKEE Ph: 03 983 5518 | Fax: 03 983 5552 E: davem@waterfordpress.co.nz

$99 & Under

Entry into the “Generous Givers Book”

RSA REVIEW • SummER 2014

What’s New

650-PAGE ‘MOMENT OF MADNESS’ Len Wicks – who holds dual New Zealand and Australian citizenship, is married to an Armenian, and works for the United Nations in Thailand – has written a novel that draws together the Armenian Genocide, the Anzacs at Gallipoli, the World War 2 Pacific War and events such as the Death Railway in Thailand. Origins: Discovery’ is a three-part e-book: The Axis Rises; Defending the Free World; Discovering Humanity. The 650-page book contains many maps and images. Wicks says that “in a moment of madness, I wrote a novel – actually, it’s so big it could be three novels”. His research took him two years and involved what seemed like “constant travelling” . Release has been timed to coincide with the build-up for the centenary of the Armenian Genocide, which will be commemorated one day before the 100th anniversary of start of the Gallipoli Campaign, in 1915. Wicks says he is “a little ashamed’ that New Zealand has not yet officially recognised the

Armenian Genocide “because Kiwis are known around the world for their attention to humanities” However, he says he believes few Kiwis know anything much about what the Ottoman Turks did during 1915-18, apart from what relates to Len Wicks: ‘a little Gallipoli. ashamed.’ “I’ve stood at Gallipoli and walked the path of the Anzacs who fought with the Armenians during the Battle of Baku in 1918, so I wanted to tell a story about how our nations are linked. “But when I listen to Armenians with a deeper understanding of who the Anzacs were and why our nations are linked – because our boys were fighting a common enemy and landed at Anzac Cove one day after the Armenian genocide

started – then all the work writing the novel seems worth it. He describes Origins: Discovery as “an alternative history intended to make readers contemplate our most important human values...a novel of love, culture and discovery, in spite of a tragic background”. Wicks maintains that in a world troubled by conflict and self-interest, the lessons of the world wars seem to have been forgotten. “Humanity: who are we? It is a troubling question if we ask ourselves how we can worry more about our social contacts than the suffering of people in conflict zones. If we want to understand how to treat each other more kindly, we need to examine our shared history, and what the past teaches us.” He says he has written the novel to memorialise these tragic events and to encourage the modern world to embrace peace and forgiveness. Origins: Discovery can be downloaded or bought in a print-on-demand version paperback. Details: www.originsdiscovery.com.

Nurses plan voyage in the Aegean More than 500 New Zealand and Australian nurses saw service during World War 1. And an eight-day commemorative voyage in their honour is taking shape. The MS Serenissima will sail from Athens in September 2015 on an eight-day voyage that will include visits to Skiathos, Thessaloniki, Lemnos and Canakkale, and finish in Istanbul. A wreath will be laid over the wreck of the troopship Marquette in the Aegean Sea near Thessaloniki; it was torpedoed in October 1915. Principal organiser Clare Ashton, an honorary research associate of the University of Sydney Nursing School who lives at Hokitika, says that while the voyage will focus on the experience of the Anzac nurses, it is for anyone interested in

World War 1 and the care of casualties. The voyage is being organised by New Zealand and Australian nursing historians, who will lead on-board discussions and insights into World War 1 nursing care. The keynote speaker will be Christine Hallett, a United Kingdom-based professor of nursing history and the author of several books on World War 1 nursing. Ashton says the organisers are working on a not-for-profit basis. Her interest in World War 1 nursing grew out of her research into the history of Karitane mothercraft in New South Wales. Lemnos was the centre of the Anzac nursing effort, with thousands of sick and wounded soldiers transported their for care and medical services.

Ledingham’s Readers of Mike a Grunt, will be first book, Once characters in many familiar with the of these stories.

ters in book, the charac As with the first rized are loosely catego Always a Grunt ed and non-military into military-relat uncategorized also a couple of yarns. There are nally intense. emotio them of stories, both with raw Story, which deals They are Nessy’s a child’s which describes grief, and The Boy, ic priest. abuse by a Cathol struggle with sexual

Chocka full of great yarns and powerful new insights from a natural born storyteller. is exactly of the language Be warned: Some in real life, in the what you’d hear described by Mike circumstances being

story of A heart-rending s victim. an abusive priest’

73-29049-8

ISBN 978-0-4

Contact BMS Books at bms.co.nz to ORDER YOUR COPY OR THE COMBO Tel: 07 349-4107; Email: ms@bms.co.nz; Order online: tinyurl.com/Grunt2

Chatham Islands Discover the history, culture and heritage of these unique islands. Explore the rugged landscape from ocean beaches and rocky coastlines to the diverse flora and fauna. Staying at the secluded Henga Lodge with wonderful vistas over the farm, Lake Marakapia and Henga Reserve, guests are treated to warm hospitality, peace, tranquillity, and an authentic cultural experience.

Stewart Island & The Catlins

Adelaide & Murray River

Explore the diversity of the wild south with its rugged & wind swept coastlines of the Catlins to the pristine beauty of Stewart Island. See wildlife abundant in their natural environment including penguins, seals and albatross.

Escorted tour to South Australia. Flying direct from Auckland explore Adelaide and the surrounding region.

All inclusive package includes flights, 7 nights accommodation, all meals, daily sightseeing and tour leader.

9 day coach tour enjoys 2 nights in the Catlins region and 3 nights on Stewart Island. Includes return flights to Stewart Island, Ulva Island and Paterson Inlet, Dunedin’s Otago Peninsula & Invercargill.

Departs Auckland 5th Feb 2015

Departs 28th February 2015

Enjoy the wineries of the Barossa Valley, Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop and a 4 night Murray River cruise aboard the Paddle-wheeler PS Murray Princess discovering the unique flora and fauna of the river. Discover the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Victor Harbour home of the horse drawn tram. 10 days - departs 1st May 2015

Tours are escorted from Auckland, include flights, accommodation, sightseeing and home pick up in the main centres – conditions apply.

Phone now for further information.

Twilight Travel & Tours 0800 999 887 www.twilighttravel.co.nz

A member of the Travel Managers Group - IATA Accredited and TAANZ Bonded

The ship will approach Gallipoli along the same route the Anzacs took; this became the sole supply route during the eight months of Allied occupation From Canakkale, the voyagers will make land visits to the main Allied landing sites at Suvla Bay, Anzac Cove and Cape Helles.

• Information: Wild Earth Travel: P O Box 7218, Christchurch 8240; info@wildearth-travel. com; 03 3651355, www.wildearth-travel.com/ trip/aegean-anzac-nursing-sisters-gallipoli/. Clare Ashton, P O Box 291, Hokitika 7842; clare. ashton@ihug.co.nz.

Mike Ledingham’s stunning new book Always a Grunt combines with Once a Grunt to make the perfect gift combo for Christmas.

Price: $29 for one or both for $49 (plus p&p)

Christine Hallett (left) will be the keynote speaker, and Clare Ashton (right) is the principal organiser of a commemorative voyage for nurses in the Aegean Sea.

Storyteller adds a bit of a grunt to repertoire Dion Crooks Mike Ledingham obviously knows when he’s on to a good thing. A bit over a year ago, the onetime farmhand/soldier/real-estate salesman/small-business operator/armed security guard and now caregiver proved his skill as a short-story writer with the release of Once a Grunt. Now he has followed up with Always A Grunt, a 150-page collection of more short stories. In his introduction Ledingham says his stories have “a rich vein of truth” running through them, which he has “taken further” – and a couple “are closer to the truth than one would ever want them to be”. If you enjoyed Ledingham’s first book, you’ll love this one. A lot of second books fall into the trap of being no more than pot-boilers designed solely to cash in on the reputation of the first book. Not so this time. If anything, this one is better still. Ledingham has enhanced his skills as a natural storyteller by bringing a bit more depth, l stories. a bit more sharpness and point, to his Two of his stories – one dealing with raw grief, the other with sexual abuse – involve intense emotion and powerful messages. Like all good short-storyists, he knows how to bring a twist to his endings, how to avoid getting preachy, and how to leave readers to draw their conclusions. Mike Smith, at Rotorua-based BMS Books, is packaging the two Grunt books as a two-in-one deal. If you’re looking for something for someone who enjoys a relaxing read, you won’t go far wrong with these.

• Always A Grunt, by Mike Ledingham, published by BMS Books, price $29.95 or, as pair with Once A Grunt, $49 (plus packaging and postage). Contact: BNS Books, 07 3494107, ms@bms.co.nz, or order direct, www.bms.co.nz.

EX-GOVERNORS GENERAL ON BOARD Two former Anzac governors general will join a Gallipoli-2015 charter cruise to pay tribute to the troops who landed in Anzac Cove 100 years before. As well as contributing to the centennial commemorations on the cruise, Anand Satyanand (New Zealand governor general 2006-11) and Peter Hollingworth (Australia 2001-03), will host New Zealand soprano Malvina Major, and Gallipoli experts, including curator and historian Brad Manera and author John Basarin, on the voyage. Before joining the cruise, they will speak at the the Rotary Gallipoli 2015 peace conference in Istanbul. The conference, organised by Turkish Rotarians, will have the theme of ‘Promoting peace-building through showcasing the friendship which developed between Turkey, Australia and New Zealand following the tragic campaign of Gallipoli in 1915’. The Gallipoli-2015 Epic Cruise, a private charter of the Azamara Journey, will involve: a minute-by-minute re-enactment of the Anzacs’ voyage from Lemnos to Gallipoli; a dedication where Australia’s E-class submarine. the HMAS AE2, lies in the Sea of Marmara; and an on-board

dawn service on Anzac Day while moored as close as possible to Anzac Cove with a link to the broadcast. The ship will berth at Canakkale before Anzac Day to allow those with dawnservice tickets to disembark. Spaces are on offer for New Zealanders who have tickets to the Anzac services through the official ballot; or for those who do not have tickets but wish to visit Gallipoli around the time of the centenary. Innovative Travel managing director Robyn Galloway, who is co-organising the cruise, describes it as “a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only participate one extraordinary moment but to glimpse back in time, from ancient civilisations to futile conflict and discover astonishing stories”. She says it is the only Anzac centenary travel endorsed by Australian Geographic. She also advises anyone keen to get to Turkey for the commemorations to move fast. “Hundreds of people in Australia and New Zealand who were on the waiting list for balloted tickets to the Anzac Day dawn service have just found out that they have tickets, and many will be looking to book travel.”

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RSA REVIEW •SummER 2014

PIONEER WOMEN’S LEGACY LIVES ON From page 36 on the Lyttelton wharf by Navy friends who sang, ‘You are my sunshine’ and presented her with a cauliflower and carrot bouquet tied with a large toilet-paper bow. While in Wellington she had a chance meeting with American first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who came to New Zealand in August 1943 to visit United States forces, inspect the work of the American Red Cross, and study the contribution of New Zealand women to the war effort. “Another girl and I were going into the Army, Navy and Air Force Club when we were held up at the door because someone important was arriving. We waited, a big car with an American flag stopped, and out hopped Eleanor Roosevelt and her entourage. She stopped and said something to us about our uniform which we didn’t really understand because of her accent. We told her we were New Zealanders and she shook our hands and went indoors.” A year later Norma was transferred back to Lyttelton, where she spent some time stationed at Tasman, with the remainder of her time living at the Wrennery, a Wren’s hostel in the port town. “It was a lovely time. All the girls had different jobs, but we got on famously. There were lots of laughs and lasting friendships created.” Her roommate was her good friend, Patricia, “the loveliest, prettiest girl” from Timaru, who after a while decided to leave the service to marry a farmer from a big station near Oamaru. “She had a baby and I received my last letter from her when the child was around 15 months old. Shortly after, I read in the Press that Pat had died from pneumonia. I was absolutely devastated as I hadn’t had time to answer her letter.” When she left the service Patricia had given Norma a little white vase which she kept for many years: “I was reminded of Pat whenever I filled it with flowers. Unfortunately the vase was broken in the earthquakes along with the rest of my china.” Another of Norma’s great friends was Molly Doyle, who she thinks might have been New Zealand’s first female bagpipe player. They often worked the evening shift together and would have to bunk down in the office until morning. “One night after the light had been out for about 15 minutes, there was an almighty scream from Molly in the top bunk, and with one leap she landed on the deck in a state of shock. When she calmed down she said she was dozing off when

Norma Bucknell (third from right top row) with other Wrens at Lyttelton.

she felt something warm on her chest. When she touched it, she realised it was a large wharf rat settling in for the night after a good supper of chocolate it had stolen from her haversack hanging on the bunk post.” There was a fish-and-chip shop across the road from the navy office. However, all was not what it seemed with that particular business, she says. “The fish-and-chip shop appeared to do a roaring trade. But, after many hours spent watching from our window, we observed that very few of the male customers emerged with any purchases, so we started to draw our own conclusions.” When the war ended, the Lyttelton office closed and most of the Wrens were transferred to Wellington. It was the end of hostilities, but would prove the beginning of a paper war for the Wrens who were obliged to stay on. They were largely employed on demobilisation work as writers, with cooks, stewards and communications staff making up the balance. “Ann Ings and myself were the only two from Lyttelton sent to Philomel to work in the pay office. It was a big change from communications work and terribly boring. I soon decided it was time to return to civilian life and after a few months applied for my discharge which was granted,” says Norma. *** Rona Brunt was among the Lyttelton Wrens who transferred to Wellington, where she served her remaining year in the naval office processing discharge papers. In 1948 she decided to set sail on her own overseas adventure, which took her to England, Canada and numerous other countries. “I made lots of friends during my service, but

decided to travel on my own. My theory was that if you wait for someone else, you’ll still be waiting.” She made friends with two other women on the ship on the way over, and they ended up travelling together once they hit land, including stints hitchhiking around England. Two of them went on to Canada, where Rona got a job in a bank. She came back to New Zealand in 1951 and did typing and bookkeeping work for Gough, Gough and Hamer. A workmate set her up on a blind date with Sandy Brunt, who, during his service as an airman with the Fleet Air Arm, fought in Egypt for 15 months and was a trainer in Scotland and England. The couple married in 1954 with All Black Fred Hobbs as their best man, and moved into their new Sumner home where they raised a son and daughter. They now have three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren all living in Canada. Every Thursday Rona and Sandy Brunt continue to visit the Sumner Redcliffs RSA where they enjoy the regular camaraderie and a few laughs with the other members. *** Norma Bucknell met her husband, Tom, at a Sunday afternoon dance in Wellington during the war: “He had real rhythm. All the girls wanted to dance with him.” Tom was in the air force and served in the Pacific Islands. The couple corresponded during the war and married when it came to an end. They spent a happy four-and-a-half years at the “remote, idyllic” Cuvier Island where Tom was the lighthouse keeper. Historic Cuvier is New Zealand’s most distant, offshore lighthouse and marks the first sight of land for ships coming in from the Pacific. The Bucknells then transferred to the Akaroa

lighthouse, and from there “shifted like gypsies” as Tom went to work for family on the West Coast, then to Bluff to take up a fisherman’s job. By this time the Bucknells had two young children, a boy and a girl. “I had no other relatives except for my bachelor brother (who is 87 and still lives in Christchurch), and longed to have some sort of family, so we went back to Auckland to be near my motherin-law who was a nice lady.” In Auckland Tom worked as production manager for British Paints for 30 years and retired at 60. He has since died. Norma was living in Christchurch when the September 2010 earthquake hit and a few months later went to stay with her daughter in Sydney to get some respite from the aftershocks. “I had a good rest and was at Sydney Airport on February 22, 2011 ready to come back to Christchurch when there was an announcement that our flight would not be taking off due to another big earthquake. Just before the announcement I’d been talking to a lovely German couple about the steeple coming off the Cathedral in an earthquake 100 years ago and a few minutes later saw it coming down on a television screen at the airport. My blood ran cold.” Norma decided to bypass Christchurch and fly to her son’s place in Auckland. She has remained in the city and now lives independently in an RSA Trust retirement village in Te Atatu South. The tech-savvy 92-year-old grandmother of four and great-grandmother of three emails, skypes and even has her own facebook page. *** Norma and Rona spent a few months serving together at Lyttelton during the war and, later, both belonged to the Royal New Zealand Naval Women’s Association. They used to see each other at meetings and Wren’s reunions, but lost touch after the Christchurch earthquakes. “I never came back from my Sydney break, and was sure Sandy and Rona’s house would never have survived the earthquakes,” says Norma, who is pleased to be back in contact with her fellow Wren. The women are both proud to be part of a group of around 700 pioneering Wrens who created a significant wartime service from nothing. The Wrens broke down barriers. They overcame chauvinism and paved the way for today’s naval women, who now freely serve alongside the men, both at sea and ashore. The legacy of the Women’s Royal New Zealand Naval Service lives on.

Navy reaction to introduction of Wren’s force `relatively lukewarm’ From page 36 small naval office in Lyttelton, but within a few months, was drafted back to Wellington. The next 20 Wrens were sworn in on July 15, 1942 in Wellington, and given daily instruction in morse, radio and fleet sending procedure at Defence Headquarters. Wrens were required to serve for the duration of the war and for 12 months after, unless previously discharged. From early 1943 they were also required to be mobile, and be prepared to serve anywhere in New Zealand. They were spread across bases in Auckland (including HMNZS Philomel – the main on-shore base for the wartime Wrens); Wellington, Dunedin and Lyttelton, as well as lot of smaller places such as Waiouru, and Marlborough, where a secret “squirrel operation” was carried out. The work of eight hand-picked Rapaura Wrens in a remote farmhouse miles from Blenheim was kept secret for 40 years after the war. They had trained as radio operators and classifiers, and worked in pairs to identify the location of Japanese wireless telegraphy operators, both afloat and ashore. This involved the radio operator ‘radio

fingerprinting’ to identify the ‘hand’ of the operator. The continuous picture of dots and dashes produced by the Wren’s special radio receiver was then photographed and examined by the classifiers to try to establish the source of the signal. The information gathered by the Wrens was passed to Naval Intelligence in Washington over a special scrambler telephone. By early 1943 Japanese submarines were extremely active in the Pacific. One was known to have passed through Cook Strait in February that year, another was suspected in Pegasus Bay in the same month. There is even speculation in Grant Howard’s 1985 book, Happy in the Service, that the Wrens picked up signals from a German u-boat in Cook Strait. The Rapaura station closed in May 1944 with the eight Wrens moving into other intelligence and communications roles in Wellington. Their new colleagues pressed them for details about their work, but they remained tight-lipped. Seven of the eight Wrens were still alive when the 40-year deadline passed and they were finally able to reveal their secrets. The WRNZNS was disbanded by the Government in 1946, but was formed again in May 1947 following a sailor’s strike, when a large number of

men left the service, creating a severe personnel shortage. In 1951 the service was reformed permanently with Wrens serving in shore duties until 1977 when the WRNZNS was finally absorbed into the Royal New Zealand Navy. By this time 1655 women had served as Wrens, around 700 of them during World War 2. From 1986, naval women were allowed to serve at sea, initially in non-combatant ships and subsequently in all types of ships Margaret Mitchell (Wilkins) NZW1388 is one of the longest-standing presidents of the Royal Ne w Zealand Naval Women’s Association (formerly the New Zealand Ex-Wren’s Association). She fondly remembers her time at Philomel from 1964 to 1968, where she served as a Wren steward in the officers’ mess following six years as a sea cadet with the Girls’ Nautical Training Corp. “Up to 120 Wrens lived together at Elizabeth House in Auckland where we were required to stay until we either turned 21 or became a leading hand. The camaraderie was fantastic. We formed great friendships and went through so much together; all of our first loves and lost loves, things like that.”

Although it’s 50 years since Margaret joined the Wrens, and 13 years since she and her husband retired to the Bay of Islands, she is still in touch with 10 of the 13 other women from her class. She only recently stood down from the RNZNWA committee after serving since 1970, and is particularly proud of the memorial window in the naval chapel at the Philomel base that depicts every branch badge and where Wrens served in New Zealand. “The Wrens are an important part of my life and I still like keeping in touch with all the old girls wherever I go.”

• General information for this story was referenced from ‘Happy in the Service’ an illustrated history of the WRNZNS 1942-1977 published in 1985 by Grant Howard and with help from Margaret Mitchell. • Do you know the whereabouts of these former Wrens, Michelle Simmons, Noeline Cameron and Lorraine Hobman? (These are their maiden names.) The three women served at Philomel in Margaret Mitchell’s class of 1964 which has lost touch with them over the years. If so please contact Margaret at margaretmitchell@xtra.co.nz.

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`Sacred masculine preserve’ Although the War Cabinet approved the establishment of the Women’s Royal New Zealand Naval Service (WRNZNS) in April 1942, it was several months before it came to fruition. Talks stalled around the women’s conditions of service, particularly whether it was appropriate for them to take on night duties. It soon became obvious that for the Wrens to be a fully effective service, they had to work around the clock, so night work was approved. Ruth Herrick – a member of a prominent Hastings family, a teacher and chief commissioner for the New Zealand Girl Guide movement – was appointed the first director of the WRNZNS, with Helen Fenwick, a civilian already employed by the Navy Office, as her deputy. They immediately set about getting the fledgling service off the ground. However, it wasn’t until June 9, 1942 that the public was even made aware of the new women’s force, when a press release was finally issued by the Minister of Defence. Although there was no shortage of young New Zealand women keen to sign on, including a number already employed by the Navy as civilians, the official Navy reaction to the idea of a Wren’s force was relatively lukewarm. Prime minister Peter Fraser was also said to have had second thoughts. Despite the challenges, a determined Ruth Herrick managed to keep the initiative on track. She wrote in 1943: “The introduction of women into sacred masculine preserves may have been accepted as a grim necessity and one of the inconveniences of wartime conditions, but the way the Navy has received the WRNZNS has given each one of us a sense of being wanted as an essential cog in the machine, however small.” Suzanne Walker, (NZW3 (the first Wren after Herrick and Fenwick) was signed up on July 2, 1942. She was sent immediately to the To bottom, page 35

Rona Brunt

Norma Bucknell

A TALE OF TWO PIONEERING WRENS Rona Brunt and Norma Bucknell were among 700 pioneering women who joined the Women’s Royal New Zealand Naval Service soon after it was established in 1942. The Wrens broke down barriers and paved the way for today’s naval women, who now serve freely with the men. Jo Bailey talks to the two women about their lives. Although Rona Brunt never left land during her time as a Navy Wren during World War 2, it seems rather apt that for the last 60 years she and husband Sandy have enjoyed spectacular sea views from their cliff-top home in Christchurch. Sandy (who flew in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm during the war) built the house around the time they married, and it is testament to his workmanship that it came through the Canterbury earthquakes so well. Nearby houses, separated from the Brunts by only a narrow dead-end road, have since crumbled down the hillside. The rumbles could not shake fiercely independent Rona, 90, and Sandy 95, from their much loved house. Maybe it is the sea air. Perhaps it is the steep set of stairs Rona skips down to the mailbox like a woman decades younger. Or could it be the shared wartime service that makes them so resilient? Rona (then Hislop) was one of 700 New Zealand women to serve as a wartime Wren (Women’s Royal New Zealand Naval Service). The idea behind the force, which was established on April 11, 1942, was to enable women to relieve male naval personnel serving in on-shore posts so that they could be released for sea service. “Navy mad” Rona grew up in Christchurch and was working in an office at Lane Walker Rudkin when she decided to join the Wrens in 1944. “I thought the Wrens looked so smart. It was the only service I wanted to join as I had

the line, but say ‘Send fast, wrens here’. They didn’t want the women listening in.”

Rona Brunt was one of 700 New Zealand women to serve as a wartime Wren.

always liked the sea and sailing,” she says. She almost didn’t make it through the application process after failing her first medical because of poor eyesight. Many hopeful Wrens missed out on acceptance into the service because of the exacting standards set by its director, Ruth Herrick. Of the first 870 applicants, 350 were rejected because they were deemed unsuitable, insufficiently qualified, or below medical standard. These tough standards would remain in force throughout the war and beyond. Rona was stationed at shore establishment HMNZS Tasman (Lyttelton), where a new naval barracks with accommodation for 200 officers and ratings had been built across the water from the Lyttelton wharves in January 1944. Tasman’s main task was to train male telegraphists, signallers and cooks, who would go on to serve at sea. “My first job was as a steward at the barracks. I worked in the galley, washed dishes, prepared vegetables and served meals,’ she recalls.

“I’ll never forget the large numbers of onions we had to peel.” The work was hard and the hours were long, but as Rona flicks through an album packed with photos from that time, there was obviously a lot of fun as well. “A different group of 20 or 30 blokes would come for training every couple of months and we probably had a new boyfriend each time,” she laughs. “We used to swim in the harbour in summer too. The ferries came in and out, but we didn’t worry about how dirty the sea was.” After six months she was keen to put her office skills to use and applied to work in the Signal Distribution Office at Lyttelton where she was duly transferred. This role involved Wrens in shift work, decoding, taking morse signals and working on the switchboard. “We had an open line to Wellington at night and if there were men in the office with a friend on the other end, they would send jokes along

*** Another Canterbury girl to sign on for Wren service was Norma Bucknell (nee Walsh), NZW 99, who was also stationed at the Signal Distribution Office in Lyttelton. Norma’s father had died when she was nine, and her mother when she was 16. In 1942 she was boarding with relatives in Christchurch and working in the office at the Edmonds factory, when she decided to join the Wrens. “I felt that I needed a change and was feeling a bit patriotic because of the war. I thought going overseas with the Wrens would be wonderful, but I only ever got as far as Wellington,” she says She had done morse-code classes, so was given a job as a radio operator at the Signal Distribution Office. For the first few weeks she wore civilian clothes and had an ID card for free travel between Christchurch and Lyttelton. “Most of the girls still lived at home and commuted daily, but those coming off duty at 11pm were not allowed to go back to the city on the late train. There were two bunks in a little room at the office where the Wrens would sleep, then go home on the early train.” She says Wrens’ morning watch particularly disliked retrieving a confidential satchel from the ferry that came each night from Wellington. “The document bag was top secret, so was stowed in the captain’s cabin. One particular captain had a strong liking for the girls and would make certain he was in his cabin lying in wait. The bag was always hidden well under his bunk and we would have to almost do a contortionist act to get it whilst still keeping an eye on the lecherous old man.” Although the Wrens spoke of the captain’s actions amongst themselves, no one reported him. “In those days we didn’t think to question anyone in command. We just kept dodging this character the best we could.” After 12 months Norma was posted to Wellington and was surprised to be farewelled To top, page 35