4TH FIELD REGIMENT (SVN) ASSOCIATION AKA 4TH FIELD REGT OLD BOYS Patron: David Anderson. President: Peter Bruce, OAM Treasurer: Gabby Hayes. NEWSLETTER No 62 Summer (December) 2025 All correspondence to Peter Bruce, 33 Cathie Circuit, Lake Cathie NSW 2445 or pjbruce88@outlook.com Mobile is 0419 349 317 G’day Old Boys On the 5th of December 2025, the current 4th Regiment in Townsville, celebrated St Barbara’s day and their final day of work for the year. Our sponsored award, The Don Donkin, MBE Soldier’s Soldier Award was awarded to the first recipient, Gunner Joshua Hurd. More details later. Special thanks to Old Boy John Wilson who financed the engraving, donated a copy of the Don Donkin story, and presented the award on behalf of all our Old Boys. The Regiment has been very receptive and accommodating for our award and perhaps in the future sometime, more of us ‘Old Boys’ may be able to visit the Regiment and witness first hand, future award presentations and get a special look at what the Regiment is doing these days. The Don Donkin, MBE Soldier’s Soldier Award Donated by 4th Field Regiment (South Vietnam) Old Boys Association Don enlisted in the Australian Army in 1947 as soon as he turned 18. His first posting was to the Guard Platoon at Headquarters Eastern Command, Sydney. In 1948, Don was posted to Japan to join the British Commonwealth Occupation Force and joined ‘A’ Field Battery as a driver. Don returned to Australia in 1949 with ‘A’ Battery to North Head in Sydney. In 1953 Don transferred to Infantry to secure a posting to Korea with 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR). Don went from Command Post Sergeant ‘A’ Battery to a platoon sergeant with Delta Company, 3RAR. He returned to Australia in 1954 and returned to Artillery with a posting as Troop Sergeant ‘Baker’ Troop in ‘A’ Field Battery at Georges Heights. The following year, Don moved to Holsworthy with promotion to Warrant Officer Class Two and became the first Battery Sergeant Major of the newly formed 102nd Field Battery, as part of 1st Field Regiment. In the late 1950s, following a reduction in the size of the Army, Don reverted to Sergeant and was posted as an instructor at the School of Artillery. By 1960 he was again promoted to WO2 and again assumed the appointment of BSM 102nd Field Battery.
Whilst attending a physical training course at North Head in early 1963, Don received a warning order for a posting to Vietnam. The first 30 Australian Army Advisors who formed the nucleus of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) had deployed in August 1962. After attending a jungle training course at Canungra and a Vietnam indoctrination course at Queenscliff in Victoria, Don flew out to Vietnam in August 1963 to join the AATTV. He was initially posted to the Hiep Khan Training Centre working with the American Special Forces. Later, he was attached to the 7th Special Forces Group Team A-727 and A-731 near Khe San. When his commander, a US Captain, was shot down and captured, Don took command of the unit and led them gallantly. For his action with this unit, Don was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and awarded the American Bronze Star. Don returned to Australia in January 1964 with a posting as BSM of Recruit Training Wing at the School of Artillery. In 1968 Don was appointed RSM of 4th Field Regiment in Townsville. His arrival was delayed as Don had been selected as Ensign to the Colour for the Australian Contingent attending the 50th Anniversary of Armistice Day in Paris, France. Don eventually arrived in Townsville and was presented with his ceremonial symbol of office, a new pace stick. 4th Field Regiment had been warned out for duty in Vietnam and in March 1970, Don was flying back to Vietnam, this time as RSM of the Regiment. He returned to Australia in March 1971 with a posting as RSM of Victoria Barracks in Sydney. Don remained at the Barracks until 1973 when he was appointed RSM of the School of Artillery. It was in this posting that Don left a legacy to the RAA with his establishment of the RAA Warrant Officers and Sergeants’ Farewells. Don left the School for his final posting as a Staff Captain at Victoria Barracks in 1978. He discharged after 33 years’ service in October 1980. Don was a born leader. With his quiet but firm voice, he could make soldiers want to do something - anything for him. He didn’t get angry, but his calm, clear and concise voice never left anyone in doubt as to what he required. He belonged to a very special era of gentlemen warrant officers who led by example. He was well respected by his superiors, his peers and the soldiers he led and was an excellent mentor for future generations. He was indeed a ‘Soldier’s Soldier’. This annual award is presented to the individual who has displayed the best characteristics of a ‘Soldier’s Soldier’. A full obituary of Don Donkin’s life is available on the RAAHC Website www.artilleryhistory.org The inaugural winner of the Don Donkin, MBE, Soldier’s Soldier Award is Gunner Joshua Hurd from 109 Battery. The BSM of the 109 Battery, WO2 Luke Moloney reports: “GNR Hurd’s performance this year has been outstanding. He displays a very high standard of both trade and military skills and applies them consistently to produce excellent results. His performance as the Second in Command of an M777A2 Howitzer was above that expected of a senior soldier. He assumed the position without hesitation, relished the extra responsibility and provided excellent support to the Detachment Commander. During all Exercises this year GNR Hurd has led by example which in turn motivated his detachment in demanding environments. His attitude has provided an excellent example to the other soldiers on the gunline, and he is often looked to for guidance from the junior members of the Battery.
In the Barracks environment GNR Hurd volunteered for extra work at every opportunity, this enabled 109 Bty to support numerous Regimental and Brigade tasks, he managed this with his own responsibilities and at times to the detriment of his personal time. In short GNR Hurd is held in high regard not only within 109 Bty but also the entire Regiment. GNR Hurd is extremely deserving of this accolade.” Our annual award to 4th Regiment has finally happened. The perpetual shield was donated by our local Men’s Shed and a local company put the engraving plates on it. They also did the frame for the explanation of the award. The figurine is an Australian Soldier from the Vietnam era and will go to the individual winner to keep. The Shield and framed certificate will stay at the Regiment. Total cost was $373.90 plus some extra costs which John Wilson covered personally. Our thanks to PJ Smith and Patron David Anderson with their help in finalising the award. The wording in the frame appears elsewhere in this newsletter.
Continuing the story from our last newsletter by Bob Brumm and his VEA experience. It was fascinating work for the broad range of military fields covered. I saw only one or two WW2 veterans but plenty of their widows applying for a war widow’s pension - about two or three every week (more on that below); can’t recall any Korean war veterans but again, some of their widows; heaps of Vietnam veterans of course; plenty of East Timor veterans; small numbers of Somalia, Rwanda, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and a few Peacekeeping veterans from various missions. And there were many non-veterans, exservicemen whose medical conditions were claimed as defence-caused rather than warcaused. They were entitled to the same repatriation benefits - that was a surprise for me - but their claims were subject to a harder standard of proof. And there was the one bizarre case - the applicant vehemently claimed he was a former member of an elite special forces’ unit conducting secret and dangerous missions around the world, the unit so secret and sensitive that not a single record of it existed for Defence, DVA or himself to produce to verify its existence. It was a chilling hearing. He later went to jail over the matter. One of the first things I learned - had to learn very quickly - was that at the personal level everyone’s war experience was different and so not to judge claims through the prejudices of my own narrow military experience. You needed to have an open-mind and read and listen closely. I certainly learned a lot about what others got up to in their wars and service generally, and the breadth of experiences was an eye-opener and very interesting. Given the aim in every case involved a financial benefit, you also needed a dose of healthy scepticism; had to be prepared to do the extra research where necessary and to ask the right questions. It wasn’t essential for the job, but I read widely on the very interesting history of Repatriation in Australia, including comparisons with the systems in other countries. I’m no expert but I think it’s fair to say ours is one of the most generous, deservedly so. For every claim to have an injury, disease, medical condition or death accepted as warcaused (or defence-caused for non-veterans) it was an essential first step for the Board to be reasonably satisfied as to the correct diagnosis. This could be one of the hardest and most frustrating aspects of claims. It wasn’t for the Board to make a diagnosis - it wasn’t medically qualified for that - but to decide on the appropriate diagnosis from the medical reports in the case files. So it was necessary to read, interpret and understand a lot of highly technical medical and psychiatric reports. This could be particularly challenging with psychiatric cases as it was common to have two, three or even four reports from different psychiatrists all giving different opinions and diagnoses. The Board’s decision on appropriate diagnosis was also critical to the applicant’s chance of success. For example, and for reasons I won’t go into but involving the medical Statements of Principles you may be familiar with, it was easier to have PTSD accepted than say, Anxiety Disorder or Depressive Disorder. I soon learned there was a lot of grey areas in the evidence presented by applicants to support their case; that was understandable but always challenging to sort out. Psychiatric cases - which formed a reasonably high percentage of cases before the Board - could be particularly difficult. By their very nature, and when there were differing opinions and diagnoses involved, these hearings could be harrowing, both for the applicant, of course, and lesser so for the Board. We would always do our best to attempt to defuse any rising anxiety or agitation at these hearings. It’s sad to relate, but has to be said, that the grey areas at their worst often involved a considerable amount of dodgy business - false claims, fraud. This is understandable given human nature and the attractiveness of repatriation benefits generally: and of course it is not confined to the repatriation world. In our system, and in my experience, the dodgy
business was more common with psychiatric claims for which there was little objective supporting evidence such as scans and blood test results. Without implied criticism of the many genuine cases, much depended on the bona fides of the applicant - the veracity of what he told the psychiatrist, for example, about symptoms and exposure to war-related traumatic events. There was even a small number of go-to psychiatrists in Queensland who too readily would provide the diagnosis being sought. In my experience again, the most common misusers were ex-Navy and ex-Air Force veterans. Anyway, that’s life. The many war-widow cases we heard were almost invariably welcomed, at least on the various Board panels I served on. These were nearly all widows of WW2 veterans and, coming from that remarkable and so-called “Greatest generation”, were a delight to deal with - so polite, modest, gracious and honest. Often that honesty didn’t help their case and frustrated their advocates. At my years on the Board (2006 - 2010) their veteran husbands had died well into their eighties, so it was typically hard to connect their cause of death to a relevant aspect of their war service more than 60 years earlier. The most common causes of death at that age were heart attacks or cancers, for which the most useful - usually the only - causal factors that could be contended were on-going, warrelated smoking or drinking habits. We knew the questions to ask to gently try to elicit the smoking or drinking history that would help their case but typically the widow didn’t understand and being so honest would say something like: “Oh no, he was already a very heavy smoker when I first met him, years before the war.” Or: “No he hardly drank after the war, so please don’t you dare say my husband was a drinker.” Bless them. Usually there was sufficient supporting evidence if you dug deep enough and while I forget the actual figures, I’m pleased to say we got most of their cases up. So, I’ve touched on just a few of my experiences, and a few issues, with the Veteran’s Review Board. As I said, I was only ever on one side of the table, a member of the Board; while I could get a feel for what the applicants were going through, I was never in their shoes. What about you, have you ever appeared before the Board, what was your experience? I’m sure Pete would appreciate your feedback on this forum. And I would too; don’t hold back, I’ve got a thick skin. Bob Brumm Kevin O’Brien’s Latest Book (Brigadier Kevin John O’Brien, CSC (Rtd) served in the Australian Army for 33 years. He had a distinguished defence career including operational service in Vietnam; service with the British Army in England and on the Rhine; Instructor at the School of Artillery at North Head and later at the Australian Command and Staff College, Queenscliff. He held key artillery leadership appointments: Battery Commander ‘A’ Field Battery, Commanding Officer 8/12th Medium Regiment and Commander of 1st Division Artillery. He has edited several books on the Defence of Sydney, the Korean War and New Guinea. He was also the executive producer of television documentaries: “Kokoda - The Bloody Track” and “Hamel - The Turning Point”. He initiated and then managed the creation of new memorial parks at Fromelles and Le Hamel in France. His most recent publication was ‘Defending Middle Head – A Short History’. He has previously been appointed as a Trustee of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust; to the Board of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway; as a Trustee of the Bathurst RSL Sub-Branch; and as a member of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal. He regularly lectures at the United Services Club of Queensland on Australian military history topics.)
Kevin’s latest book is titled “Long Tan: Memories, Myths and Reality”. A good read with the complete picture of what happened at Long Tan. John (Bo) Plenty on 01.09.25 Many thanks Pete great job as usual. On reading Bob Bruhn's experience at the VRB it reminded me of my own. Walked into the room absolutely cacking myself to be confronted with three members, one from each of the three services. The RAAF bloke started things rolling by asking me about my surname and was I any relation to Grp Capt H C Plenty DFC+bar and when I replied that I was his eldest son he seemed a little bit surprised. This then leads me into the story of my old man’s service in Malaya and Singapore during WW2 which originally was quite uneventful but as the Japanese made their way down the Malay Peninsula things quickly changed. On the arrival of the two British battleships Prince of Wales and Repulse every one believed that Singapore would be saved but as we now know this was wishful thinking. My old mab was on reconnaissance flight up the east coast of Malaya and was stunned to see the Japanese attack and sink the two British battleships. He reported this to the British Command in Singapore (Air Vice Marshall Brook-Popham) and was immediately in hot water for breaking radio silence not to mention the disbelief in Singapore HQ. The Japanese then proceeded to shoot him down and managed to land his Hudson Bomber in the water somewhere south Of Kuantan on the east coast of Malaya, he and his crew survived and made their way back to Singapore using questionable tactics against a Malay fisherman by hijacking him and his boat for most of the journey and presenting him with all the money they at the time which is possibly more than he had ever seen in his life. Group Captain H C Plenty went on to serve in Malaya. Singapore and Milne Bay, he survived the war and completed thirty eight years in the RAAF, died of old age complications in Canberra at the age of ninety three. He is recorded in the RAAF History Association records because I made sure he was, they had no idea that he also was the founding member of the RAAF Telstar’s aerobatic team after the crash that killed all members of the Red Sales aerobatic team now known as the Roulettes. Denis Pfundt on 01.09.25 In my epistle I forgot mentioning that I met up with Dave Alderton in Broome, missed the late Al Foley who had vehicle problems and returned home. Caught up with the late Paul Coppock in Adelaide for a Chinese meal and a few froffies. Had a feed with John "wacka” Wakeling in Ballarat. Might have to gear up for one more big trip. Best regards and keep yourself neat. Links For a summary of Exercise Talisman Sabre, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0BCQ5ER3uo An interesting look at life on the Gold Coast in the early 60’s. That’s where I spent my teenage years. Oh, the memories…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oXhw8m-3rk New RAA Song The Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company Inc (RAAHC) has released a song dedicated to all past and present serving in the RAA. The song, “Punching Above Our Weight” can be listened to via the RAAHC website www.artilleryhistory.org
The latest edition – 103 - of ‘Cannonball’ is also available on the RAAHC web site and on the Australian Artillery Association website www.australianartilleryassociation.org From Ben Lans on 25 September. Hey Peter, Just thought I would give you an update on the recent 108 Reunion that was held at Crows Nest, near Toowoomba, 12-15 September. Organised by Harry Pregnell, Ian Taylor and Ian Biggs, with a bit of impetus from Dave Toseland to get it started. it turned out to be a small event but incredibly successful and enjoyable for those who attended. Although we had hoped to attract more old members, the ones that did come were mostly from that late 70’s early 80’s time. Some guys brought their wives and made a camping trip out of it, On one of the nights we showed some piccies of the river adventures we had all those years ago and some of the guy’s wives were quite shocked to see what their husbands had achieved. All in the name of adventure training! Anyway, why Crow’s Nest over three nights in the middle of nowhere you ask? Well, it provided the perfect relaxed ‘bush’ venue where we had time to relax, chat to each other in our own time and remake old friendships from over 40 years ago. And, most importantly we could have a campfire and sing songs from back then and have a few beers and then a few whiskeys and tell each other how great the old days were. And… when we were all talked out and wondered back to our vans and cabins thinking that we had partied way into the night, we discovered that it was only 1030! ‘Age shall not weary them’, except when it does! We hope to do it again within the next 18 months or so and considering how well this one went, let’s hope more ex 108 members come. Venue and date TBA. All the best Pete, Ben The following is from an article in ‘Frontline” attributed to Ernie Chamberlain D445 VC Battalion's "762 martyrs" memorialized on the Baria Monument In late November 2024, the VC D445 Memorial was formally inaugurated in the park on Bà Rịa Town’s southern outskirts. The memorial included a listing of the Battalion’s “martyrs” sacrificed during the Vietnam War. A recent on-line press item has included the following text: “Hai bên tượng đài được trân trọng lưu danh 762 liệt sĩ của Tiểu đoàn 445. Bia ghi công tóm tắt những thành tích nổi bật của Tiểu đoàn, trong đó khắc ghi: “Tiểu đoàn 445 là biểu tượng sáng ngời của chủ nghĩa anh hùng cách mạng và truyền thống chiến đấu của quân đội ta, là niềm kiêu hãnh, tự hào của Nhân dân Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu với đặc điểm tiêu biểu là bám đất, bám dân, gắn chặt với phong trào cách mạng của quần chúng”. English translation: “Both sides of the monument respectfully recount the names of the 762 martyrs of the 445th Battalion. The stela cites a summary of the outstanding achievements of the Battalion including the engraving that records: “445 Battalion symbolizes the brilliance of the heroic revolutionary ideology and the fighting tradition of our armed forces, with innermost feelings of pride by the People of Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu, and with the particular traits symbolizing the holding onto ground and being closely connected with the people and the revolutionary movement of the masses.”
Thanks to Eric Neil for sending me the new email address for Dave Hanlon. From Bo Plenty (Bo served with 107 Bty in SVN April 70 to April 71) At the risk of sounding like a bloody sook here goes mate. 16th October 2023 bladder taken out due to cancer 6 hours surgery but here I am and after many scans and being injected infected detected and anything else you can think of I am fed up with having sharp objects stuck in where ever. 26 odd years ago prostate cancer and survived that as well (DUH OBVIOUSLY) then a pacemaker so there is not much else that can go wrong except falling off my perch. Sounding like a bloody whinger but as the saying goes there are always others worse of than yourself ENOUGH life goes on. Regards Bo From Gus Weir via email on 13 October 25. Hello Pete, Good to hear from you mate and many thanks to you and Susie for dropping in home here at Adelaide whilst you were caravanning around this great country. I take my hat off to you caravanners as we have talked about it but prefer a bit of luxury. As you mentioned it is hard to believe that the last time we caught up was at the Mayfair Hotel in Sydney on the 12th. March 1971. I have some vague memories of that night but best leave it at that. As you mentioned I went back to my Banking career following army discharge and spent about 8 years in Perth and country WA in the ANZ Bank and the rest of those 41yrs here in SA. We recently went back to Perth for a 4 day trip to catch up with some old boys I worked with in Perth. It is a great city and has gone ahead in leaps and bounds since we were last there. Our 2 eldest boys were born in WA. We currently live just south of Glenelg in Somerton Park one street back from the beach that we walk on most mornings and meet up with some other old farts for a coffee at our local kiosk.
I finished my Banking career in 2007 following 41yrs service and we purchased our first surf shop in March of 2001. Our family now have 3 of them and our youngest son who runs the shops for us has contracted to purchase another shop that will settle next month. I am not allowed on the shop floor in the shops as “old blokes don’t look good in surf shops”. (So Judy my wife tells me). We trade under the name of “Beaches Apparel”. I hide in the background by doing the accounts, MYOB, Banking etc. It keeps me out of the pub, well for most of the time. But I still find time to have along lunch with a few old mates on a regular basis. Health wise I have been going OK apart from being diagnosed with prostate cancer 4 years ago. All clear now and regular tests confirm the all clear. It was interesting that the specialist who had been monitoring me for at least 10 years mentioned that Veterans are twice more likely contract that caner that the average person. He said that he even went to Washington DC to study with American specialists why this was so. They couldn’t reach a conclusion. My wife is from Hobart so we get down there at least once a year. Great place to visit. Our middle son lives and works in Melbourne whilst our oldest son lives and works in Austin Texas. He has been there for about 16 years and works in the oil industry and now has a “green card”. He married a beautiful Texan lady 8 years ago and they now have twin 4year-old daughters. I have lost count of the number of times we have travelled to Austin Texas as it is a real pain to get there. Adelaide to Melbourne then 16/17 hours flying time to Dallas then a 45 min flight to Austin. It’s all good providing flights are not delayed, and we get up the front. The two things I have learnt since travelling to Texas is that you don’t talk politics unless prompted and you don’t mention their “right to bear arms” and or gun control. I have seen frequently when out shopping in a supermarket or in a shopping centre a guy pushing a shopping trolley around with his wife and he has a 45 gun or similar strapped to his hip. Only in America.? However, one good point is that Americans truly value and appreciate their Veterans. We have been to several sporting events and concerts where they ask Veterans to stand and for the crowd acknowledge their service. Even some of the Airlines ask Veterans and serving defence members to board the flights first as a priority. Flying back into Australia is a great feeling as we truly live in the best country in the world. We were in Austin Texas in June this year to celebrate our granddaughter’s 4th. birthday and I have always wanted to have a ride in a driverless Uber. So, we were down town Austin and I ordered a Waymo ride on my Uber app. A small Jaquar SUV turns up with my name on the top of it. I unlocked the doors via my Uber app and we hopped in the back of the car. As soon as we got in the car a voice says, “hi Gus, welcome, please put on your seat belts and we will get underway.” The only people in the car were Judy and me sitting in the back seat. Indicator goes on and it pulls out into the traffic, changing lanes and turning corners with no one sitting in the driver’s seat whist the steering wheel was turning around. When the car stopped at our location a voice says, “thanks for riding with us Gus.” The doors unlocked and we got out of the car. If that wasn’t amazing enough a small robotic vehicle was travelling down the foot path, stopping at pedestrian crossings and I asked a Texan who was nearby, “what the hell is that”. He said it was an Uber Food delivery vehicle. So, if you are down town Austin and order Uber Eats your food gets delivered by a robotic vehicle. Just amazing. So if any of you “old blokes” are travelling to USA try and have a ride in these driverless Ubers. Just amazing technology and you wont be disappointed. I have utilised the DVA Wellness programme that allows us to attend a gym for a couple of hours each week. It is a great programme and thoroughly recommend it. Just on DVA my brother-in-law who was a Navy Vet and a Gold Card holder suddenly passed away in Canberra recently. His wife asked me to assist with her entitlements with DVA. So I contacted DVA and they recommended that I make contact with Legacy in Canberra. I got
onto a gentleman there who was a volunteer and he was truly magnificent. He couldn’t do enough for my sister-in-law and within a short time she received her entitlements. Well done Legacy. Several years ago I had the honour of travelling to Gallipoli for a boy’s trip on a mate’s yacht. We intended to go ashore at Gallipoli in the yachts dingy however the conditions were too rugged, so we took shelter in a nearby boat harbour. As the sun came up over Gallipoli we stood on the rear deck of the yacht and “the last post” was played. Very emotional day. We then toured the beach area and Lone Pine. We then sailed back up the Dardanelles Strait into Istanbul for a few days R&R then back home to Adelaide. We have been very fortunate to travel around Europe, USA and the UK plus went back to Vietnam with a 9RAR mate and our wives. Still looking at getting away to Japan or Canada but as I mentioned before we live in the “best country in the world.” Last year we went to a destination wedding at Airlie Beach so took the opportunity to fly straight into Townsville and then bus down to Airlie. We stayed in Townsville for a couple of nights and took the opportunity to travel out to our barracks. Brought back a few memories.?? Well Pete that’s briefly what has been happening in my life and if any of the “old blokes” are travelling thru Adelaide please get them to give me a call for a catch up. A reunion would be great but understand very difficult to arrange. (We will probably require wheel chair access.) Only joking. Keep up the good work mate. Your efforts in keeping us old blokes informed are greatly appreciated. Cheers mate a stay safe. Gus WEIR From Gary Sharp on 15 October. Hi Pete. Nice to hear from you and hope all is well. Shirley and I celebrated our 50th Wedding anniversary in March this year so survived that. Basically, I have spent the last 45 years in the Railway Industry as a project engineer and manager but currently retired although I do get asked to do some contract work now and again. Still involved also in the Railway Technical Society of Australasia SA branch as the current secretary. One highlight was I spent part of my career involved in the construction of the Alice Springs to Darwin railway line and the got asked to be the maintenance Engineer, so we moved to Darwin in 2003 until 2010 when we moved back to Adelaide. Was only supposed to be in Darwin for 2 years but things like that happen up there. I have also done work in Tasmania and the Pilbara. Our son Jarrod and his partner are still living in Darwin and works for the railway up there. Daughter Larissa and grandson live on the sunshine coast so guess you call us empty nesters. Shirley does miss the kids a lot though. We try to visit as often as we can! I still catch up with Mick Long and Lance occasionally. Caught up with Lance and Ollie last June when they were touring around in their motor home so had a great time in Clare and visited a few wineries. I think they said they will be down this way early next year sometime so hope to catch up again then. I have had a few health issues in the last couple of years although nothing serious although I had a prostate issue but am all clear now. By the way I heard that you were down in Adelaide not that long ago this year? We should have caught up! I do enjoy the newsletters, and you do a fantastic job of them. As more things come to mind, I will let you know but i'm sure not a whole life story. As you said we are certainly not getting any younger. Cheers for Now. Sharpie
From Greg Tommasi (Greg was Seco with 106 Battery in SVN March 1970 to March 1971) Greg kept a diary of his time in Vietnam, and it is now with the Australian War Memorial. Hi Pete. Happily retired with family on Tamborine Mountain (Gold Coast Hinterland) Queensland. Married 52 years to beautiful Winnie and have 2 children, both doing well. Spend time looking after younger members of my family. Still in good shape I think LOL.. Time spent now researching family Genealogy. Just donated my father’s WW2 war diary and my Vietnam diary to Australian War Memorial for their archives. My older brother was a nasho in 5RAR SVN 1966-67 and hold his memory and Dad’s, deep in my heart. I Found this in my lost files . A good memory of Terry. (He) had a very tough time. From the 101 Battery Newsletter of September 2025. An article by Ken Murphy, one of our Old Boys who served in Vietnam with 108 Battery from April 1967 until May 1968. 75th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENDING OF THE EMERGENCY – Ken Murphy. It was a typical bracing, crystal clear Canberra morning and the start of a day of ceremony, remembrance and memories. DVA did us proud with the setup, an impressive temporary memorial, the band and a smart honour guard. The seating was under a huge tent with suƯicient room for all those in attendance. The ceremony was simple and dignified in the way respect was paid to all who served those many years ago. A number of veterans gave personal testimony to how they remembered those days (although I was a little mystified that an Infanteer wasn't called upon to speak). At one stage all those who were veterans of the conflict were asked to stand and to receive recognition by acclimation (looking around at the sparse numbers who stood brought home to me that our ranks are thinning fast). Those in attendance were generous in their applause and I'm sure the quiet pride I felt was shared by all those standing. It was an incredible day and the stories that flowed at the luncheon brought back many treasured memories of a time when we were young and the future stretched endlessly before us. Well for the few of us left that ending is now becoming a reality .... yet there's not one of us, I wager, that would change a day we spent or the memories we made with our mates in 101 Battery for anything. I've never felt prouder nor more thankful that I was part of 101 Field Battery and that I shared it with you......... my mates Ken Murphy & ( John Butler ) ED. Some history of 101 Battery in Malaya taken from an article by then Major J H Phillips penned in 2008.
101 Battery sailed for Malaya in September 1959 on the MV Flaminia. In October 1959 the Battery took over from ‘A’ Field Battery at Butterworth. On arrival, the Battery had to convert from 25 Pounders to 4.2-inch Mortars. The Battery then operated with two elements: an eight-gun battery of two troops and a light battery of six mortars. Later in their tour the Battery moved to Terendak to become part of the Royal Artillery’s 26 Field Regiment. The unit participated in training with the British Commonwealth Strategic Reserve. In October 1961 the Battery returned to Australia to be part of the then 4th Field Regiment at Wacol in Brisbane. Update from Hilton Lenard on the 107 Battery Association There are 185 financial members. Association membership covers all regions of Australia plus Paul Gaff in USA, Gordon Pound & Peter (Jock) Sime in the UK and Mac (Rob) McKimmin & David Borman in Thailand. Around sixteen members currently serve in the Defence Force. Membership covers all periods of 107 Battery’s post 1965 history, with approximately one-third having served at Holsworthy and/or Malaysia (1965-1969) a further third at Townsville then Vietnam (1969-1971) and a third at Townsville since 1971. Many have served in more than one location. Recent and upcoming Reunions of 107 - Members frequently meet at local events around Australia. In April-May 2024, Association members, adult children, and grandchildren attended the deferred due to Covid-19 50th anniversary Reunion of the Battery deploying to Vietnam in April-May 1970. The two-weeks included Saigon, Anzac week in Vung Tau, Baria Nui Dat and Long Tan on Anzac Day, then north to Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, Hanoi, and the necessary cruise on Ha Long Bay. John Warboys, Warren Feakes & Hilton Lenard at the Water Tower in BaRia 27 April 2024. On 1st August 2024, members gathered at Lavarack Barracks for the 69th Birthday Day and dinner celebrations with the members of 107 Battery at Townsville. Gordon Pound made the journey back from the UK. In November 2025, members were in Sydney for a regular gathering around Remembrance Day. The next Anzac Day Reunion will be at Forbes, Central NSW, (23-26 April 2026) where member Bryan Jones (in the Battery in Malaysia 1967-1969) is President of the RSL. Any Old Boys in the region next Anzac week are welcome. Contact Hilton (hiltonlenard@hotmail.com – 0418 695 345) for information. Hilton Lenard ***************************************************************************************
I caught up with Syd Farrow today (14 Oct 25). He is heading north for a few days with wife Sue driving them up to Queensland to catch up with family. Syd has a restricted driving licence these days which has slowed down his trips away. He always tells me to say g’day to anyone I see who may know him, so g’day from Syd. 108 Fd Bty RAA (SVN) Association are having their 2026 reunion at Tweed Heads from 12 to 15 May. Looks like they have a full program with a service, a river cruise, a golf or shopping day and a formal dinner. Good luck to the 10 Daters. Any reunion queries or request, contact Maggie of Jack Whiting on 0419 194 507. As an aside, I owe an apology to our Treasurer Gabby Hayes. He served in Malaya with 102 Battery, not 101 Battery as I mentioned last newsletter. There was another Gabby Hayes who served in 101. Gees! Two Gabby Hayes! Gabby tells me he is moving north in the new year from Brisbane up to Rockhampton. Good luck with the move Gabs. From Ken Morrison on 14 Oct Hi Pete, This is just a short recap on my life's journey since finishing nashos in 1971. I went back to the State bank of Vic and started in Melbourne. After marrying Dorothy (who incidentally wrote to me during nashos) in 1972 we built a new home and had two boys and a girl during the 70s.Now we have nine grandkids! My main interests apart from family are golf, gold detecting, AFL Western Bulldogs and travel. I am a life member of the RSL, Central Vic Vietnam Veterans member and volunteer at our local Vet support centre. We are currently moving to a downsizers development in another Bendigo suburb. I keep in contact with Des Spurr who is doing it tough with Parkinson's. Spurry is very proud of his son Brett who is a champion state and national lawn bowler. I'm looking forward to having a hit of golf with Eric Neill and Dave Hanlon in the near future. Cheers to all. Ken Morrison. 4Fld Regt PayRep/ Postie 69/70. (Photo of Ken and wife Dorothy) From Tim Ford on 15 Oct. 25 Tim is the volunteer Manager of the Cutler Research Centre based at North Head in Sydney. He is looking for mor volunteers with a ‘gunner’ background who may be able to give a few hours each week to help them with their work. Any Old Boys who may be interested can contact me in the first instance and I will pass on Tim’s email and number where he can explain in more detail the requirements. I think it would be a great opportunity for Sydney based gunners to be involved in some exciting work. This extract from their website briefly explains their purpose. “Welcome to the Sir Roden Cutler VC Australian Artillery Research Centre website, a resource owned, developed and maintained by the Royal Australian Artillery Historical
Company (RAAHC). The RAAHC is a public company and a volunteer not-for-profit organisation of members and depends upon volunteers to operate. We welcome anyone with or without connections to Artillery to join us. Our operations are funded by grants and donations, and we have no salaried staff. The Company's core purpose is to promote the significance of Australia's Artillery, its history and heritage. In April 2016, the RAAHC Library was dedicated to the memory of the late Sir Roden Cutler VC, a prominent and much respected gunner of World War II, and former Governor of New South Wales. The name change reflects our evolving role from that of a physical repository to an increasingly digital, on-line resource enabling search, discovery and, ultimately, delivery of resources related to Australian artillery.” From David Hanlon on 15 Oct. 25 Peter. Sounds like it will be a great day. (referring to the 5th December) Hope you have basketball – I played with Don in the local Townsville basketball competition before we left for Vietnam. “Big Red” took care of the rebounds and fed it to us racing down the court. He had the sharpest elbows on the court. Hope you have a great day. Regards. David Hanlon From Ron Hall on 15 Oct Peter, what a lovely thing to do in memory of Don, as you say a soldier’s soldier, how very true. I can remember bouncing around in the back of a truck with him going from Nui Dat to somewhere. He really was one of us when he could be. He was able to get 100% out of anyone at any point in time. I can’t attend. Stay safe. Regards Ron. From Gordon Pound on 16 Oct. 25 (Gordon was in SVN initially with 105 Battery in late 1965. He returned to SVN with 107 Battery in April 1970 and moved to Civil Affairs Unit in August 197. He RTA in April 1971. G'Day Pete, Since circumstances brought me back to the UK I have been a bit out of touch and rely very much on publications like the Newsletter to keep me informed about what's going on and, more importantly news of my old mates. I do manage to get back to Aust reasonably regularly and make the most of catch up opportunities. For example, I was there last year in August/September and, along with Hilton Lenard, 'Noddy Feakes and Wendy Grant, attended the 107 Battery birthday in Townsville. Sadly, there were no other old battery members present but it was an education to receive a run-down on all the new kit and to view close up their new gun. Having been involved through my career with the 25pr, L5 and M2A2 I'm filled with awe. Was also able to attend the Long Tan Day Ceremony at the VN Memorial in Canberra on 18 August and lunch with Bruce Stark and Alan Hutchinson (the three of us were together in 105 Battery when it went from 4 Fd Regt at Wacol to VN in September 1965. That's sixty years ago, Pete, where have the years gone! Also, back in August this year this year we were delighted to host David and Ann Anderson. They were on a grand tour of Europe and were in England and David and I decided we should get together on the 18th of August. First item was lunch at a pub in the New Forest
then we went on to the Commonwealth War Graves in the churchyard of St Nicholas' Church at Brockenhurst in the New Forest. Being close to the south coast and just across from France, Brockenhurst was the site of a Kiwi military hospital during the First World War and, repatriation of the deceased not being an option back then, those who failed to make it were buried locally, including some Australians. The site subsequently came under the auspices of the CWGC. St Nick's stands on the site of an earlier Norman church and is a beautiful location. Each year, on the Sunday closest to ANZAC Day, a special service is held at which the sacrifices of those young men who came half way round the world to support the; Mother Country' is remembered and appreciated. That's where I usually commemorate ANZAC Day there being no ceremony on the actual day closer than London or at the occasional military base where Australians may be present but to which access is severely limited. Anyway, David and I attended the cemetery on 18 August and shared that feeling of comradeship that we old mates are privileged to be allowed. A pic of the pair of us, looking reflectively into the distance is attached. Anyway, I've rambled on a bit the, Pete, please feel free to pick out ant bit(s) that you think might interest the rest of your readers, just keep the Newsletters coming. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make the 'Don Donkin Award' Ceremony but may well be back in Oz around ANZAC Day next year to catch up with family and as many old mates as possible. Trouble is both family and mates are spread all over the country and it's so bloody big!!! Yours Aye, Gordon Pound From Garry Jones (via snail mail) on 17 Oct G’day mate. Not many write letters these days, however rather than waffle on the phone, I thought I’d wack down a few words so you can work out what you need for the newsletter. To begin, our family is going well. Our eldest daughter and her hubby both still teaching high school at Port Macquarie. Our youngest and her hubby still in the nursing world. Two grandies in university, one studying sport medicine, and one studying animal husbandry. Although far away, Quinn in Canberra and Sarah in South Australia, but we stay in touch always. Dawn and I are well and have celebrated our 54th Anniversary recently in moderate style with a big seafood lunch and a few glasses of lemonade overlooking Nelson Bay. Beautiful. I have recently completed my bucket list trip to my mate’s property at Walcha, trout fishing. I first threw a line in there when I was 12 years old. Now at 77 the thrill and pleasure of catch or release is still the same. But I’m convinced at this age that sleeping in a hoochie & swag is no longer an option. All the best to all the Old Boys, especially to you for your wonderful work. Cheers mate. Garfie. Late news from Garry on 10 December. Garfie tells me he has just purchased another caravan! They had sold their last one a year or so back and that was going to be the end of it. Now he has another caravan but no tow bar on the car! Some work to be done before the first trip. Good on you mate.
(Thanks, Garfie. Garry and I go back a long way to Townsville prior to Vietnam, then SVN and then we were neighbours in Singapore with 106 Battery in 1972/73. We have kept in touch over the years and enjoyed many fishing trips together, especially up in the Blue Mountains and a memorable fly-fishing expedition up near the Styx River. Garfie – an A grade golfer in his earlier days - tried for years to teach me how to play golf and in doing so, showed the patience of Jobe. Unfortunately, all his expertise was lost on me, and I remain today ‘the hacker’.) Thanks to the following individuals who have supported our endeavours with messages of support: John Connellan, Dave Larter (who caught up with Mick and Pat Long, and Ian and Kay Johnson in Brisbane at the Woody Point's Belvedere hotel.) FIRE SUPPORT BASE BRIGID, SVN 1970 By Ray King In mid-1970, a small contingent of 106 Field Battery was assigned from The Horseshoe to a beach resort on the coast, otherwise known as FSB Brigid, positioned in the sand hills close to the coast. From a strategic viewpoint, Brigid was probably closer to the Long Hai Mountains, or access to them was easier. We were there to support a company from 7 RAR and those assigned included myself, as a forward observer, Cyril Cordory, signaller, Peter Hulett, signaller, under the command of Major Gilroy. We were to conduct surveillance of boats entering a nearby estuary and to carry out ambush patrols of the rice fields between the local villages and the Long Hai Mountains, all under the protection and with fire support from a couple of Centurian tanks, and from the 105s at the nearby Horseshoe FSB. In one overnight operation, after having been dropped off by APCs, we kept a low profile by bedding down on the side of a hill overlooking the rice fields. As we were standing too at dawn, a small group of Vietcong were observed entering a thicket on the edge of the rice field, and not far from our position. A detachment was sent down to flush them out and, hopefully, capture them. The Vietcong escaped into the tall rice crop, where they were well concealed. A helicopter was called in and, with directions from the ground, they were captured. A very exciting and successful mission. On another occasion, we were sent down to the beach to see what was happening. Not much, it turned out, so some stripped off and went for a swim. With the help from the APC driver, others took to wave boarding the shore break behind the APC as it drove up and down the beach. As luck would have it, a senior officer flew over in his light plane, and our fun was over. Those overnight ambush patrols were pretty hairy at times, particularly when we didn’t have the benefit of moon light, and a stealthy, light-footed Vietcong could be on top of you before you knew it. Luckily, they couldn’t see in the dark either, but it was still the stuff of nightmares. The scariest experience of all, however, was when Ray and Cyril (I hope you are doing well, mate) were attached to a small group of riflemen from 7 RAR to head out onto the dry rice fields, and another patrol was sent out in another direction. Map reading was always a challenge out there, where the only features were the distant Long Hai Mountains and the odd ruins noted on our very reliable contour maps. We were in radio contact with the other patrol around dusk, when they reported the sighting of an enemy patrol. We quickly found our positions and set up a defensive ambush
behind the paddy bunds, and radioed the other patrol to initiate their ambush. Rather than being 600 metres from us, they were in fact about 100 metres, and we were the “enemy patrol” they had observed. All hell broke loose. We instantly realised the situation and didn’t need the radio to alert them that it was us and to cease fire. All credit to the effectiveness of those paddy bunds. Most of us were very shaken by the experience, and the only casualty was a South Vietnamese Scout, who caught a small piece of shrapnel. The medivac helicopter was reluctant to land in a hot zone, but we were able to reassure the pilot and he was coaxed in to evacuate the injured soldier. Not many of us got any sleep for the rest of the night and, in the morning, we returned to camp on the top of a tank. It was obvious that mistakes had been made in that deployment, primarily a map-reading error by one of the patrols, but also by not twigging that the enemy patrol being observed was our patrol. That was back in the day before GPS, and our only means of ascertaining our location was by triangulating with a compass off the distant peaks of the Long Hai mountains, which were too close together to give one a level of certainty where lives depended on it, particularly when calling in artillery support. Friendly fire has been a hallmark of many conflicts, and we were very lucky to escape almost unscathed. I, for one, took a while to get a good night’s sleep after returning home. Fortunately, other life experiences have served to put that one into the distant past. I trust others have also recovered and can recall 106’s 1970 tour as a happy one. Warmest regards to all 106ers, and 4th Field Regiment. Ray King From John Derbyshire Hi Pete, Hope you receive a good response to your request for what the Regiment’s “Old Boys” have been up to since leaving the military. To that end I offer my ‘meagre’ contribution. I, for one, look forward to hearing what people have been up to, particularly Ben Lans, Hans Whynen and Steve Yates. I have not heard from these guys for about 40 years – where has the time gone? So, what have I been up to since retiring from the Army in 1990? “After retiring I joined the Australian Protective Services (APS) – now subsumed back into the Australian Federal Police – serving as Regional Commander for SA and NT for five years. Believe it or not they then wanted me to move – on promotion - to Canberra which was not something that aligned with my wishes. After leaving the APS I was successful in winning appointment as Chief Executive/Chief Officer of the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS). I left that demanding role after 4 years – having first ensured that no fires were left burning. At that time, it was my aim to settle into a relaxing retirement (read a book and drink some wine) – alas that was not to be. I assumed the role of Chief Commissioner of Scouts in South Australia, a role that took care of the next decade of my life. I have a strongly held view that young people should be assisted to realise their full potential. Scouting not only provides this kind of assistance but has done so successfully for more than one hundred years. This was a very fulfilling time, and I gained great satisfaction from the role. My wife – God bless her – tells people I only took on the appointment because I have a uniform fetish (wives- don’t you love ‘em?).
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