LOCREP
The Newsletter of the Locating Surveillance & Target Acquisition Association Inc.
May 2014 Volume 55
Spontaneous applause as the new banner is unveiled at 20th STA Regiment
The Eyes and Ears of the Battlefield
OFFICE BEARERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Patron
Brigadier Don Roach AM
President Joe Kaplun CMC, JP
Senior Vice President Phil Swinsburg
Secretary/Public Officer
Bob Morrison RFD
Treasurer
Wayne Nash
Minutes Secretary Tony Foster
Historian Keith Ayliffe BEM
Web Master
John Posener
Newsletter Editor
Allan Harrison RFD
DVA Advocate Kevin Maker JP
Merchandise Warehousing & Distribution Joe Kaplun CMC, JP
Committee Members:
Ross Baker, Jim Bushel, Joe Elkusch, Ivan Mills, Allen Morley,
Bob Owens BEM (Mil), Phil Paton, Bob Smith
Web Site: www.locatingartillery.org Email: [email protected]
Branch Presidents: Hunter Valley: “Wheels”Campbell
Northern NSW: Dave Auld
South East Queensland: Phil Swinsburg 131 Locators: Bob Billiards
Meeting Dates
20 July 2014 AGM Paddo RSL
Commences at 11.15 am
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Greetings
Firstly, let me express my sincere sadness on the passing
of two of our stalwart members - Ron Hartmann and Les Frost. They were both close friends and I will sadly
miss them, as I am sure that you all will.
What a great day it was to finally receive the two new
Association Banners from our supplier in Pakistan. The professionalism of their handmade production was above
expectations and in some way justified the two year wait from order to receipt!
The presentation to 20 STA Regt was made ASAP to enable them to march behind it on Anzac Day in
Brisbane. The banner was heartily received and will no doubt remind all of the close bonds between the
Regiment and the Association.
The Sydney Banner was also paraded for the first time at
the Sydney march.
AGM time is fast approaching and I encourage any financial members seeking office to complete the
enclosed nomination form and return it by the due date.
Ubique Joe Kaplun President
Vale Ron Hartmann
Ronald Charles Hartmann was the first person to be made an Honorary Life Member of the Locating Artillery Association (now known as the Locating, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Association). He had his first taste of military life in 1938 when aged 16, he joined 54 Bty, 14th Field Brigade Cadets. Australia went to war and in October 1939, falsely declaring his age as 20, Ron enlisted in 2/1 Fd Regt, 6th Division. He saw action in Libya, Greece, Palestine, Syria and Egypt. When being evacuated in a hospital ship from Piraeus Harbour in Greece he survived a Luftwaffe bombing raid which sank the ship.
Gnr Ron Hartmann, aged 19 at right, pictured with his Brother WO1 Campbell Hartmann and a local official in a Tel Aviv café in 1941.
(Photo courtesy of the Hartmann collection)
In 1942 Ron was Transferred to 111 LAA Bty and saw further action In Buna and Finschhafen during the New Guinea campaign. On the conclusion of WW2, Ron left the Army, but returned to the CMF in March 1957 and served in a number of Artillery units in Queensland before returning to Sydney in his civilian life, to join 131 Div Loc Bty in 1960 as BSM. The unit was at that time a composite ARA/CMF unit. He continued as BSM when the CMF component of the battery was separated, to form 133 Div Loc Bty. He retired in October 1970 as BSM, with the rank of WO1. Ronal Charles Hartmann: 22 September 1922 – 31 January 2014
Vale Les Frost
Leslie David Frost served with Det 131 Div Loc Bty SVN in 1966/67 and rose to the rank of WO2. Few will forget his bristling moustache, the bikie jacket and his zest for living. Lord help a Locator who passed through Orange NSW without visiting Les and his soulmate “Country” Wilson.
Les Pictured with “Country” Wilson on a visit to 20th STA Regt in
2007 (Photo Courtesy of Eleanor Fairbairn-Wilson)
Fiercely loyal to 131 Bty, Les was a regular attender at re-unions over the years and was ever-entertaining in his inimitable style. Les was afforded a full Military Funeral on Wednesday 2
nd April 2014, in Orange.
Leslie David Frost: 25 August 1945 – 25 March 2014
Our New Banner – Handover to 20th STA Regt
On Friday 28 March 2014, a re-union of former members of 20th STA Regt and its antecedents was hosted by the Regiment at its Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane. An “Open Day” was held, at the conclusion of which attendees gathered at the James Menz Club.
At that function, one of two new Association Banners was handed over to the CO of the Regiment LTCOL Bede Galvin, by Association President Joe Kaplun CMC, JP.
Association President Joe Kaplun with the CO 20th STA Regt (LTCOL Bede Galvin at left) shakes hands with RSM Sean Voss
after the unveiling. (Photo courtesy of Joe Kaplun)
Also present and representing the Association were Secretary Bob Morrison RFD and Immediate Past President Allan Harrison RFD.
Members of 20th STA Regt and visitors gathered in the Checkley Annexe adjacent to the James Menz Club at the banner unveiling.
(Photo courtesy of Joe Kaplun)
The unveiling of the banner was greeted with a spontaneous burst of applause from the assembled throng.
ANZAC Day 2014
SYDNEY
ANZAC Day in Sydney was a very wet affair, a factor which no doubt contributed to a smaller than usual turnout. Nevertheless, the new Association Banner was given its first (Sydney) outing and appears to have survived the downpour.
Locators at the FUP ahead of the Sydney March (and the downpour)
(Photo courtesy of Joe Kaplun)
We appreciate the support of Cadets from 203 ACU, Lancer Barracks Parramatta, as Banner Bearers.
MELBOURNE
Blue skies and a visiting contingent from Qld and NSW meant that the Melbourne march was more memorable than usual for the Locators.
Locators on the march in Melbourne. (Photo courtesy of John Dellaca)
John Delacca sent us an excellent bunch of photos from the day. Thanks John for that and especially thanks to Russ Jackson and Graeme Owen for making the interstate visit arrangements. The visitors made the trip to Philip Island as well as the Vietnam Veterans’ National Museum.
BRISBANE
The new Association Banner was jointly paraded in Brisbane as well as Sydney this year and clearly 20
th
STA Regiment has adopted the banner as its own.
The new banner, in Brisbane, at the Start of the March.
Following the usual dawn service at the Regiment, members rallied in huge numbers for the march, so much so that two photos were needed to get a realistic impression of numbers. Our sincere thanks go to all of the members of the Regiment who marched. Your support is hugely appreciated.
After-march festivities were held at The Exchange Hotel in downtown Brisbane. According to all reports it was a top commemoration.
(Photos courtesy of Sgt Struan Robertson, 20th STA Regt)
COFFS HARBOUR
The Coffs Harbour ANZAC Day March saw the old Locating Artillery Association Banner given another airing.
Locators on parade in Coffs Harbour (Photo Courtesy of Jenny Jackson)
Along with Coffs Ex-Services Club President Dave Doyle OAM, fellow Locators Jim Hogno, Shorty Gow, Kevin Grime and Allan Harrison RFD strutted their stuff in brilliant sunshine along the March route to the Cenotaph. Notably absent this year was the evergreen Dave Auld. As we go to press, he is recovering in hospital from a bout of pneumonia and we wish him a speedy recovery. The Catafalque Party at the Cenotaph was provided by C Company, 41 Battalion, Royal NSW Regiment and our thanks go to the local RAN Training Ship Vendetta for providing Navy Cadets as banner bearers.
There were huge crowds on hand at the Cenotaph for the Dawn Service and the main after-march Service, both conducted by local RSL Sub-Branch President Bob Payne MM. The Padre officiating at both Services was none other than our very own Association Member Rev. Dr Graham Whelan PhD. Graham is a very popular and recognisable figure in the Coffs community, doing monumental work on behalf of the RSL Sub Branch in relation to the visitation program for ex-service personnel and widows, who are residents of nursing homes in the district.
WOONONA-BULLI
Thanks to Peter Pioro for this photo of Peter (in neck brace) pictured with a former Det 131 Veteran of SVN, Harold Little.
Harold Little and Peter Pioro at Woonona-Bulli RSL after the March
(Photo courtesy of Peter Pioro)
The neck brace is to support recent spinal surgery for Peter, a legacy of his service in SVN. Peter is a tireless worker for Veterans’ and Ex-Service rights, especially in the area of back injuries, and would be happy to advise anyone seeking to make a claim. Peter can be reached on 0419 638 121 (mob) or 02 4283 2656.
Nothing Heard – Over
We are re-introducing this feature in the hope of re-establishing contact with members whose email or
snail mail has been returned and for whom telephone contact has also been lost. Clearly these people may have moved and not informed the Secretary, so we have no way of contacting them. Their membership therefore lapses. This is one last attempt to re-establish contact, through friends who may know of their whereabouts. If you know any of these people please ask them to contact the Secretary Bob Morrison at [email protected] or on his mobile at 0417 447 504. Geoffrey Blackwell Largs North SA IanBoard Stafford Heights QLD John Browne Armidale NSW Ted Byrnes Collaroy Plateau NSW Peter Casson Hallston Vic Peter Colman Killarney Heights NSW Ian Earle Cranbourn Vic John Greenwood Wyoming NSW Andrew Hay Quakers Hill NSW Geoff Johnston Bargo NSW Bob King Baulkham Hills NSW Anthony King Frenchs Forest NSW Carolyn Lewin Paddys River NSW Andrew Lloyd-Jones Cashmere Qld Joseph Losiak Kingston Qld Albert Merrell Wentworth Falls NSW Garth Nichols Lord Howe Island Murray Poustie Strathfieldsaye Vic Bill Pritchard Marks Point NSW Jeff Schafer Northbridge NSW Denis Smith Fishing Point NSW Wayne/Zita Thompson Holsworthy NSW Terry Westerway Liverpool NSW Brian Whiddon Bilgola Heights NSW Colin Wood Carlingford NSW Neville Wortlehock Narrandera NSW
National Gunner Dinner – Caloundra Qld
This momentous event draws near. It will be held on Saturday 23
rd August.
Registrations close on 31
st May for allotted seating
however Graham Hampton assures us that later registrations will be accepted. Those registering after 31
st May will not be able to nominate to join a
particular group on the seating plan but will be welcome. To get full details and to register, please go to : www.australianartilleryassociation.com
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM will be held at Paddington RSL on Sunday 20 July 2014 at 1115 hrs. Notices of motion to be considered at the AGM should reach the Secretary, 63 Highland Drive, Bowral NSW 2576, not later than 29th June 2014.(*) Nominations for the four positions on the Executive Committee (President, Vice-President, Secretary/Public Officer, and Treasurer) should also reach the Secretary by the same date.(*) A nomination form is enclosed. (*) The above closing dates are critical for a number of reasons and cannot be extended. Please note the order in which the form is completed: Section 1 is completed by the member PROPOSING a member for election. Section 2 is completed by the member SECONDING the nomination. Section 3 is completed by the member being proposed for election, ACCEPTING the nomination. All three must be financial members of the Association
Bow Ties
We have been informed by the RSM, 20
th STA
Regiment, that black bow ties embossed with the Regimental Logo will shortly be available, at $20 each. Proceeds will go towards Regimental Funds.
The embossing is subtle and difficult to see in a photo. Only pre-tied versions are available.
Anyone interested in buying a tie should contact Joe Kaplun in the first instance so that a block order can be placed. Joe’s contact details are: [email protected] 0407 741 473 (mobile) 02 9774 1473 (home)
Webmaster
Our long serving webmaster and inaugural President John Posener, is seeking to stand down from the webmaster’s role and we need a replacement. Anyone who is interested and available should contact John in the first instance to discuss what is involved, before letting Joe Kaplun know of your interest. John’s home phone number is 02 9982 4471. Joe’s contact info is immediately above. Speaking of replacement, John is recovering from a hip replacement hence his non-appearance on ANZAC Day. All the best John.
Victory Services Club, London UK
Members of the Association visiting London and seeking good quality inexpensive accommodation, right in the heart of London, should consider the Victory Services Club. Association Secretary, Bob Morrison has used the club previously and speaks highly of the establishment. Bob has provided comprehensive details on the club and that information is available on the Association’s website. The Club website is at www.vsc.co.uk
NOMINATION FOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITION
1. PROPOSER TO COMPLETE
I …………………………………………………………. hereby propose
(Please print)
……………………………………………………………. for the position of
(Please print)
…………………………………………………………….. on the Committee of the
(Please print)
Locating Surveillance and Target Acquisition Association (Inc).
…………………………………………………..
(Signature & date)
2. SECONDER TO COMPLETE
I ……………………………………………………..second the above nomination.
(Please print)
…………………………………………………….
(Signature & date)
3. NOMINEE TO COMPLETE
I …………………………………………………… accept the above nomination.
(Please print)
……………………………………………………..
(Signature & date)
All signatories must be Financial Members of the Locating Artillery Association Inc.
Please return to The Secretary, 63 Highland Drive BOWRAL NSW 2576
not later than 21 days prior to the scheduled Annual General Meeting
