The Scheyvillian

Prepared on behalf of the OTU Association National Committee

OTU Association National Newsletter, No. 2, 2010

Officer Training Unit, Scheyville NSW 1965-1973 A newsletter for all Scheyvillians

Left: 1/70 40th

Reunion visit to Scheyville

Below: 1/70 40th

Reunion Dinner

Above: Victorian ANZAC Day lunch

Right: First WA ANZAC Day March

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NATIONAL COMMITTEE 2010

National Chairman: Frank Miller 03 9561 3630 millerfw@netspace.net.au

Deputy Chairman: Brian Cooper 03 9879 9485 bjcooper@bigpond.net.au

Treasurer: Ray Elder 03 9533 1810 relder@hn.ozemail.com.au

Secretary: Roger Nation 03 5241 3441 nation@ncable.net.au

Quartermaster: Wayne Bruce 03 9803 2094 waynebruce@stopline.com.au

Membership: Graeme Chester 03 5962 5839 graeheath@optusnet.com.au

Youth Leadership:

Webmaster: Winston Bucknall 02 6255 9868 wnbsec@bigpond.net.au Scheyvillian: Neil Leckie 03 5333 1383 nkaleckie@optusnet.com.au

Assisted by Peter Matters 03 9592 9105 prmatters@optusnet.com.au Committee Members: Peter Don 03 9882 3786 peterdon@bigpond.net.au

Brian Scantlebury 03 5977 0279 brian@scantlebury.com.au Robin Hunt 03 9827 8073 rvmh@bigpond.net.au Postal Address: OTU National Committee, Box 207, Geelong, Vic, 3220

WEBSITE:

The association has a new website. A complete run-down on how to operate the website is shown later in

this edition.

HARD COPY? If you haven‟t already done so, please advise the Editor if you prefer a hard copy.

SCHEYVILLE PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION:

The „Scheyville Collection‟ of photographs continues to grow. But there are still many gaps. If you have

not already done so, please send your Scheyville photographs either in „jpeg‟ scan format or send the hard

copies if you do not have scanning capability. Please send the photographs „Registered Post‟ to Neil

Leckie at: 14 Doodts Road, Black Hill, Vic, 3350. If you require your own copy of the CD, please contact

the Editor. Cost is $10 posted, with a small profit going to our leadership fund. Each copy of the

collection is unique as it is „burnt‟ with the latest additions „as required‟. Keep the photos coming!

SPEAKING OF PHOTOGRAPHS: In a previous issue of the Scheyvillian Kevin Dixon asked for a copy of A Class 4/69. Don McNaught

saw the request in the Scheyvillian and sent Kevin a „pdf‟ copy. Kevin has now provided both class

photographs and a Church Parade photograph for the Scheyville collection, but the quality isn‟t that good.

Does anyone have other (jpeg) 4 of 69 photographs that could be used in the Scheyville Collection slide-

show?

VALE: Robert Buchan (4/71)

To: Neil Leckie

From: Gerry Pels gerrypels@bigpond.com

Sent: Thursday, 15 July 2010 2:11 PM

Subject: Passing of Robert Buchan

Good Afternoon Neil

It is with regret I inform you a class mate of mine Robert William Buchan (4/71) passed away on 5 July

2010, aged 60 after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Anne, sons Ted, Brook, Tam,

Lachie, Dominic and daughter Hannah.

Thanks, Gerry

3802046, Robert Buchan, Class 4/71, Graduate Number 1552, posted to RAAOC 19 Apr 1972

314997, Gurt (Gerry) Levinus Pels, Class 4/71, Graduate Number 1566, posted to AAAvn 19 Apr 1972

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MEMORABILIA

For Class reunions there has been a lot of information gathered, a CD of the OTU Regt marches, DVDs

and even booklets produced for, or after, the event. Could the co-ordinators of Class reunions or other

events please ensure that copies of these items are sent to the Editor, The Scheyvillian, so that this

memorabilia can be held centrally for the Association? The content of some of this memorabilia makes

for good reading and can be used in future issues of The Scheyvillian.

Eventually, a great history of Scheyville will be collected and housed for posterity at RMC.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Vietnam Veterans Day Activities:

QLD: Wednesday 18th

August. The Memorial Service and March is being organised and controlled by

the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Qld Branch (VVAA Qld) in partnership with the Vietnam

Veterans Federation of Australia Qld (VVFA Qld). The organisers have arranged with the Treasury

Casino management for the use of their Premiers Bar from 0930 hrs to Noon for all veterans and families

to gather prior to the March. Marchers will form up in Queens Park, ready to step off at 12 Noon, for the

march to ANZAC Square. The parade will be led by the Australian Army Band, Brisbane. The guest

speaker this year is a very well-known Vietnam Veteran, Mr Francis (Frank) Harding Benfield, who

served with 161 Recce Flight during the Vietnam War from Nov 1970 to Nov 1971. Frank is currently a

member of the Prime Minister‟s Advisory Council (PMAC) and a Services Member of the Veterans

Review Board (VRB). The Catafalque Party, Padre and Flag Orderlies are to be provided by current

serving members of 8/9 RAR at this time. All families and friends of Vietnam Veterans are cordially

invited to attend along with their Sons, Daughters and Grandchildren. For those attending and not

marching could you please (endeavor to) be in ANZAC Square no later than 12 Noon (if possible). We

would like to see as many as possible marching.

NSW: The President, State Executive and Members of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia,

New South Wales Branch, cordially invite all Vietnam Veterans and Other Servicemen & Women, to

participate and lay a wreath at our Vietnam Veterans and Long Tan Day Service to be held at

The Cenotaph, Martin Place, Sydney, at 11oo hrs on Wednesday 18th

August 2010. Medals to be worn.

Assembly is at 1045 hrs. RSVP by 11 Aug 2010 to Mr Len Schulz OAM JP on (02) 9613 9587 or email

to laschulz1@optusnet.com.au. The Governor of NSW, Prof. Marie Bashir AC CVO, will be in

attendance. The service will be completed by 1200 hrs.

VIC: The Victorian Vietnam Veterans Day service will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance,

Melbourne on Wednesday 18th

August at noon. For further details visit: http://www.vvaavic.org.au/

SA: Sunday 15th

August 2010 at the Torrens Parade Ground. The day commences with a „gunfire‟

breakfast at 0830 hrs a march at 1030 hrs followed by a service at 1100 hrs at the Vietnam War

Memorial. The morning concludes with a concert at 1130 hrs.

WA: Wed. 18th

August 2010. For further details visit:

http://www.rslwahq.org.au/Events/Vietnam-Veterans-Day.aspx

TAS (North): On Wednesday 18th August, the 44th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, the

Beaconsfield R&SLA Sub-Branch will be holding a service for the Vietnam Veterans. The Veterans of

Scottsdale, Lilydale, Bridport and George Town will be attending at Beaconsfield. The service will be

held at the Beaconsfield Cenotaph, RSL Park and will start at 11am, followed by lunch and refreshments

in the Function Room of the Beaconsfield Community Centre.

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Dedication of National Service Memorial, AWM, Canberra, 8th

September 2010:

A number of association members will receive invitations to attend the Parliament House Reception on

Tuesday 7th

September. Those fortunate enough to be „balloted‟ to attend are requested to arrive by 1630

hrs to allow for security processing and be ready for the commencement at 1700 hrs. The Reception will

provide finger food and drinks and is due to finish by 1900 hrs. Dress is lounge suit (no head wear) with

miniatures or Nasho Blazer for those who, as an individual, is a member of the NSAA.

The main event commences at 1000 hrs from ANZAC Parade. Any OTU member who wishes to march

and to attend the dedication service is welcome. Participants are requested to form up from 0900 hrs in

their intake years. For Scheyvillians, the years will be behind the „older‟ Nashos and will commence with

„65 to „69 on the left and „70 to „72 on the right.

On completion of the march to the AWM, during which time there will be an „Eyes left‟ where the Chief

of the Defence Force will take the salute, participants will fall out and on the way to the seating will

collect a copy of the Dedication Booklet and Order of Service. Family and friends can watch the parade

from the bank behind the saluting dais.

Being Canberra in September, participants should be prepared for cold and wet weather. Preferred dress is

blue blazer, light blue or white shirt, tie, grey trousers (ie dress like we were when on leave from

Scheyville), Nasho hat or beret, full-size medals and a maximum of two badges.

The OTU Association has made a considerable donation towards the memorial, paying for the four

badges.

On an allied matter:

OTU Association Joins NSAA:

The OTU Association now is a member Association of the National Servicemen‟s Association of

Australia. The NSAA Council voted unanimously to accept the OTU at its meeting in Canberra on 18

March. The Council was opened by the Opposition Leader, the Hon. Tony Abbott MP.

NSAA National President, Earle Jennings AM RFD ED,

said the presence of the OTU gave the Association a new

group of members of great talent and experience. He

described them as the future of the Association.

The meeting also admitted the Northern Territory and the

Australian Capital Territory as full members. Left: OTU

National Secretary, Roger Nation (at right) with Ron

Strachan of the Northern Territory, ACT President

and OTU graduate Garry Hand and the National

Service Memorial Treasurer, Rene Fohler.

The Council meeting finalised planning for the dedication of the National Service Memorial at the

Australian War Memorial in Canberra at 11:30a.m. on Wednesday, 8 September. The Memorial, a

fountain set in its own precinct on the eastern side of the main entrance to the AWM, is dedicated to all

Australian National Servicemen and in memory of those who died.

It will be dedicated by the Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC. Channel 7 will

telecast the service live.

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The Royal Australian Mint and Australia Post are

issuing a commemorative coin and stamp for the

dedication and for the 60th

anniversary of National

Service next year.

The OTU Association has donated the bronze replica

of the Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972

medal and the badges of the Navy, Army and Air

Force on the four corners of the sandstone fountain

plinth. They will be special hand-designed high

quality castings affixed just before the ceremony.

The plinth symbolises the Army; the reflection of the

sky in the polished black granite surround the Air Force and the water in the 300kg cast bronze bowl the

Navy. The fountain is set in sandstone paving, grassed areas and trees. It is surrounded by wooden seating

on sandstone benches. A bronze plaque on one of the benches giving the history of National Service will

be unveiled by the Governor-General.

The National Service Memorial will be the first one seen by most visitors to the Australian War Memorial

particularly school children arriving by coach.

The design is by distinguished Australian architect, Richard Johnson, of Johnson, Pilton, Walker. Another

project on which he currently is working is the redesign of the Opera Theatre of the world heritage listed

Sydney Opera House in partnership with the son of the original designer, Joern Utzon.

The NSAA National President said the Association was

seeking the relatives of the 212 National Servicemen who

died on active service in Borneo and Vietnam to invite

them to the dedication. “The Memorial recognises their

service and sacrifice and what their loss meant to their

families”.

He said it also was the nation‟s thanks to all National

Servicemen who had performed their service honorably

and well.

The dedication service will conclude with the farewell by another OTU graduate, the Hon. Jeff Kennett

AC (3/68).

OTU ASSOCIATION NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING – 5 JUNE 2010: (by National Committee Members)

Saturday 5th

June saw the first National Council meeting since the management of the Association

transferred to Victoria in late 2009.The gathering was held at the Toorak services Club and followed the

Victorian Chapter‟s annual dinner on the night before.

Altogether there were fourteen in attendance. Five came from interstate – Gary Vial (SA), Greg Todd

(NSW), Mick Hart (Qld), Dennis Townsend (Tas), and Jay McDaniell (WA). Wal Hall (ACT) was an

apology. The Victorian contingent comprised National Executive members Frank Miller (Chairman),

Brian Cooper (Deputy Chairman), Roger Nation (Secretary), Ray Elder (Treasurer), Peter Don (Past

Chairman), Graeme Chester (Membership Officer), Robin Hunt (Memorabilia Officer), and Brian

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Scantlebury (Committee Member) while Neil Leckie (Editor Scheyvillian) make a short appearance (on

his lunch-break from an Army Reserve activity).

Brian Cooper gave an introduction to the meeting. He summarized the current status of the Association

and the aims and goals we would seek to pursue. Specifically we have funds of the order of $100.000 at

our disposal, interest remains strong with some 475 financial members last year, and there are active and

enthusiastic state committees and chapters. There is also a need to bring the constitution into line with

current realities and the requirement for the incorporation of the National Body needs to be agreed. As

well Brian made mention of the many well attended and highly successful class reunions that have been

held over recent years. We have much to celebrate!

Important matters discussed during the included :-

The Scheyvillian: The meeting passed a vote of thanks to editor, Neil Leckie. The Scheyvillian is the

pivotal communication platform for the Association and has been published by Neil for some years now.

Members are urged to send in any articles on reunions (past or planned), what Scheyvillians have been up

to now – or in the past, on matters of military interest or any thing else of relevance to our shared

background. It‟s our magazine!

Finance: Treasurer Ray elder reported that current funds stand at $102,458 of which $10,805 is

specifically set aside for youth development, and a donation of $8,500 towards funding bronze plaques on

the new National Servicemen‟s Memorial in Canberra has been paid. There are no other liabilities.

Membership:Renewal forms for 2010/11 Membership have been sent out to some 1275 Scheyvillians. All

are urged to join.

Website: The new website is almost complete and will be fully operational shortly. Details of its

construction and a guide to its use will be in the July Scheyvillian.

Constitution: A detailed discussion took place on several modifications proposed for the National

Constitution. Included in these was a section on the ultimate winding up of the organisation – as will

eventually need be considered as our membership ages.

It was also agreed that the National Association be Incorporated in Victoria thereby affording the

Executive a degree of personal protection. Similarly, each State/ Territory Chapter may elect to

incorporate in accordance with their specific legislative requirements.

Memorabilia: We have to hand a detailed inventory of all Scheyville memorabilia held at RMC Duntroon.

Our sincere thanks go to RMC for all the care and attention they give to this vital part of our history.

(On the closure of OTU most of our trophies, honour boards and plaques were transferred to OCS

Portsea. When Portsea ceased to operate these items were relocated to RMC.)

Greg Todd reported that the NSW Chapter had established a very solid relationship with Jonathan

Sanders – manager of the Scheyville National Park. Discussions are currently under way to determine

what the Association can do, in conjunction with the Park, to best maintain the memory of OTU at the

site.

National Reunion: It was agreed that the next national reunion will be held in Sydney in 2013 (40 years

since the last Graduation). At this stage it is planned to take place in conjunction with the ANZAC Day

commemorations.

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Youth Leadership: A mechanism whereby State/Territory Chapters may submit proposals for National

Association funding of youth development initiatives was agreed. Such proposals are strongly encouraged

as developing leadership in the young people of Australia is a significant objective of our Association.

Life Membership: The meeting agreed unanimously to confer Life Membership on National Treasurer,

Ray Elder. Ray has been active at both State and National level for many years and has made an

outstanding contribution. Specific mention is made of his introduction of the annual Geddes Dinner and

of his instigation of OTU members marching in their State‟s ANZAC Day parade under the Scheyville

banner. He has also been a driving force in organising reunions for his 2/67 class. Well done Ray!

State SITREPS: Each Chapter delegate gave an update of the strength of the Association in their

particular State. This proved most helpful providing a sound base from which we can go forward. We are

in good shape.

A convivial lunch with fine wine followed the conclusion of proceedings.

Summary: The meeting proved highly successful achieving all it was set out to do. We have regrouped

and are now ready to pursue with energy and enthusiasm the objectives of the OTU National Association.

Further to the National Council Meeting Peter Whitelaw (3/66) and Frank Miller (4/67) got together

and determined that the association should have „value‟ for its members. The put forward a

VALUE PROPOSITION: - Why should you be a member of the OTU Association?

The Association‟s Vision Statement, as presented in the Constitution is as follows;-

The Association exists to provide a vehicle for the ongoing connection, networking and support for all

those associated with OTU. The Association is dedicated to the commemoration and remembrance of the

„Scheyville Experience‟ and the contribution made to Australia by all those involved. The Association

seeks to provide fellowship for its members. The Association also encourages and supports the

development of leadership in young Australians.

This is best summarised as: „Let‟s keep the blokes together‟ (Ray Elder – 2010).

So how can we expect to benefit from being a member?

Firstly, it is perhaps worth exploring just what we all have in common – what we have to share together.

In Australia the mid sixties to early seventies was an era of enormous opportunity for young men. Well

paying jobs with a real future were plentiful. The world was our oyster. Then came National Service and

Scheyville. Although a good number of us volunteered to join, most had, by no means, included two years

in the military as part of their life plan. Two years doing something you had never contemplated (nor

probably desired) was one thing but, on top of this, to end up doing the OTU course was altogether „way

out there‟.

Scheyville for most was difficult and trying. Moreover it was worlds away from the lifestyle we had left

in civvie street. It tested us to our limits. It developed us. At times it made us wonder why we had ever

decided to make this jump „out of the frying pan‟ of recruit training „into the fire‟ of OTU at all. Looking

back over all these years it still seems such a radical, and unexpected, change in the course of our lives.

It really did make us feel unique. Moreover it is this unique experience that makes for a sense of

brotherhood among Scheyvillians. It is this special brotherhood that the OTU Association seeks to

celebrate. We have a common bond.

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Just what can we gain through being a member of the OTU Association? Here are a few thoughts.

Business and other networking. Many of us, even if only working part-time these days, can

cultivate and, participate in, business opportunities that arise from knowing what other members

are involved in. In addition, with a good number of us retired (or near retired), we tend more and

more to direct our energies towards charitable and other not-for-profit organisations. As well as

being rewarding, these provide a stimulating opportunity to continue to practise the management

and leadership skills we have learned – both at OTU and in our subsequent careers. The

Association membership represents fertile ground firstly, for those keen to find suitable positions

on business or not for profit boards and, secondly, for those seeking people to join such bodies..

Fellowship: Members can maintain their relationships with friends who have „shared the

experience‟. They can participate in group activities including luncheons, dinners, weekends away

and tennis and golfing (we‟re not quite up to bowls quite yet!) days. Several State Chapters now

march in their city‟s ANZAC Day parade under the OTU banner. Class reunions are becoming

more and more popular and provide yet another avenue for catching up with old and special

friends. It must be mentioned here that the wives/partners join in many of these functions and have

become very good friends with each other.

Covering all of this is „The Scheyvillian‟. This quarterly journal is always a fascinating read -

reporting on functions that have been held, on what people are doing, on where they have been,

and on military matters of interest to all. In a sense it is the „cement‟ of the Association. It makes

us feel a real part of our Association.

There is just something special in catching up with people who have gone through the life

changing experience of Scheyville OTU. A splendid bond still exists between us all – a bond often

not fully recognised until we get together.

Pride: Members attain recognition in the community because of who they are and what they

achieved. They are a unique group in Australia's history. They are committed to preserving the

OTU history and the memorabilia associated with Scheyville. Membership of the Association

makes us part of this.

Respect: Members respect and remember those who have passed on with the expectation that they

too will be remembered as Scheyvillians.

Contribution to the community: Members actively support and foster youth leadership

development programs that provide a similar experience to what they received at OTU. They

believe that they benefited immensely from their leadership training and should now contribute to

similar experiences for the young people who will enhance the future of Australia.

No other association or club offers a comparable set of benefits!

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS: (Membership Officer: Graeme Chester 2/67) (graeheath@optusnet.com.au)

We are now into the new FY and our membership renewals are off to a flying start. By 30 June 2010

some 300 of us had become „financial‟ again. A much better result than where we were at the same date

last year. However, we are still some way off improving on our total of 476 financial members for

2009/10.

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If you still have the 2010/11 Membership Renewal Form sitting in your „in tray‟ could you dig it out and

send it off as soon as possible please. If you have misplaced the form, there is another one attached to

this newsletter for your use.

Some of the classes have done a great job in encouraging participation. In particular, 1/70 and 1/71 are

showing the way with 21 renewals each.

In Victoria we have lost contact with 7 previous members. If you know the whereabouts of the members

listed below could you please let me know:

Patrick Cairney 1/72 Keith Jones 3/66 Brian Logan 1/68

Neal Stewart1/69 Bill Wight 1/65 Ron Dennison 1/71

Greg McHugh 1/69

Also: Returned Scheyvillians have been received from:

Michael Banks formerly of 10 Cleeves Court,Toorak. No known phone numbers.

John Dawson formerly of 35 Alma Terrace, Newport. No known phone numbers.

PAST REUNIONS/EVENTS:

ANZAC DAY 2010 in BRISBANE (Owen Williamson, 4/70)

Below: Bernie Carne (3/68) and Owen Williamson (4/70)

The very first official ANZAC Day

March under the OTU Banner was

conducted this year. Eighteen eagre

members turned out on a hot Brisbane

Day to march under the newly acquired

OTU Banner. Our marker and lead

marcher was Bernie Carney 3/68 who

kept us all in step ably assisted by the

Band strategically placed nearby. Our

group did us proud by marching in step

with great pride and dignity.

It was very pleasing to see such a fine

assembly of members who made this a

memorable day due to the support of

our mentor and patron Dick Flint

(Chief Instructor), the very good food

at Friday‟s Restaurant and a chance

meeting with Stan Maisey

(Commandant) after the parade.

Right: Geoff Daley, Mick Hart, Owen

Williamson, Dave Maley, Doug

Oliver, Norm Jensen, Bernie Carney

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Attendees were:

Mike Fowler (2/65), Norm Jensen (2/66), Noel Haupt (1/67), Peter Moody (2/67), Bernard Carney,

Neville Patterson, Gary Basford and Darrel Steer (all 3/68), Chris McEvoy and Mick Hart (both 2/69),

Robin Apted (3/69), Terry O'Shea and Geoff Daly (both 4/69), Owen Williamson and David Maley (both

4/70), Doug Oliver (4/71) and Dick Flint (DS)

I encourage all those who can join us next year to feel the sense of appreciation and support from the

crowd for our efforts all those years ago, something that was sadly lacking over many years.

ANZAC Day 2010 in Sydney (Greg Todd 2/71)

The 1/70 Reunion in Sydney added to a fine roll up of OTU men from NSW to make 62 marchers and

lunchers to commemorate ANZAC Day 2010 in Sydney. The marching group was led by Paul Irving

(retired Maj Gen and former Commander 2 DIV) and marshalled by Dick Adams. This year it was much

easier to keep in step with the RAAF band immediately behind us. A finer body of men could not be

imagined!

When we stepped off and the

crowd cheered, the same tingling

feeling as last year arose. It re-

affirmed for me that being part

of this commemoration by

marching is an excellent way for

us to offer tributes to the fallen

of any conflict even though

many of our members did not

serve overseas.

Lunch was again at the Masonic

Club thanks to Dick Adams‟

excellent organising skill. The

meal was followed by the Club‟s

memorial service in the main meeting room/bar, after which the bar was opened to all with the club

picking up the tab – marching is a very thirsty business, you know!

This is our second year participating in the Sydney ANZAC Day march as a formed group. The

sentiments expressed by all make it highly worthwhile continuing. See you next year.

ANZAC Day 2010 in Melbourne:

A little down on numbers this year, but the

third ANZAC Day March for the Victorian

Chapter saw about 20 in attendance, ably led

by Brian Cooper. What was otherwise a great

day was marred slightly by the accident

involving one of the historic military vehicles

which ran down some Sri Lankan Veterans.

Following the March lunch was held at the

Palmerston Hotel in South Melbourne and as

the photos show all were in good spirits when

the photos were taken.

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ANZAC Day 2010 in Perth: (Frank LeFaucheur 1/71)

ANZAC Day 2010 saw the first ever participation by the WA Chapter of OTU in the annual March.

All credit to Dave Ward (2/66) who, over several years and

with the full and able support of many other Scheyvillians who

actually saw service in Vietnam, convinced all of us that it was

the preferred option by them to actually march with the OTU

guys, rather than the units they served with.

Many members had previously arranged commitments both

overseas and interstate which prevented their attendance, but

our inaugural appearance counted 22 members marching in

Perth on a stunning Perth Autumn day.

Dave had 'appointed' Bernie Houston (1/65) to lead the march,

and Jim Hancock and Frank LeFaucheur (both 1/71) to carry

the banner. Bernie carried out his duties with aplomb - on

being queried as to the variation in the timing of our step his

inimitable response was - "we are only sauntering, at this

point". Much of our drill skills have clearly lessened, but there

was no doubting the pride of marching under our own banner.

Subsequent adjournment to a nearby watering hole saw all members display due decorum and a useful

"kitty" has now been established to enable bigger and better next year!

It was a sensational shared experience and we are sure many others will join us in future years in what

was a memorable ANZAC Day in Perth.

1/70 40th

Reunion: SYDNEY, 24/25 APRIL 2010 (Ron Holden 1/70)

This is a somewhat longer report than normal for a reunion, but Ron has done such a great job that I have

included most of it – Ed.

Event Overview: 40 years is a long time between drinks by any measure. The drive and energy of that

small band of brothers (the organising committee), combined with vision and determination to use this

time and place, to assemble those remaining from this outstanding class from this outstanding institution

was truly remarkable. The Scheyville environment was tough. The highly structured course left little time

to „get to know‟ our fellow classmates. And yet all of us, thrown together by circumstance, formed

characters, careers and relationships which have stood the test of time. This is surely true of all classes to

have passed through the OTU gates. And as for other reunions for other classes, the events organised for

the weekend provided a framework within which we could remember, or be reminded of those gaps we

were missing. And above all, it gave us the chance to bond again with our mates of so long ago. This

bonding, although not evident at the time, was precipitated by a mutual dislike of directing staff (DS) and

a driven desire to graduate, originally to spite the DS, but eventually to prove to ourselves that we could.

The importance of this came crashing home to all who attended this reunion weekend.

Outcomes: Of the many thoughts and emotions which surfaced through these gatherings, some of the

most notable to be shared with other Scheyvillians follow:

There is no doubt that the impact of 6 months at OTU has influenced and shaped the lives of many

attendees to the extent that the course period has been the most influential in their 60 odd years of

life to date.

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In a strange way, whilst we were considered by many to have been unlucky to have been called up

for National Service we were probably fortunate to have received the “benefit” of training at the

best military school in Australia. After all for the same qualification that we achieved in 6 months,

Portsea (OCS) took 12 months and the laggards at Duntroon took 4 years.

All agreed that there were many „gaps‟ in our recall of those frenetic 22 weeks. Indeed a much

heard phrase over the weekend was. „I don‟t remember that, but I do remember …….....‟

Scheyvillian numbers are diminishing and any opportunity for individuals, small groups and

whole classes to get together should be taken wholeheartedly.

The ANZAC Day march was so memorable, that it will be worth trying to build it up as an annual

congregating event, perhaps starting with a likely 1/71 40th

year reunion based on ANZAC Day in

2011.

The class of 1/70 should meet again under similar circumstances perhaps in five years but

certainly in 2020 for a 50th

bash.

Why is it that a place such as Scheyville creates so much emotional reaction? Was it a place of

injustice and a sense of unfulfilled promise, a place of abuse from our DS, a place of challenge

and excitement, or a place which was simply something to be endured? Whatever the reason, it

built personal commitments in all of us to complete the course.

Getting on in years and experiencing the problems of ageing (including for too many the big C) is

not fun. In 1970 we all thought we were indestructible and certainly no-one had any thoughts of

attending a 40 year reunion dinner.

Special thoughts were shared for classmates Ian Mathers who was killed in action in Vietnam,

Greg Baker killed in an Army helicopter accident at Amberley in the year we graduated and Ron

Peters, killed in an accident while serving in Australia.

It was recognised that Bill Forbes our class mate was the last Australian officer to leave Vietnam.

We are Scheyvillians and by God we are bloody proud of it.

Scheyville Lunch and Inspection: About 30 graduates plus wives and partners assembled at the

Bayview Boulevard Hotel on Saturday morning

and bussed it to Scheyville. There was much

reminiscing on board about the initial bus travel

to OTU to commence training in January 1970.

Each graduate on board gave a summary of life

since Scheyville and introduced their wives and

partners. The balance of attendees made their

own way to the now Scheyville National Park

and a total of 63 eventually assembled. The

NPWS Park Ranger/Manager, Jonathan Sanders,

briefed the group on the history of the facility and

its life since OTU over morning tea (provided by NPWS in what was the old Officer‟s Mess). This was

followed by a rather nostalgic tour of the remaining buildings and facilities. The HQ buildings, the

cadet‟s mess and kitchen, the gym and some classrooms remain but the lines have been reduced to

concrete slabs after being demolished following their use in counter terrorist training. The group fell in on

the old parade ground for the obligatory photograph (see below) and a fine rendition of the Scheyville

song.

This was all followed by a BBQ lunch in the HQ courtyard (cooked by the local 1st Oakville Scout

Group) which afforded the first real opportunity for past relationships to be re-kindled and 40 years of life

since OTU to be put into perspective.

After lunch and a lot of chat, the bus returned its contingent to the city and individual travellers retired to

their digs to rest and prepare for the main event, the Reunion Dinner.

13

The group was accompanied by Roger Donnelly, celebrated author and Integrated Logistics specialist

with DMO at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne. Roger is doing his PhD on the history of Scheyville. He

has already published a book called The Scheyville Experience which is a good read for anyone with past

associations with the unit. Some particularly interesting stats from that book are:

OTU Scheyville operated from 1 April 1965 to 1973.

Generally the selection rate from National Service intakes of approximately 64,000 was

about 5%, out of which about 60% (3% of the total NS intake) graduated.

1871 graduates completed the OTU Scheyville course.

328 Scheyville graduates served in Vietnam

Bill Forbes our 1/70 class mate was the last Australian officer to leave Vietnam.

During 1963-72 the Australian Army graduated:

1287 officers from Portsea, 465 officers from Duntroon while

1871 officers from Scheyville: 1965-1973 (1639 National Servicemen)

Reunion Dinner: This was attended by 39 Graduates, 33 wives/partners and 7 guests. It was held in the

Victoria Barracks Sergeant‟s Mess since the Officer‟s Mess could not accommodate this number. The

special guests were Jonathon Sanders (Manager, Scheyville National Park) and Robin Sanders, Greg

Todd (OTU Association NSW Chapter Chairman) and Vija Todd, Joe Hassan (2/67 who entertained the

gathering) and Sharon plus Roger Donnelley (author of The Scheyville Experience).

MC Ray Andrews produced a majestic performance in guiding the evening through a most memorable

occasion. A brief summary of the event to assist in future recall of a great night follows:

Welcome, attendance (including acknowledgement of some of the enduring characters of our lot)

and introducing special guests

Apologies (and noting absent friends‟ place settings)

Deceased classmates recognition

Acknowledgement of special achievers from the class

Toasts to the PMC‟s of both the Sergeant‟s and Officer‟s messes by Tony Sonneveld

Grace presented by Craig Steel (Mr Vice)

Many hilarious character enhancements and assassinations

Entrée, dinner and dessert with much mingling and chatting

MC interviews of 5 special interest graduates selected by the ladies present

Thanks to the organising committee

More humour

Floor show by Joe Hassan including his very, very funny Haka

The Scheyville toast by Terry Williamson „(A toast to the spirit and collegiality of a group of

young men who were randomly selected from the population of 20 year olds, trained in all things

military with the potential of commanding a platoon to fight in Vietnam (much like Iraq and

Afghanistan today) and who did their country proud.)’

The Scheyville Song rendition with gusto

Toast to the ladies by Jim Berry for their attendance and their perseverance

Coffee, port and cheese in ante room

Team photograph (see below)

Special Achievers: The academic calibre and career experience of our OTU graduating class is

significant. Our class is represented by leaders in fields of education, engineering, finance, aviation,

health, mining, legal and even the military for some of those who continued in full time regular service or

joined the reserves. No less than 13 Masters and PhD academic degrees have been awarded to our

colleagues and many are represented in recognised leadership roles throughout Australia. Clearly

Scheyville graduates are a distinguished group and they are well represented by:

Tony Sonneveld OAM

14

Leigh Collins AFC

Al Robson AM

Rupert Sandy ESM

Geoff Richardson dual rugby international

Rob Thornley noted archaeologist.

This dinner was so well structured and

conducted, it was a fitting celebration of

the lives and times of those present, those

absent and those past. Many must have

reflected on the training we received in

the OTU Cadet‟s mess on how to behave

at such events.

Left: NSW Scheyvillians in fine voice

Dawn Parade: Due to the late finish of

the dinner, an unknown few braved the

showery weather to attend the service at

Martin place. Those who did said that it

was a very well organised and well attended affair.

Anzac Day Parade: After falling in in drizzly weather in Pitt Street and what seemed an eternity of

waiting for our turn, our fine body of some 80 men (including 38 graduates from Class 1/70) stepped off

five abreast under the OTU banner to experience a rather moving trek through central Sydney warmly

received by the large crowds lining the streets. Although it was the first time we had marched as a unit

since the graduation parade, the rhythm soon returned and by all accounts from observers (fans), a very

presentable standard was achieved. Although many of us have marched with different units over the

years, most who participated here were touched by the opportunity to represent all that is good about

OTU and to experience some public recognition of our collective contribution to the national interests of

the era in which we served. The emotions of those participating are well captured in the following quote

from 1/70 graduate Robin Webcke:

‘As we stepped off we quickly found our pace and rhythm. It felt remarkable to be one

with this group of men at this time and place and as we swung past in good order and

formation, and felt the honest applause from the crowds, tears rolled down my cheeks.

I glanced left and right to see if any of my mate had noticed.

Bugger me! They were just as emotional as I.’

Farewell Lunch: A semi-formal sit down lunch in the Cello Room of the rather magnificent NSW

Masonic Club in Castlereagh Street attended by 32 1/70 graduates and a few from other classes was

followed by the mandatory round of beers accompanied by more reminiscing, back slapping, the renewal

of pledges to remain in touch and the determination to do it all again in 2015 and/or 2020.

Attendees dispersed from this venue to continue their respective life journeys, most having made

commitments to do better in terms of keeping up contact and dialogue with their colleagues.

Scholarship: From surplus event funds, OTU 1/70 class donated $500 to the Rob Thornley Archaeology

Scholarship Foundation Fund of the University of Sydney. One of our number, Rob was a noted

archaeologist until his death in 2007. The Scholarship Fund is to provide an annual award to a first year

student studying Archaeology consistent with the passion of Rob Thornley.

15

Biographies: 83 graduates provided brief personal histories and aspirations which have been included in

a „Forty Year Reflections‟ booklet prepared by and available for $10 from Terry Williamson. This is

highly entertaining, interesting and informative and is a must read for 1/70 graduates.

Organising Committee

The extensive research and

communication effort required to contact

and assemble such a significant

proportion of the Class of 1/70 was

capped off by flawless organisation of the

events and the smooth running and

financing of them. These high standards

are of course expected from OTU

graduates but the following of their

number excelled on this occasion and

deserve special recognition and thanks:

Terry Williamson (Chairman and

biography booklet preparation)

Tony Sonneveld (Detailed event planning

and management)

4/67 ‘La Crème de la Crème’ Reunion. (Frank Miller and Phil Warwick)

Over 12 – 17 May „La Crème de la Crème‟ Class 4/67, gathered in Palm Cove, Cairns, Far North

Queensland, for this, their fourth reunion. The previous reunions had been held in Sydney (‟03),

Sunshine Coast („06) and Margaret River, WA („08). It‟s gratifying to see how the numbers have grown

over the years with nearly thirty, including wives and partners, attending. Being the last of the year we

were a small Class – of remarkable quality as opposed to the vulgar numbers of quantity! The weather

was delightfully warm – a real bonus for those from the Southern States.

Our days were spent relaxing and sightseeing. On day one we took the train to picturesque Kuranda and

returned by Skyrail cable car. The next day was the golf competition, and for those who did not play, a

trip to Port Douglas. Renita Garard won the golf (despite serious protests over the handicapping from one

of the less sportsmanlike males!)

A day on Green Island followed. Many

went snorkeling while others were happy

to see the beauty of the Great Barrier

Reef in a glass bottomed boat. That

night, Saturday, we dined at the

Portobello Italian Restaurant, after

which we adjourned to the apartments‟

conference room. There the „„coup de

grace‟ was delivered – the showing of a

DVD of our graduation!

At the April 1968 passing out of „La

crème de la crème‟ one of our junior class was unable to participate on the parade ground due to a leg

injury. Dave Logie furnished him with an 8mm movie camera and he filmed the proceedings.

Dave recently passed this footage on to Phil Warwick who, with his son-in-law, Kev Beehre, put it to

computer, added some titles and credits and put it on DVD. As well they set the marching to a

16

soundtrack, fully synchronised with our step. Nothing, however, could be found of the arrangement

„Michael Rowed the Boat Ashore‟, the regimental slow march of the Battalion of Officer Cadets, or „On

the Road to Gundagai‟, the regimental quick march.

An enquiry made to the Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon did uncover the sheet music for

these pieces but no recordings. Undaunted, they then set about playing and recording each for our use.

We remain forever in their debt.

So each of „La Crème de la Crème‟ left Cairns with a graduation parade DVD of most remarkable clarity

and set to the music we all remember so well. It‟s a gift we‟ll all treasure for life.

Sunday was a day of rest and recreation. Some took the opportunity to see over the control tower and

flight control centre at Cairns Airport - thanks to Phil Warwick. For those just used to the embark – fly -

disembark routine, this was a real eye opener. It also boosted one‟s confidence about flying in Australia.

On the final day we took a bus trip around the Atherton Tableland. We saw some spectacular scenery and

some truly remarkable sights. Perhaps the most memorable was seeing a Cassowary in the wild, a quite

rare occurrence even for those who live in the region. And on Sunday night we went back the Portobello

Italian Restaurant and set about sampling their wonderful a la carte menu for our final reunion dinner.

The evenings commenced with drinks in Phil and Lyn Warwick‟s unit. (Phil and Lyn arranged the

whole reunion.) After a few modest tipples we would adjourn to one of the fine local eateries or „stay in‟

for a barbeque or prepared meal.

The fellowship and camaraderie on these occasions is something to behold! Very quickly the forty two

years since we were last together at Scheyville evaporates and the memories of our time there return with

a vengeance – and a good deal of exaggeration.

One thing has changed with time in our principal topics of conversation. Back then, apart from things

military of course, it tended to focus on sex, cars, and sport. Nowadays it has made a quantum shift to

men‟s health and recent surgery, superannuation and, dare I say it, grandchildren.

Our sincerest thanks go to Phil and Lyn Warwick for all they did in making it such a great six days. You

did an outstanding job!

The next reunion of „La Crème de la Crème‟ is set down for 2012 – and in a location yet to be confirmed.

(in or around Melbourne probably!) but Cairns will take a lot to beat!

CLASS 4/69 40 YEAR REUNION: The Soffitel, Broadbeach, Qld, 7th

/9th

May, 2010 (Terry O‟Shea)

Left: Front: Melanie Keyes, Liz

McNaught, Dick Flint & Danae Tattam

Rear: Kevin Dixon, Don McNaught,

Don Keyes & Victor Lampe

The smallest yet most dynamic

graduating class from Scheyville met in

numbers on the Gold Coast. A total of

44, including wives gathered for the

Formal Dinner in the Broadbeach Room

at the Soffitel after pre-dinner drinks on

the pool deck. The girls had lost none of

their class or style although the same

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cannot be said of all the Scheyvillians!!

Whilst many activities were part of the early planning the program was reduced to eating, drinking and

talking followed by more of the same. Broadbeach provided an excellent array of restaurants, shops,

casino and pubs and a magnificent beach, which provided plenty of choice for the group to infill the „idle

time‟ – however there was not much of that.

The net was cast far and wide to locate our former Scheyvillian mates and we were reasonably successful,

although we all consider this to be still work in progress and we will continue to seek out those we‟ve lost

for the moment. In all 26 Scheyvillians gathered which is an excellent percentage from just over 30

graduates – a percentage unrivalled by other classes.

The three day event provided time for all to re-acquaint with each other, as some had not met for over 40

years. Julian and Brenda Swinstead flew in from Darwin, Jeff and Bronwynne Gitsham drove from

Adelaide making a mini holiday of the occasion. Peter Blackwood flew in from India and many others

made a huge effort to be there.

Tony Parkes who runs Balloons Down Under gave „the willing‟ an early morning flight over the Coast

and the weather obliged for the occasion, with all passengers giving it the thumbs up - and the landing

was marshmallow soft, well done Tony!!

The Saturday night formal was the focal point of the weekend and as the beer and wine flowed freely so

did the stories and memories – few were spared in some „tongue in cheek‟ reminiscences of the times

gone by. We were honoured to have Dick Flint as our special guest, both at the formal dinner and the

Friday night function, which gave everyone the chance to

catch up.

A feature of the weekend was the booklet which documented

the Scheyville Experience for the 4/69 Class in a 90 odd page

record of events which included old photos, including some

of early exercises „action‟, a summary of life after Scheyville,

family and business details and humorous events from

Scheyville as seen by each member – a collation of previous

events and something to take away and show the kids and

grand kids of what Scheyville was to everyone. Dick Flint

wrote the „Foreword‟ for the book and this provided an

insight on National Service, Conscription and the Vietnam

conflict and it‟s success in stemming the tide of Communism

in it‟s journey south. The booklet sets a standard for other

classes, however, we‟re not expecting to be challenged!!

The week end concluded with a dinner at Kurrawa Surf Club

on Sunday night.

Right: Class 4/69 40 Year Reunion Master of Ceremonies

Terry O‟Shea

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GOLD COAST GET TOGETHER, 15 APRIL 2010. (Neil Leckie 3/68 -Editor)

Following a chat between Warren Campbell (1/66) and David Sabben (1/65) a get-together of

Scheyvillians was decided upon that would honour those who been awarded a significant honour for their

service. The date was decided upon as the 15th

April, and the location was the Kurrawa Surf Club at

Broadbeach, Queensland. Despite much early enthusiasm, the event eventually drew only a small but

enthusiastic crowd. Among those who attended were David Sabben (1/65) and his wife Di, Warren

Campbell, Gary Reidy, Brian Vickery OAM, and Don Gordon (all 1/66) and Neil Leckie (3/68). There

were also some non-OTU Vietnam Veterans and a couple of interested civvies in attendance. David and

Di and Neil came up from Victoria and tied in the event with holidays, while Gary flew up from south of

Sydney especially for the event.

Warren Campbell graduated into

RAASC 10th

May 1967 and was posted

to 2 AFCU (ASCO). He served in

Vietnam from 11th

May 1967 to 16th

April 1968 with 1 ATF Detachment of 5

AFCU. He commenced proceedings by

discussing how the event came about

and passing on some apologies which

included Gary McKay (2/68) who had

just undergone a knee replacement and

Peter Lauder (2/66) who had stents

inserted a couple of days earlier. Warren

then asked David to talk about how the

well established base in Nui Dat that most Vietnam Vets were based at looked like in 1965. David

graduated in the first class at Scheyville on 18th

December 1965 and was posted to 6 RAR. He described

the bare base that 5 and 6 RAR found when they arrived: little wire, few tools, no claymores and plenty of

patrolling close in to the base mixed with lots of work parties at platoon, company, battalion and Task

Force level. David spoke of the pleasure of 3 day patrols were at least with only a gun piquet at night for

each section, all members got a couple of good night‟s sleep, whereas at Nui Dat they were on 50% stand

to each night. As we are aware, David was one of the Platoon Commanders in the Battle of Long Tan. At

the end of his National Service, David served for some time with the CMF, being promoted to Lieutenant

in Eastern Command on 8th

Jul 1967.

Later Gary Reidy spoke of being a school teacher and having a rugby scholarship with Canterbury-

Bankstown prior to undertaking his National Service on 2nd

February 1966. After graduation from OTU

on 22nd

July, Gary was posted to the Infantry Centre at Ingleburn as a Reinforcement Platoon

Commander. Finally Gary was posted to Malaysia as a Platoon Commander with 4 RAR FARELF. He

said that he spent little time with his platoon and a lot of time on rugby duties. When 4 RAR were sent to

Canungra before going to Vietnam, Gary was „captured‟ early in the exercise a spent a lot of time

catching yabbies while his battalion trained for Vietnam. He said that when he arrived in Vietnam, he had

never really commanded a platoon. After being wounded (hit by 6 rounds) Gary finally found himself at

the Concorde Repatriation Hospital in Sydney on 24th

September 1966, where, once he became a bit fitter

he started „chasing the nurses‟. One physio nurse, who would have nothing to do with Gary at the

hospital, is now his wife of 40 years. Gary was discharged on 24th

September 1968.

Brian Vickery also spoke for a while on life after Scheyville and what benefits to the country that

Scheyville has given. Brian graduated into RAInf and was posted to 1 RAR on 22nd

July 1966. He was

posted to the Infantry Centre on 17th

August 1967 and then went to 9 RAR on 9th

March 1970 and was in

SVN from 13th

November 1968 to 26th

November 1969. Brian was posted to JTC as an Instructor on 2nd

November 1970. This was followed by staff postings at HQ NT Comd as a GSO3 on 24th

July 1972 and 7

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MD as a SO3 on 1st November 1973. Brain served over 30 years in the Army and retired with the rank of

Lieutenant Colonel.

The other OTU Graduates at the event were Don Gordon, who graduated into RAInf with 8 RAR on 22nd

July 1966 and served the rest of his National Commitment there and Neil Leckie who graduated into

RAInf on 20th

December 1968 and served the rest of his National Service at 1RTB, Kapooka. Since NS,

Neil has served almost 30 years in the reserve in three separate terms, rising to the rank of Major. He is

still serving with the Reserve.

At the end of the event Neil spoke about the recent history of the OTU Association, the current situation

regarding membership etc, and the future of the association.

After almost 5 hours the event concluded with all agreeing it was a great event. Thanks for all were given

to Warren Campbell for organising it.

Most of us are familiar with the exploits of David Sabben as a Platoon Commander with D Company, 6

RAR at the Battle of Long Tan, so I will not go into David‟s history at this time. However, Gary and

Brian are less well-known, so here is some background on them.

2783262 2Lt Thomas Gary Reidy, Class 1/66, Graduate number 128:

On 13th

September 1968, during a „search and clear‟ operation, Op Hawkesbury, 2Lt Gary Reidy was

commanding 7 Platoon, C Company 4 RAR. At 1745 hrs his platoon came under heavy fire from enemy

well entrenched in a large bunker system. The enemy fire was determined and accurate and the platoon

sustained casualties. Two were killed, including a Section Commander, and seven others wounded,

including Reidy.

Unable to bring effective artillery fire to bear he continued to fight forward with his platoon despite his

own wounds. At a critical point in the action he personally resupplied his forward section with

ammunition to allow the attack to continue. He was wounded again while carrying grenades forward. He

continued to command his platoon until the enemy broke and ran.

The citation stated that after being wounded the second time he selected a commanding position and

shouted encouragement to his men. He showed complete disregard for his own safety and forced the

enemy to withdraw by his sheer determination to take their position.

AWM Photo:

Sydney, NSW. 3 December 1968. 2Lt Thomas Gary Reidy of

Singleton, a National Serviceman, who was recently awarded the

Military Cross (MC) for gallantry under fire in South Vietnam.

The award, announced by the Minister for the Army, Mr Phillip

Lynch, was for an action on 13 September this year, when, with

4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (4RAR), during

Operation Hawkesbury, 2Lt Reidy's platoon came under heavy

fire from the enemy in a large bunker system. His citation said he

showed complete disregard for his own safety and forced the

enemy to withdraw by his sheer determination to take their

position. 2Lt Reidy was wounded during the action and is now in

the Repatriation General Hospital, Concord.

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2783281, 2Lt Brian James Vickery, Class 1/66, Graduate Number 183

Brian James Vickery was Senior Postal Clerk at

Murwillumbah in NSW when he was called up for National

Service in 1966. He commenced his recruit training at 3TB,

Singleton before commencing OTU.

His first posting was as a Platoon Commander at Holsworthy

with 1 RAR, which had recently returned from its first tour of

Vietnam. He was then posted to the Infantry Centre at

Ingleburn before securing a posting to 9 RAR in July 1968

again as a Platoon Commander. He toured Vietnam with 9

RAR, being the only National Service Officer to do so, this

was considered extraordinary in a battalion that comprised

sixty percent national servicemen. Brian returned to Enoggerra Barracks in Brisbane, Qld with the

battalion and was promoted to Lieutenant and posted as a company second in command.

Postings that followed were: 1970 Brian instructor at Battle Wing, Canungra; New Guinea, but was

diverted to a Staff Officers posting in Darwin at HQ 7MD; 1975, as a Captain on an exchange posting

with the Brigade of Gurkhas in Hong Kong and Brunei; Holsworthy to join 5/7RAR in the Mechanised

Infantry Trial; Senior Instructor of Field Wing at OCS, Portsea, in 1979-80 and attended Staff College at

Queenscliff also in Victoria in 1981. Brian served staff postings with HQ Field Force Command and HQ

Training Command before being posted as the Commander 1st Logistic Support Group in Sydney. A

distinguishing aspect of Brian's career was that he held command postings at each of his rank levels.

Brian was instrumental in raising the 9RAR Association (NSW) and presided over it for ten years. In

1992 he was elected as the President of 9RAR (National) and still holds that position. In 2005 Brian

agreed to assist in the revitalisation of the Kingscliff RSL Sub Branch where he lived. He assumed the

role of Vice President and assisted in the transformation of the Sub Branch into an active, useful vehicle

for meeting the needs of veterans. Brian increased attendances at Anzac Days from 400 to 1500 veterans

and interested members of the community. He did this by calling on his service friends (many from 9

RAR) to provide quality speakers and variety. Brian counts, as his most valuable contribution, the time he

has spent with local schools ensuring that the history of Anzac is not being misinterpreted nor lost.

Even after a lifetime of helping others Brian never considered himself Order of Australia material. A

retired Lieutenant Colonel, in 2009 he was presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia for

„services to the veteran community, particularly The 9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment and

services to surf life saving‟.

SWAN HILL VISIT (Neil Leckie 3/68)

Left: Garry Smyth (2/68) and Neil Leckie (2/68 & 3/68) Since the early1980s, Swan Hill has been a part

of 8/7 RVR (originally 2 RVR) the country Victorian Army Reserve infantry battalion. As a member of

the battalion, I have often visited Swan Hill and always planned to catch-up with Garry Smyth, but

somehow it never happened – until May this year. In my role as XO of the battalion I was doing a „staff

visit‟ to Mildura and Swan Hill and found that I had some free time, so called Garry and arranged to visit

him. Garry and I were both Class 2/68 although I did the „honours‟ course and graduated 3/68.

312684 Garry Arthur Smyth joined the Army as an Air Cadet in May 1968. He graduated with Class 2/68

on 11th

October, Graduation Number 713, and was posted to 1 RTB to await his Southern Command

Basic Flying Training School (BFTS) course. While at 1 RTB Garry met, and subsequently married,

Marilyn, a sister at the Camp Hospital at Kapooka. The BFTS course started on 14th

April 1969 and on

completion Garry was posted to 1st Aviation Regiment Advanced FTS. From there, in May 1970, he was

posted to 16 Aviation Regiment at Oakey. February 1971 saw Garry on Long Tern Schooling at the

21

Central Flying School at Rissington in the UK. November then saw

Garry back in Australia at the Army Aviation Centre at Amberley and

then in August 1972 Garry commenced his final posting at the School of

Army Aviation as a Fixed Wing Qualified lying Instructor. In October

1973, having completed his 5 year Short Service Commission, Garry

took his discharge from the Army.

Post Army, Garry and Marilyn moved to Swan Hill, Garry working as a

Flying Instructor and Marilyn working as a Nurse. They also took on

farming (they are still active in that area) and a number of business

activities including a Carpet Shop, 2 Furniture Shops, a Removalist,

Drapery, Funeral Parlour, a Tourist Farm (7 years) and were partners in

a Solomon Islands Hotel. Garry and Marilyn have one daughter and

three grandchildren and live on Pental Island, just east of Swan Hill.

They would interested in seeing any Scheyvillians who are travelling

through.

VICTORIAN ANNUAL DINNER 4th

JUNE 2010 (Neil Leckie 3/68)

Another fantastic Victorian Annual Dinner has been and gone. With Ray Andrews (1/70) again the MC,

we all new we were in for a good night. Ray does a wonderful job, but totally believes in the 7 Ps. He

really puts in a lot of time, thought and research into his job. Around 120 attended, bolstered slightly by

the participation of interstate visitors who were in Melbourne to attend the National Council Meeting the

next day. These were Dennis Townsend (2/70) from Tasmania, Greg (2/71) and Vija Todd from NSW,

Mick (2/69) and Tricia Hart from QLD, Gary Vial (3/69) from SA and Jay (3/69) and Maureen McDaniel

all the way from WA. They all thoroughly enjoyed the evening as did the locals. Some of the apologies

were Ed Gretgrix (4/69), Russell Green, Richard Jeffkins, Peter Balfe and George Guimmarra (all 1/70),

Ian Crook who was in Brazil and Bryan Thomas QC, (both 2/70) and Warrick Walker (1/71) -his wife

Jennifer attended. We had Lyle and Beth Brown, Michael Delves and Yvonne Campbell, Adrian and

Pamela Lombardo and David and Di Sabben from the originals Class 1/65 and Graeme Smith (3/68)

attending his first OTU Dinner.

Ray entertained us with his usual anecdotes about

those who were apologies and also about some of

those who attended. During the evening our new

National Chairman Frank Miller (4/67) addressed

the gathering with an entertaining and informative

talk about Scheyville and what it means to have

been a part of it and how it has changed our lives,

mainly for the better. While the dinner was on the

„Scheyville Collection‟ Slide-show of photographs

was showing and attracted much attention.

Left: Membership Officer Graeme Chester and his

table.

The usual raffle was held and raised over $1400 for Youth Leadership.

Prizes and winners were:

Colin Walker (3/70) donated Don Shiel Tableware ($300): Ray Andrews redraw: Peter Fox (2/70)

Mick Stone (1/68) Camberwell Bookshop Voucher ($100): Peter Fox (2/70)

David Lewis (2/68) 2 nights at Marengo Beach Apollo Bay ($250): Leonie Baker (Grant Baker 3/67)

Frank Miller (4/67) Cadbury Chocolate Hamper ($70): Graeme Chester (2/67)

22

Jeff Coster Music Gift Vouchers ($25 each): Christine McCallum (Allan McCallum 3/70)

Colin Walker (3/70), Greg Todd (2/71), Dennis Townsend (2/70) & John Neve (1/72)

Mick Hart (2/69) Special Prize ($60): Peter Fox (again!) redraw Beryl Nation (Roger Nation 3/68)

Des Forrester (1/72) 1 Doz Balgownie Estate wine ($25): Frank Miller (4/67).

The night concluded with the usual birthday cake for 60 year olds, the singing with gusto of the

Scheyville song and we being marched out to the sound of „The Animals‟ singing the real Scheyville

theme song: „We Gotta get out of this Place‟.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

2/70 & 3/70, 40th

Reunions: nothing heard! Come on guys, get moving and let us know about your

reunions

4/70, 40th

Reunion: Brisbane 15th

– 17th

October 2010 to co-incide with the anniversary of the 40th

Anniversary of the commencement of their course. Contact Owen Williamson on 0407 462 341.

Skyville Festival, October 2010:

There is a festival to be held on the long weekend in October in the Scheyville area. Apparently there is

some legal reason why they can‟t use the name Scheyville! Do members feel that there could be a

possibility of the association or at least the NSW Chapter getting involved? If so, contact The Editor or Peter Cassey, Festival Director, Skyville Festival, m 0417 262 336 p 02 4577 4778

1/71 40th

Reunion Perth in 2011 Contact Frank LeFaucheur (1/71) at the WA Chapter.

NSW October Luncheon:

From: Greg Todd

To: Gary McKay

Sent: Saturday, 19 June 2010 10:06 AM

Subject: OTU NSW Talk

Gary,

I think many of the guys will enjoy an update on how Vietnam is these days. I certainly will! I've copied

Neil Leckie in on this so that he can "plan" for it.

I suggested Concord in Nov rather than the Aug lunch because we can get a private room there far more

easily. I'm sure we can obtain a Litepro from one of our erstwhile Sydney members, if not from the club.

Have a good trip, Cheers

Greg

From: Gary McKay

To: Greg Todd

Sent: Fri, 18 June, 2010 4:34:19 PM

Subject: Re: OTU pre-Dinner Circular

Greg

I can always do an article on touring Viet Nam if you wish, and I can do a presento at Concord, it is a lot

better if we can use Litepro as the images are stunning.

Gary

23

EMAILS TO THE EDITOR:

From: Mike Fowler To: G&H Chester Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 9:07 PM Subject: Re: OTU Assn Hi Graeme Thank you so much for that information. Please pass on my thanks to others who work to keep the association going if you have the opportunity. I don't do much for the OTU association but I do about 50 hours a month volunteer work for the sailing school at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. I mostly repair boats (we have 51) and I do some instructing. It's good to watch young kids learn to sail then become proficient enough to be assistant instructors and teach other kids (and some adults). I see these kids grow in confidence and blossom into well balanced young adults who aspire and achieve (not just in sailing) - that's my contribution to youth development! Mike Fowler. 1731289, Class 2/65, Graduate Number 93 8 Apr 1966 Graduated into RAASC 1 Jun 1965: 1 Amenities Unit Det 5 Mar 1967: HQ AFV (Army Component) 29 Dec 1967: AFV Amenities & Welfare Unit

Following this, an email from Mike Fowler on Saturday, 17 July 2010: I was inducted on 29/9/65, graduated from OTU 8/4/66 then did 6 weeks corps training at RAASC Centre Puckapunyal. My first appointment was OC Det 1 Amenities Unit (a "field force" unit believe it or not!) at Vic Barracks Paddington NSW. I took a detachment on Exercise Barrawinga in Sept 66. We put on a concert for the LSG at Pink Lilly with 68 entertainers and Johnny O'keefe the star of the show. The PA system blew as Johnny was in the middle of "Shout". The concert was performed in two other areas. After Barrawinga I asked to go to Vietnam or a regular RAASC unit. I had to extend my service by 6 months to get posted to Vietnam. I endured a ten day crash course at Canungra with 12 other individual officer replacements in January or February '67. Unfortunately WO1 Percy White was our instructor - he was also DS at OTU in my time - ask any 1/65 or 2/65 guys about Percy! I flew from Sydney to Manilla Qantas 1st class civil air with Dave Beasley (1/65) and others. Dave and I tried to drink the plane dry on the eight hour flight. We didn't succeed but we had a hell of a good time trying! The US C130 flight from Clark Field in Manilla to Cam Ran Bay wasn't so flash!! My posting was Liason Officer, A Branch, HQ Aust Force Vietnam. I did not know what my duties would be until I arrived in Saigon - actually the force amemities officer plus various duties such as checking on PW's, supporting an orphanage etc. Among other things I planned and ran the tours of the Govt and AFOF sponsored concert parties that came to SVN. I served in Vietnam from 3/3/67 to 19/2/68, enjoying 3 weeks of the big Tet Offensive before boarding a Qantas 707 with 174 others to fly direct to Sydney. It was the first civil aircraft allowed to land at Tan son Nuit airport since the start of the Tet Offensive. There was a gaping hole in the roof of the civilian passenger terminal from a rocket hit and a C130 was sitting out on the tarmac in two pieces! After processing in Sydney I was on ARL until discharge on 28/3/68. My replacement in SVN was Lt Col Peach with an establishment of some 24 personnel - to attend to the duties previously performed by one lonely OTU 2Lt! (Brig. Dick Flint can confirm that bit - he and I shared an office). Hope this is useful though my contribution pales beside the efforts of others. Gordon Sharp was one of my senior class and I graduated with John Fraser who had been a good friend since school days. Keep up the good work! Mike.

24

From: Rob Youl To: G&H Chester Sent: Thursday, 3 June 2010 9:13 AM Subject: OTU Assn Graeme I've just emailed Mike Fowler - he's one of my mob. Thanks for sending his address. We did meet at Sydney. He has amazing stories about the first concerts in Vietnam, which he organised. I've suggested he write an article, Neil, for The Scheyvillian. I also tried to sow the seeds for an eventual reunion of 2/65, which we've only done once - at Sydney this decade. Rob Youl 3787338, Class 1/65, Graduate Number 84 8 Apr 1966: Graduated into 18 Fd Sqn RAE 5 May 1967 SME 29 Sep 1967: Discharged to CMF, S Comd RAE SR 30 Jun 1997: Retired from ARes with rank Lt Col

From: Paul Rees

To: Roger Nation

Sent: Friday, 4 June 2010 2:21 PM Subject: Hello

G'Day Roger I've just got your 2 e mails. I haven't tried the web page yet as I'm currently sitting on a 46 ft ketch in Jacksonville, Florida waiting for the autopilot man to come and fix the bloody thing so we can sail back to Australia. We should be back in August sometime. Trish declined the cook and bottle washer job so is holding the home fort. I decided that I needed a change from flying so......... Regards, Paul Rees

1734716, Class 3/68, Graduate Number 794 20 Dec 1968: Graduated into AAAvn 1 Avn Regt 4 Feb 1969: 3TB, Singleton 16 Jul 1970: Discharged from NS

From: Tony Sonneveld [mailto:p.dynamo@bigpond.net.au] Sent: Wednesday, 7 July 2010 10:03 AM

To: NSW OTU Members

Subject: OTU Association NSW Chapter- Invitation to Dinner, Saturday 31st July @ VBOM - Sonneveld resignation

Hi Greg,

I was going to phone you this morning about this as I neglected to raise the subject yesterday. Let‟s hope

we get a good response from teachers and students so we can fill the dining room at Victoria Barracks

Officers‟ Mess. It may be time to send out the notice again to these target audiences with a persuasive

note to entice them back again.

On a personal note I have now retired from the Australian Institute for Non-Destructive Testing (AINDT)

after 39 years. AINDT recently sponsored me to attend the 10th

European Conference on Non-Destructive

Testing in Moscow in recognition of my OAM award for services to the NDT Industry. Viv and I took the

opportunity to spend 4 weeks in Russia and Finland; Viv also had the opportunity to visit her relatives in

Poland whilst I was at the conference in Moscow.

25

OTU Class 1/70 held their 40th

Anniversary Reunion in Sydney to co-incide with ANZAC Day this year;

it was fantastic to catch up with fellow graduates that we hadn‟t seen for 40 years. I organised the BBQ /

tour at Scheyville, accommodation at VBOM and Bayview Boulevard Hotel, dinner at Victoria Barracks

Sergeants Mess / supplied lighting and projection equipment, supplied a substantial amount of content for

our class Bio booklet and helped with organization of the NSW Masonic Club lunch after the ANZAC

Day march. I am still liaising with Ron Holden who is writing the report for the Scheyvillian Journal and

I am pleased to report all the banking and letters of appreciation are now finalised. This Reunion has been

a bitter / sweet experience that I do not wish to repeat so I have decided to relinquish my role as

Secretary / Treasurer (Former NSW and National Chairman) of the OTU Association NSW

Chapter after 20 years. Having organised all the OTU Annual Dinners over the past 20 years starting

with HQ Training Command Officers‟ Mess at Georges Heights and then Victoria Barracks Officers‟

Mess it will be very nostalgic experience for me at our dinner on Saturday 31st July. I have introduced 5

OTU graduates as Honorary Members of VBOM so I expected one of these gentlemen can take over my

role of organising future OTU Annual Dinners assuming you decide to continue using the same venue.

I would like to thank all those OTU graduates that have helped to

grow the organization and have participated in Association

activities over the past 20 years.

Regards, Tony

Left: NSW Governor Marie Bashir after presenting Tony with his

OAM.

STATE CHAPTERS ACTIVITIES:

ACT: Wal Hall 02 6288 5251 mob. 0418 659 010 walhall@ozemail.com.au

Winston Bucknall 0408 492 405 wnbsec@bigpond.net.au

Email on ACT future: From: Wal Hall To: Graeme Chester Sent:: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 Subject: RE: SCHEYVILLE Dear Graeme, Sorry I missed the Melbourne event – it was held a few days after our return from an overseas jaunt. A check of my roll reveals nil updates since providing the list last year, thus no requirement to transmit. A handful of interested Scheyvillians met for lunch recently at Royal Canberra and resolved that there was sufficient interest to resurrect the monthly lunches. We will be canvassing more broadly for the August event and hope to bring as many as possible back into the fold. I will keep you posted on developments. NilBC, Wal

ACT members and Graduates contact Wal and get the ACT Chapter firing again – Ed.

Tasmania: Dennis Townsend 03 6247 3892 iat47@dodo.com.au

Bi-monthly lunches: contact Dennis Townsend

26

NSW: Greg Todd (2/71): 0409 078 888 greg_todd_au@yahoo.com.au

QLD: Owen Williamson (4/70) Home: olwilliamson@bigpond.com

Work: WilliamsonO@AureconHatch.com

Back-up: Stephanie Mauchlan (Mick Hart's secretary)

07 3230 5252 smauchlan@clearyhoare.com.au

or Mick: mhart@clearyhoare.com.au)

Activities for 2010

Monthly luncheons will continue on second Thursday of every month at Fridays Restaurant, Eagle

Street, Brisbane. These traditional lunches were in decline but over the last year have had

resurgence in popularity with an average of 10 to 12 members each month.

It is planned to have a Barbecue luncheon in early September 2010

The 4/70 Reunion will be held in Brisbane 15th

– 17th

October 2010 and any one interested in

attending should contact Owen Williamson on 0407 462 341

SA: Gary Vial 0414 762 525 garyvial@ctmc.com.au

WA: David Ward 0417 927 146 bbs@ca.com.au

OTU ASSOCIATION – WA NEWSBRIEF NO 2

Jay McDaniell (2/70): 0438 959 050 mcdaniell@ozemail.com.au

Medals: Do you have what you are entitled to? You are at least entitled to the 2 below. Use this link

www.defence.gov.au/medals to get the Australian Defence and Anniversary of National Service

medals. These are rightfully yours and should be received for you and your family. On the Medals Home

Page (click the link above) read the ADM and ANSM heading on the left then, go to Application Forms

and print and fill in BOTH the first and second listed Application for Australian Defence Medal and

Application for all other medals. Send them to the address on the form. A few weeks later you will

receive them.

ANZAC Day 2011: You can wear your medals at next year‟s ANZAC Day parade under the OTU

banner. 21 marched in 2010, lets make it 31 or 41 or more in 2011.

Youth Development and Leadership: Our support of these areas will hopefully be boosted soon by a

grant from the National Council to the Sail Training Ship Leeuwin II. The Leeuwin Ocean Adventure

Foundation takes 40 trainees (14-25) and 10 volunteer crew (junior leaders) on week long and day sails

from Fremantle. It has taken over 30,000 young people in 24 ½ years and next year (2011) will celebrate

its 25th

or Silver Anniversary.

OTU Financial Membership: Your financial membership ($50 pa) contributes greatly to our Youth

Development program and renewal now covers the period July 2010 to June 2011. Included in your

membership: At least 3 annual editions of The Scheyvillian magazine

Access to the website resources, member lists, info updates

Access to reunions and social functions

Networking and support links

Great Q store items.

There is a membership form attached. Please fill it out and send it in with JUST $ 50…. If that‟s too

hard – send me the $ 50 and I will fill in and send the form off for you !!!!!!! I‟ll even update your details

on the website for you.

27

Next Networking Lunch: Friday 6 August - Romany Restaurant in Northbridge. Contact

jh@bigpond.net.au (Jim Hancock). For those who haven‟t been to one or haven‟t been for a while – these

are very relaxed and enjoyable breaks from hum drum life – Be In It!

Lost Contacts: I am trying to contact the following. They have not updated their details on the website

(www.otu.asn.au ) Can anyone with details (preferably email address and or mobile phone numbers)

please send them direct to me so I can contact and add them to our information distribution list.

Neil ANDERSON Lawrence APPLEBEE Colin BRYANT Bruce CHESSELL

Colin CHESTER Alex CLARKE John COCHRANE Mark CONRAU

Dennis CRIDDLE Ian DECK Clive DIGNEY Lawrence GRIFFITHS

Rod HATCHER Richard HAWLEY Peter HEMSLEY Leonard HENDERSON

Don HOLMES Michael KINSELLA Allan LOWE Brian MOONEY

Patrick MULLALLY Robert NICKELS Brian POOLE Ray ROBINSON

John RUSSELL Kevin RUTTER Malcolm SINCLAIR Richard TIPPET

John TUCKER Tom VAN LEEUWIN Neil WALLACE Ken WALLER

Neville WILLIAMS

‘Duke Elegant’ Being a post Scheyville pilot, I was intrigued by a series of stories on the web by „Duke

Elegant‟ a pilot who had graduated in 1967 from Scheyville and Pt Cook as an army aviator and had gone

on to some hair raising exploits around the world – you can read by clicking the link below – and find the

OTU reference by clicking on Edit and Find on this page on the task bar at the top of the page.

http://www.equinedzine.com/Duke_Elegant.htm

Try as I might from the class lists I could not identify the person by real name – can anyone help? Please

let me know at mcdaniell@ozemail.com.au

Recent drinks at 13 Brigade Officers Mess: A number of us recently attended a joint Happy Hour for

the Duntroon ex Officers, OTU and Area Officers at the very pleasant 13 Brigade Mess at the Defence

area at Karrakatta. The local commander, PMC and secretary welcomed us and invited us to use the mess

for drinks whenever we felt so inclined and also offered it for social functions. We are now considering a

mixed mess night there.

Finally: Please consider financial membership if you have not already – it will considerably boost our

youth development program and networking contacts and it is for the entire NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.

A membership form is attached. Please contact me (Jay McDaniell) if you have any news or suggestions.

PS………This could save you your annual membership fee! Free Telstra Directory - 1223

For anyone contemplating using the Sensis directory service number, 1234, DON'T! Sensis, as you may

or may not know, is a subsidiary of Telstra. The 1234 number is replacing the Telstra 12456 directory

assistance number, but this time with outrageous costs attached: 40c to call the number, then 4c A

SECOND! By law, Telstra have to provide a FREE directory assistance number, because they are still

majority owned by the government. They choose however not to pass this number on to the public.

What's the free number? 1223

Victoria:

5th

August: Geddes Dinner speaker Major General Mike O'Brien, the Fromelles reburial commander.

3rd

October: Annual Golf Day.

11th

November: Remembrance Day Dinner (tbc), and

21st -23

rd November: Victorian country weekend possibly at Woodend.

28

SCHEYVILLIANS STILL DEPLOYING (Neil Leckie 3/68)

The Army Reserve has the responsibility for Op Anode, the

Army‟s contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to

the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). In late July Rotation 22

deploys from Canungra to Honiara to commence a four

month tour of duty. The Combined Task Force (CTF) of

around 140 personnel includes a rifle company from the

country Victorian based infantry battalion 8/7 RVR. In all

there are 78 members from the battalion and the company

commander is none other than Scheyville Graduate Gareth

Ward. Gareth was a Portsea „overflow‟ Cadet and graduated

into RAInf from Class O1/72. Post graduation Gareth was

posted to 8 RAR in Malaysia and was a part of the first Rifle

Company, Butterworth (RCB). Further postings were with 6

RAR, JTC Canungra, 40 RTR, 1 RAR, Infantry Centre, Trg

Comd, Log Comd and 3 Trg Gp ending his ARA career in

1993. As a Reservist Gareth has had postings with LSF,

APA-M, SCMA, 5/6 RVR (as XO), MONUR (as XO),

APA-M (again), 5/6 RVR (again) and finally as OC A

Company 8/7 RVR where he landed the Op Anode position.

This is his fourth deployment having previously served in the MEO, Iraq and Afghanistan. Gareth also

deployed as a part of Op Vic Bushfires Assist in 2009.

We look forward to a good report from Gareth when he returns.

OP ANODE

RAMSI is a partnership between the people and Government of Solomon Islands and fifteen contributing

countries of the Pacific region. These nations are: Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, FSM, Kiribati,

Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, PNG, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Australia plays a lead role in the mission. The Australian contribution to the RAMSI has been the

provision of military, police and civilian personnel to RAMSI since July 2003. The current Australian

contribution is 169 Civilian advisors and 210 Participating Police Force advisors.

RAMSI is helping the Solomon Islands to lay the foundations for long-term stability, security and

prosperity – through support for improved law, justice and security; for more effective, accountable and

democratic government; for stronger, broad-based economic growth; and for enhanced service delivery.

The overarching goal of RAMSI‟s work is for a peaceful, well-governed and prosperous Solomon

Islands. This goal will be pursued over the long-term through a mutual commitment with the Solomon

Islands Government, which supports RAMSI‟s mandate to:

Ensure the safety and security of Solomon Islands

Repair and reform the machinery of government, improve government accountability and improve

the delivery of services in urban and provincial areas

Improve economic governance and strengthen the government‟s financial systems

Help rebuild the economy and encourage sustainable broad-based growth

Build strong and peaceful communities

The Australian military support to RAMSI is the provision of an Infantry Company Group. The group is

predominately manned by Army Reserve members and operates under the heading of Operation Anode.

29

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE: THE ARMY SYSTEM OF RANK IS REALLY QUITE SIMPLE

(Ryde sub-branch of the V V A A via Greg Todd)

You see, all people in the Army are soldiers - all privates are soldiers, but not all soldiers are privates.

Some are officers who are commissioned, but some are officers who are not commissioned. Obviously, if

every private was called private it would be confusing, so some privates are called things like trooper,

gunner, craftsmen, sapper or signaller. Gunners, as I am sure you know, are the guys that fire guns, unless

of course they are drivers or signallers in which case we call them gunners rather than privates or

signallers just to make it clearer. All gunners belong to the artillery, except that in the infantry they have

gunners who are called privates because they fire a different sort of gun. For the same reason, they call

their drivers and signallers privates as well.

A Lance Corporal is called Corporal; unless he is a Lance Bombardier, then we call him Bombardier to

distinguish him from a full Bombardier who is just like a Corporal. All other ranks are called by their

rank for the sake of simplicity, except that Staff Sergeants are called Staff but they are not on the staff.

Some Warrant Officers, who are not officers, are called Sergeant Major although they are neither

Sergeants nor Majors. Some Warrant Officers are called Mister or Sir which is the same thing that we call

some officers, but they are not Warrant Officers. A Lieutenant may also be called Mister because they are

subalterns, but we always write their rank as Lieutenant or Second Lieutenant, and second comes before

first.

When we talk about groups of soldiers there obviously has to be a clear distinction. We call them Officers

and Soldiers although we know that officers are soldiers too. Sometimes we talk about officers and “other

ranks” which is the same as calling them soldiers. I guess it is easiest when we talk about “rank and file”

which means all the troops on parade except the officers and some of the NCOs; and a few of the

privates; and the term is used whether everyone is on parade or not. A large unit may be called a

battalion, unless it is a regiment, but sometimes a regiment is much bigger than a battalion and then it has

nothing to do with the other sort of regiment. Sub units are called companies, unless they are squadrons,

or troops or batteries. That is not to be confused with radio batteries and don‟t confuse this type of troop

with the type who are soldiers but not officers.

Mostly the Army is divided into Corps as well as units, not the sort of Corps which is a couple of

divisions but the sort which tells you straight away what trade each man performs, whether he is a

tradesman or not. For example, the Infantry Corps has all the infantrymen and the Artillery Corps has all

the gunners. Both these Corps also have signallers and drivers except those who are in the Signals or

Transport Corps. Both these Corps provide a special service and that is why the Transport Corps provides

postal clerks. In fact the Signals Corps is not a service at all because it is an Arms Corps. Arms do all the

fighting, although Signals do not have to fight too much, rather like the Engineers who are also an Arms

Corps, but they do not fight too much either.

So, you see, it really is quite simple.

Q STORE (Wayne Bruce 2/70)

1. We have a very small quantity of Polo Shirts (Size XXXL – Qty 2, Size S – Qty 2). (QM

comment: Who was the stupid grunt who ordered Size S?)

2. Only 1 Pullover left – Size 18

3. Only Pewter (latest edition) small badges…no silver or gold (We will endeavour to locate

suppliers)

4. Plenty of caps, ties and hat badges.

Payment details: See the Website article later in this issue. Credit Card available.

30

Our payment terms are simple…Pay promptly.

Our collection methodology is also simple. In the next edition of the Scheyvillian the following will

appear…

Missing in Action: If anyone knows the whereabouts of O/C… (Insert Name) …, could you please advise

as such has failed to pay for goods supplied from the Q Store. Or: We know where

you live!!!!

Orders via email: waynebruce@stopline.com.au

Collar Badge $5 Gold or Pewter

OTU Plaque $42 Lapel Badge (3 styles) $5 Cuff Links $15

Caps $25 Polo shirts $35

Pullover $30 Tie $30

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OFFICERS AND NCOS:

A young Australian Infantry Officer was severely wounded in the head by a grenade in a training exercise

but the only visible permanent injury was to both of his ears which were amputated. Since his hearing

wasn't impaired, he was able to remain in the Army. Many years later, he eventually rose to the rank of

Major General. He was, however, very sensitive about his appearance.

One day, the General was interviewing three soldiers who were prospects to be his Aide.

The first was an aviator Captain, and it was a great interview - at the end of which the General asked him,

"Do you notice anything different about me?" The young officer answered, "Why, yes, Sir, I couldn't help

but notice that you have no ears." The General got very angry at his lack of tact and threw him out.

The second interview was with a logistics Lieutenant, and he was even better candidate. The General then

asked him the same question, "Do you notice anything different about me?" He replied sheepishly, "Well,

Sir, you have no ears."

The General, now really pissed, threw him out also.

The third interview was with a WO1 who had been an RSM with the SAS Regiment. He was articulate,

looked extremely sharp and seemed to know more than the two officers combined. The General wanted

this guy, and went ahead with the same question, "Do you notice anything different about me?"

To his surprise the sergeant said, "Yes, Sir, you wear contact lenses."

The General was very impressed and thought, what an incredibly observant NCO, and he didn't mention

my ears. "And how do you know that I wear contacts?" the General asked.

Wait for it -- (but most of you already know the answer)

"Well, Sir," the RSM replied, "It's pretty hard to wear glasses with no f...ing' ears!

31

OTU ASSOCIATION

10/11 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Website: www.otu.asn.au

INVOICE ABN 26 390 124 006

Please return by NLT 30 June 2010 Cheques payable to OTU Association

MAIL TO: Treasurer

OTU Association

PO Box 540

BLACK ROCK VIC 3193

PHONE: Ray Elder (03) 9533 1810

Annual Subscription July 2010 to June 2011

Donation to Youth Leadership Development

Total Cheque/Cash Enclosed (For Direct Debit payment

see below and please remember to complete and return

this form so that your database contact details can be

confirmed)

$50.00 M‟ship

$_____ Y. L.

$_____ Total

MEMBERSHIP DETAILS UPDATE

Personal Details: I Have Retired Yes / No

Title/Rank: Business Details:

First Names: Position:

Last Name: Organisation:

Wife/Partner: Industry:

Address: Address:

Town/Suburb: Town/Suburb: State & Postcode:

State: Postcode: Business Phone:

Home Phone: Fax:

Mobile: Business Mobile:

Personal Email: Business Email:

Pers Web Address: Bus Website:

Class: Any Comments:

Corps:

Regimental No:

Awards:

I am a new member:

I am a continuing member:

I am no longer interested.

Please delete me from the database: (Please Indicate)

For Office Use: You will need to know the following information to pay your Membership

using Direct Debit: Bank – National, BSB – 083 298, Account No. 56-687-

0611, Reference – Surname and/or Regt No.

Membership Drive: Please list details below of those who shared the Scheyville experience who you think may not be current financial

members of the OTU Association. We will check against current membership lists and follow up non-members.

NAME CLASS ADDRESS EMAIL PHONE NO

1

2

3

32

DEFENCE HEALTH – YOUR HEALTH FUND. Yes, former Scheyvillians are welcome to join!

You and your extended families are eligible to join Defence Health, formerly known as Army Health

Benefits Society in your days at Scheyville. Defence Health is a restricted access health fund that

provides health insurance just for the Defence community, and has been doing so for the past 56 years.

This means that Defence Health occupies a special position compared with most other health insurers. For

starters, Defence Health is a not-for-profit health fund so all surpluses in the business are retained to

provide benefits in future years. There are no dividends to pay to shareholders nor income tax to be paid

to the government, so the benefits paid to its members are maximized. And the chiefs that Defence Health

are beholden to are our very own chiefs – the Chief of Army and the Chief of Air Force.

Check out some of the real benefits of Defence Health membership:

Great value pricing, just compare on our website.

One of the lowest management cost ratios in the industry. This means that there is a greater

percentage of member contributions returned as benefits.

Award-winning customer service. Defence Health was recognized as the top provider of

exceptional service in the Health Insurance category in the AFR Smart Investors‟ annual SMILES

survey.

Membership of Defence Health also extends to your wider family – mother and father, brothers

and sisters and their partners, grandchildren, ex-partners. So if you join Defence Health, you open

up access for your family as well.

Sounds good but it’s too hard to switch from my current fund.

This is a common misconception. If you already have private health insurance, you can switch over to

another fund with equivalent cover at any time without waiting periods. Naturally if you move to a higher

level of cover there will be some waiting periods.

Find out more

You will probably have lots more questions about health insurance in general or Defence Heath in

particular, so please give Defence Health a call on 1800 335 425 or jump on to our website at

www.defencehealth.com.au And if you decide you do want to join up with Defence Health, they can take

your application over the phone. It couldn‟t be easier. Contact Chris Grigsby (Class O1/73)

Defence Health Limited

ABN 80 008 629 481 AFSL 313890

STOP PRESS (Brian Cooper 3/69)

Fort Queenscliff is celebrating its 150th

Anniversary from Friday 17 Sep – Sun 19 Sep. A reunion

breakfast will be held on Saturday 18 Sep in the Officers‟ Mess for all former students and staff of the

Army Staff/Commend and Staff College.

Please contact Capt Sam Payne: samarica.payne@defence.gov.au or the Festival DS LTCOL Bryan

Hughes on 03 52581488

NEXT EDITION DUE OUT November 2010

Planning is underway to have Edition 3 of 10 of The Scheyvillian out in November for your Christmas

pleasure!

If you have any contributions: current stories, memorabilia stories, photographs (jpeg please), please email

them to The Editor, The Scheyvillian, at nkaleckie@optusnet.com.au or post to 14 Doodts Road, Black Hill,

Vic, 3350. If you have a quantity of large file size photos should be sent on disc. Submissions need to be

received by the end October.

33

NEXT EDITION DUE OUT November 2010

Planning is underway to have Edition 3 of 10 of The Scheyvillian out in November for your Christmas

pleasure!

If you have any contributions: current stories, memorabilia stories, photographs (jpeg please), please email

them to The Editor, The Scheyvillian, at nkaleckie@optusnet.com.au or post to 14 Doodts Road, Black Hill,

Vic, 3350. If you have a quantity of large file size photos should be sent on disc. Submissions need to be

received by the end October.

OTU WEBSITE (Roger Nation 3/68, Secretary). The association has a new website: www.otu.asn.au

Google this and it brings up the main page, which is viewable by anyone who browses to the site.

To access member information, and perhaps some of the other sections at a later stage, you will need to

log in. Fill in your Regimental Number, and Surname in the boxes on the left hand side, and click

"login". Your Surname is NOT case sensitive.

This will take you immediately to your personal profile, which you can edit, update or delete as you see

fit. Deleting all information except your Regimental Number, Name and Class will ensure that the

association does not contact you in the future, but still maintains your class details for historical reasons.

To edit your profile: mouse over the "edit" button, and select "update your profile (or image)"

Click on one of the tabs "contact info" " service details" etc and amend the relevant boxes, then click on

"update" at the bottom of the page.

Note: that images must be less that 250Kb in size or less than 800 x 800 pixels for the system to accept

these. If you do not have the means to reduce the size of you photo, e-mail it to me & I will insert for you.

Exploring the website: Click on "Home" on the toolbar.

MAIN PAGE: On the main page, you have tabs to the various sections across the top, repeated as dot

points down the left hand side. Clicking on either will take you to those sections.

Down the right hand side are links to State Chapter pages.

STATE CHAPTERS: Accessing this section brings up details from each of the state chapters.

Any news, function details, or announcements that members or committees would like to appear under

the relevant state sections can be e-mailed to nation@ncable.net.au and they will be included.

EVENTS: Clicking on the events tab brings up a calendar where monthly lunches, AGMs Annual

Dinners can be posted if I am notified at the above e-mail address.

Click on the single green arrow at the top of the page to access following months.

Mouse over a listed event to see its details and click on the event to bring up any further information

available. Clicking on the dropdown "Reunion" button, brings up details of all notified reunions.

MEMBERS: The dropdown menu allows you to view and edit your profile as described above.

THE REMAINDER OF THIS SECTION THIS SECTION IS ONLY ACCESSIBLE IF YOU ARE A

FINANCIAL MEMBER.. Clicking in "Members Lists" brings up a complete listing of Scheyvillians,

extracted from the last directory. The drop down box on the top right had side, allows you to filter by

financial members in each state.

Clicking on the "Search Members" tag takes you to a screen where you can search by name, regimental

number, or class. Enter the data to search by and click on "find users".

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Note that the more specific you make the name, the more accurate your search. A search for Roger Nation

will bring up all who graduated with roger in their name, including Rogers as a surname, Roger as a

second name & all Rogers as first names. Searching for Roger John Nation brings up only one result.

Results from these searches and from the main members screen can be downloaded to Excel, using the

button on the right hand side.

Q STORE: Clicking on one of the category buttons will bring up all items of that type available for

purchase. Click on items to add to your shopping cart. When finished, go to check out. Subsequent steps

will calculate postage, and allow you to leave notes for the QM.

Payment arrangements available are:

Purchase Order: Choose this option if you elect to send a cheque or use internet transfer, (bank details

and QM address are displayed if you choose this option)

PayPal (Credit Card Payment): Choosing this option takes you to the secure PayPal website. You do not

need to have a PayPal account to use this service, though if you do, you will not need to fill in your credit

card details. Click on "Don't have a PayPal account?" and "continue" and you can enter your card

details for immediate payment. Note that the system adds 2.5% to your order to cover costs.

You can also use the Q Store facility to pay your annual subscriptions and to make donations for youth

leadership projects.

ASSOCIATION: The drop down menu provided links to:

National Executive: A list of the current office bearers and their contact details,

History/Aims/ Experience, and

The Scheyvillian: Details of how to submit material for the association magazine and back copies of most

of the past editions.

FORUM: This is the association Bulletin Board, where you can communicate with other Scheyvillians.

Again this area is only accessible to financial members.

I have posted two threads, one an e-mail from a graduate, the other an image of Scheyville.

Click on “OTU discussion”.

After clicking on either of these posts, (Scheyville Image or Scheyville) you have the option of where you

can add your comment as a reply, or start a new conversation (thread).

REPLY TOPIC UNSUBSCRIBE FAVOURITE NEW THREAD

Images may be uploaded to the forum, however there is a size limit of 800 x 800 pixels or about 250Kb.

If you do not have the facilities to reduce the size of your photos. e-mail them to the address below, and

Roger will facilitate.

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YOUTH LEADERSHIP: A summary of The Association‟s involvement in this area.

PHOTO GALLERY: A link to the collection of images that Neil Leckie has compiled. A CD containing

the original images together with a description of each photo, is available from Neil at a cost of $10.

NSAA: Details of our involvement with the National Servicemen‟s association of Australia, and how you

can have your details added to the Nominal roll of Nashos.

If you have any difficulties using the new website, have suggestions for improvement, or would like

something posted under one of the main sections, you can use the above forum or e-mail Roger at

nation@ncable.net.au

ODD SHOTS

Hugh Begbie: Graduation Parade

4/71

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Right: NSW ANZAC Day

Below: Gareth Ward at Canungra during Pre-deployment Training for the Solomon Islands

Right: Tony Sonneveld at the ANZAC Day lunch

Below: 4/67 Reunion group

Below: The (4/69) Fathers at the Mother‟s

Day Sunday Lunch

Ted Gretgrix, Jeff Gitsham, Peter Krauklis,

Warwick Settree, Graham Riches, Terry

O‟Shea,

John Bushell, Hein van der Heide, Geoff

Gardiner, Don Keyes, Vincent Berne,

Kevin Dixon & Tony Parkes

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