The Australian War Memorial records note:
In 1970 two RAAF airmen of 2 Squadron RAAF were declared missing in action in Vietnam. Flying Officer Michael Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Carver, both of 2 Squadron, RAAF, were believed killed when their Canberra bomber disappeared while flying a night bombing mission in the northern 1 Corps region of South Vietnam.
On 3 November 1970 Herbert (the pilot and aircraft captain) and Carver (the navigator and bomb aimer) had taken off from Phan Rang at 7.00 p.m., heading for their target in Quang Nam province 65 kilometres south-west of Da Nang. The weather was relatively clear and the flight to the target was without incident. The Australians carried out their bombing run and released their bombs over the target area at 8.22 p.m. After acknowledging a radio message, they switched frequency for the return flight to Phan Rang. Shortly afterwards, the aircraft disappeared from the radar screen which was tracking it.
American and Australian air units mounted an aerial search the next morning. The extensive search involved 67 sorties over an area of over 16,000 square kilometres but it was hampered by poor weather conditions. The search failed to find any trace of the aircraft or crew and was called off after three days.
Pilot Officer Carver had served for only eight weeks in Vietnam. Flying Officer Herbert, who had qualified as a pilot at the age of 16, had only two months to go to finish his tour.
The cause of the disappearance was never determined. Their aging Canberra bomber was flying well above the maximum range of enemy anti-aircraft artillery and there were no known North Vietnamese surface-to-air missile (SAM) launch sites near the flight path. Although discounted by a RAAF court of inquiry, the most likely explanation of the aircraft’s sudden disappearance without trace remains the possibility of a catastrophic mid-air explosion caused by one or more bombs becoming hung up in the rack after release.
For the parents of those lost, the term “missing in action” became increasingly difficult to live with. After years of uncertainty Robert Carver’s parents eventually gave up hope that he would be found alive. Mr Sydney Carver had his son’s name placed on the Toowoomba War Memorial. Every day he passed the memorial and never failed to look at the inscription.”

Nearly 39 years later, the jungle gave up its secret. Major John Thurgar (former SAS Trooper during the Vietnam War), from the Australian Army’s History Unit, and Squadron Leader John Cotterell uncovered the wreckage of Magpie 91. It appears the crash site had been sighted sometime in 1982 by several hunters from the Katu people who reside in eastern Laos and central Vietnam. However, for a range of reasons, not the least being the sheer impregnability of the terrain and the dense jungle near the crash area, the discovery was not investigated.
On August 31, 2009, the caskets with the remains of Michael Herbert and Robert Carver arrived on board an RAAF C130 that had brought them from Hanoi to RAAF Base Richmond. It was an emotional moment in No 2 Squadron’s history and especially for those airmen who served in the Squadron during the Vietnam War.

Ernie Chamberlain

Photo provided by General Dynamics

General Dynamics has recently concluded prototype trials for the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV), a cutting-edge military vehicle specifically designed for the US Marine Corps. The testing, initiated in January 2023, meticulously scrutinized various facets of the ARV, encompassing command, control, communications, and computer (C4) capabilities. Additionally, the evaluation included the vehicle’s integrated drones, land and water mobility, blast and kinetic resistance, as well as its prowess in countering cyber and electromagnetic interference.

Throughout the trials, the ARV effectively showcased its capabilities in ocean mobility and surf zone transitions within littoral beach areas. Richard Trotter, an official from General Dynamics, emphasized that the comprehensive testing and demonstration activities conducted in the previous year provided essential data to ensure the ARV meets and surpasses the Marine Corps’ stringent requirements. Trotter expressed confidence in the ability of the ARV to achieve key performance benchmarks and position itself competitively for the next phase of the program.

Described by General Dynamics as the “quarterback” on the mobile and multi-domain battlefield, the ARV is slated to become the primary combat system in Light Armoured Reconnaissance battalions. Its role encompasses both mounted and dismounted reconnaissance, surveillance, and security operations. Equipped with an automatic medium-calibre cannon, anti-armour capabilities to counter heavily-armoured threats, and precision-guided munitions for effective target striking, the ARV is designed to be a versatile force on the battlefield.

One of the standout features of the ARV is its next-generation swim propulsion system, along with vectored thrust and water safety systems, enabling seamless operations in aquatic environments. According to Trotter, the ARV’s high mobility on land and in the water empowers Marines to sense and communicate in ways previously unattainable. He emphasized General Dynamics’ commitment to delivering present-day capabilities while strategically envisioning and innovating for the future needs of the Marine Corps.

ED: From my inBox. 

During the November 2023 session of Federal Parliament, Senator Pauline Hanson read to the Senate a comment from her Facebook page posted by ‘Rebecca’. Read it and see if you think what “Rebecca” says ought to be headlines all over the country.

“Can we stop using the term Traditional Owners?”  Senator Hanson quotes the post as asking.  “Aborigines did not and do not own Australia. They were original inhabitants, and that is it.   Mother Nature provided all what Aboriginals claim as theirs. They did not build Ayer’s Rock, the Three Sisters, Kakadu, the river systems, the mountains etc.”

“They used the land and its natural resources and structures that were already there. They did not construct or design one single thing and, just as they continue to do today, they used and took whatever was available to them.”

“A lot of Australians feel nothing has changed.”

Senator Lidia Thorpe interjected: “Not all Australians”.

Senator Hanson continued. “‘What people tend to forget, like Senator Thorpe, is that I was born here too and so were millions of other Australians whose parents came as migrants and have made Australia their home All I have asked for is equality for all Australians. If you need it you get that helping hand. If you don’t need it, then fine you don’t. If you work hard for what you need, you can earn it, and that’s been proven by the 11 Senators in this Parliament who actually are of Aboriginal descent, and yet you, Senator Thorpe, want special treatment.”

The shouted interruptions increased until Senate President Sue Lines intervened and told both Senators to take their seats. After a pause she told Senator Hanson to resume but to address remarks to her as the chair.

Senator Hanson resumed and asserted that “Australia does not only belong to the Stone Age hunter gathers discovered by the British explorers and settlers, but to all who have made their home here.”

“I have to ask the question what special or unique contribution entitle Indigenous Australians to special or unique rights greater than anybody else. The answer is none whatsoever,”

“There has only ever been one nation on this continent founded on the first of January 1901 so there cannot be a legitimate treaty and this means there is no requirement for so-called ‘truth telling’ ”

“This is rewriting history to maximize settlements in a treaty, just forget it. We are all Australians together and should be treated equally.”

Earlier in the same speech Senator Hanson had singled Senator Thorpe out for special mention.

“There is no war on Indigenous Australians as Senator Thorpe pretends,” Senator Hanson said.  “That she sits in parliament along with other Indigenous people shows this claim for the lie that it is. Senator Thorpe is no victim on her taxpayer funded salary, and most Indigenous people reject the idea they are victims.”

As part of the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, 2 Squadron RAAF received its tasks from HQ 7th Air Force in Saigon. The squadron’s mission was to conduct eight sorties per day, seven days a week, covering various areas of South Vietnam. This intense operational tempo demonstrated the commitment of the RAAF to the conflict and the vital role of air support in the overall military strategy.

The Canberra bombers filled a significant gap in the United States Air Force (USAF) inventory, as they were the only tactical aircraft in South Vietnam capable of bombing from straight and level flight at about 350 knots. This unique capability allowed the Canberra to deliver accurate strikes visually, making it a valuable asset in the challenging and dynamic environment of the Vietnam War.

Most of 2 Squadron’s sorties were dedicated to supporting the Australian Task Force in the III Corps area. Operating at an altitude of approximately 3000 feet (915 meters) above ground level, the crews aimed to minimize the risk of ground fire while still achieving remarkable accuracy. Despite flying at a relatively low altitude, the Canberra crews demonstrated their skill by achieving accuracies of about 45 meters, showcasing the aircraft’s evolution from a high-level bomber with poor accuracy to a highly effective low-level tactical bomber.

The transition of the Canberra over the years reflected the adaptability and versatility of the aircraft and its crews. The ability to deliver precise strikes in support of ground troops underscored the importance of 2 Squadron RAAF in contributing to the overall success of the allied efforts in South Vietnam. The squadron continued its operations until its return to Australia in 1971, leaving a legacy of professionalism and effectiveness in the challenging conditions of the Vietnam War.

CANBERRA BOMBER HISTORY:

The English Electric Canberra bomber not only served as a long-range jet bomber but also proved itself as a highly capable spy plane, achieving altitude and distance records during its operational history.

Originating from the renowned de Haviland Mosquito, a long-range multi-role fighter-bomber with wooden construction and Merlin piston engines, the English Electric Canberra emerged as a response to the impending age of jets in 1944. Designed by “Teddy” Petter, the Canberra featured two jet engines embedded into the wings, creating an aircraft with a length of 65 feet, 6 inches (19.964 meters), a wingspan of 64 feet (19.507 meters), and a height of 15 feet, 7 inches (4.750 meters). The journey from concept to prototype took five years, with the first Canberra taking flight on May 13th, 1949, showcasing impressive performance despite initial concerns.

Named after Canberra, Australia, as a nod to the British Commonwealth, the Canberra saw production in the UK and Australia, with an additional contribution from the US’s Martin Aircraft Company, producing 403 Canberras for the US Air Force between 1951 and 1959. The versatile aircraft took on various roles, including bombing, high-altitude reconnaissance, aviation test support, electronic warfare, and weather reconnaissance.

The Canberra’s service records were remarkable, with the UK Royal Air Force utilizing it for 55 years, concluding its service in 2006 with reconnaissance missions over Afghanistan. The aircraft’s longevity eventually led to its replacement by the Raytheon Sentinel R1 due to cost considerations and efficiency improvements.

Notably, the Canberra set speed and distance records, exemplified by a journey from Aldergrove, Northern Ireland, to Gander, Newfoundland, covering 2,072 miles in just 4 hours and 37 minutes on February 22nd, 1951. The aircraft maintained an average ground speed of 450 mph (724 kph) at a cruise altitude of 40,000 feet above sea level. This historic flight also served as a test for new high-altitude clothing designed to protect aircrew from extreme temperatures, featuring waistcoats with passive inspiration and active expiration mechanisms.

In addition to distance records, a Canberra conducted a daring altitude test by carrying a Napier Double Scorpion rocket in its bomb bay. Pilots Mike Randrup and Walter Shirley took the aircraft to 44,000 feet on its jets before igniting the rocket, achieving an impressive altitude of 70,308 feet (21km). This feat showcased the aircraft’s capabilities in pushing boundaries and contributing to advancements in aviation technology.

Former Australian Special Forces commando Wes Hennessey vehemently opposes the proposition of recruiting non-Australians into the Defence Forces, citing a pressing retention and recruitment challenge within the Australian military. In an interview with Sky News host Erin Molan, Hennessey expressed his categorical disagreement with the idea, emphasizing the severity of the situation by describing the Australian Defence Forces’ desperation to bolster their numbers for the future.

Hennessey underscored the existing issues within the military, including both retention and recruitment difficulties, suggesting a systemic problem that needs urgent attention. He argued that the reported consideration of enlisting recruits with non-Australian citizenship is a misguided approach, one that he staunchly rejects.

The former Special Forces commando’s concerns echo broader sentiments within the defence community, where the need to address manpower shortages has led to discussions about potential unconventional solutions. As Hennessey voiced his opposition, he shed light on the complex dynamics at play within the Australian Defence Forces and the challenges they face in maintaining and expanding their personnel.

The contrasting perspectives presented by Hennessey and the government officials highlight the ongoing discourse regarding the best approach to address the current and future needs of the Australian military. The tensions between maintaining a strictly nationalistic approach to military recruitment and exploring international collaboration raise questions about the efficacy and potential implications of such policy decisions in the broader context of defence strategy and national security.

Click Link to watch video.

Australian Defence Forces ‘desperate’ in search for recruits (youtube.com)

The Australia Day honours list serves as a testament to the outstanding contributions and exemplary service of individuals across various sectors, particularly within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This year’s honours list has notably acknowledged the dedication and commitment of 20 ADF personnel in the Order of Australia’s military division, alongside the recognition of 58 ADF personnel for their distinguished and conspicuous service.

Among the distinguished honourees, the leadership of Royal Australian Air Force Chief Air Marshal Robert Chipman has stood out prominently. Air Marshal Chipman’s notable achievements include his instrumental role in the development of rapid-support plans aimed at identifying crucial equipment that Australia could generously provide to Ukraine. His strategic foresight, commitment to international collaboration, and adept planning in this regard have not only showcased his leadership capabilities but have also contributed significantly to fostering positive diplomatic relations.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements and leadership in the military domain, Air Marshal Robert Chipman has been conferred the prestigious title of an Officer in the Military Division of the Order of Australia. This distinguished accolade underscores the highest level of recognition and appreciation for his exceptional service to the nation.

OFFICER (AO) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Air Marshal Robert Timothy Chipman AM CSC

MEMBER (AM) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Navy: Rear Admiral Matthew Paul Buckley CSC RAN; Commodore Peter James Leavy CSM RAN

Army: Brigadier David Charles Hafner CSC; Major General Jason Kyle Walk

Air Force: Group Captain David John Clyde CSM; Group Captain Dennis Davison; Air Commodore Gretchen Elizabeth Fryar; Air Commodore Anthony John Hindmarsh CSC; Group Captain Hannah Louise Jude-Smith

MEDAL (OAM) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Navy: Commander Steven John Bliss RAN; Captain Jacqueline Margaret King RAN; Warrant Officer David John Passmore; Chief Petty Officer Steven David Paterson CSM; Commander Liza Jane Stephenson RAN

Army: Major David Graeme Brown CSM; Warrant Officer Class One Glen Andrew Donaldson; Warrant Officer Class Two Tommy Munyarryun

Air Force: Sergeant Justin Luke Kurban; Flight Sergeant Grant William Reibel,

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL (DSM)

Army: Lieutenant Colonel M

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE CROSS (CSC)

Navy: Petty Officer Gillian Louise Bryant; Commander Claire Elizabeth Jones RAN; Commander Nathan Wyllie Lockhart RAN; Commodore Gustaaf Henri Nord-Thomson RAN;

Army: Brigadier Mark Norman Armstrong; Lieutenant Colonel Alana Burkitt; Lieutenant Colonel Gwenda Margo Caspersonn; Colonel John Angus Dougall; Lieutenant Colonel David James Evans; Brigadier G; Colonel Michael James King; Brigadier Robert Barton Lording CSM; Colonel Rodney Waldemar Petersen; Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan David Pollard; Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Lytton Watson

Air Force: Warrant Officer Paul Ernest Argus; Wing Commander David Norman Bell; Wing Commander Brett Andrew Clarke; Group Captain Daniel Christopher Drinan; Wing Commander Andrew Michael Jackson OAM; Squadron Leader Malith Jayasinghe; Warrant Officer Martin James Miller; Air Commodore Scott Matthew Parry AM; Warrant Officer Melinda Jane Skinner

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE MEDAL (CSM)

Navy: Lieutenant Commander Simon Craig Abley RAN; Chief Petty Officer Dennis Andrew Anning; Warrant Officer Jessica Amy Buley; Lieutenant Commander Michael Copland RAN; Captain Roger Fonhof RAN; Lieutenant Commander Mark Gallagher RAN; Petty Officer Keigan James Gunther; Warrant Officer Steven Alexander Mcconnachie; Lieutenant Matthew Alex Parritt RAN; Commander Peter Dennis Shirley RAN; Warrant Officer Cheryl Valerie Young

Army: Captain Jackson Harris Cail; Warrant Officer Class One Damien Mark Cheung; Warrant Officer Class One Steven Owen Davies; Bombardier Adam James Davies-Moore; Warrant Officer Class One Nigel Roy Dobson; Warrant Officer Class Two David Robert Elliott; Captain Nicholas Paul Goldsworthy; Warrant Officer Class One Shawn Glenn Goodbody; Signaller Thomas Anthony Grayham; Warrant Officer Class One Megan Jennifer Griffiths; Colonel Alison Kim Kaine; Warrant Officer Class Two Benjamin James Kilgour; Major Benjamin Kreis; Major L; Lieutenant Colonel James Thomas Pidgeon; Lieutenant Colonel Meng Wang; Warrant Officer Class One Sean Heinz Weber; Major Sally Williamson

Air Force: Chaplain (Wing Commander) Lindsay Brian Carey; Wing Commander Denis Brian French; Corporal Matthew Palmer; Corporal Jack Clifford Simpson; Squadron Leader Melissa Jane Vreugdenburg

ED: I sure you’ll join me in congratulating each and every one on being recognised for their individual awards.

You might find the attached January 1972 US press item interesting:

“Jade Warriors – Aussies Leaving But Legend Stays”.

The US journalist has apparently “misheard” Australian troops – i.e. thinking their reference to the “dark green jungle”- as “the J”, was “the Jade”!

Other comments on the Australian military involvement are also interesting e.g.: Australians were unlikely to leave a “permanent mark” despite their “victories”; Australians “paid their way” and their image was not “tainted” – unlike other non-US Free World Forces; Vietnamese bar girls taunted Australian soldiers as “cheap charlies” because of their “thriftiness”; and “the Aussies were untouched by the US drug sub-culture … the potent Australian beer was a substitute used by many.”

Regards, Ernie Chamberlain