Brigadier Brett Chaloner, who commands the Army’s 13th Brigade, says we need to “prepare for the worse, hope for the best.”
I have been advised by Ross Eastgate of the death of Norm Goldspink on the 9th of January.
Norm died aged 96 in Canberra.
His wife Lois predeceased him and he is survived by his children and grandchildren, and thousands of fellow soldiers who remain ever grateful for having been privileged to have known and served with him.
Ross Eastgate has published an obituary in his column in the Townsville Bulletin, I will post it to Frontline Sunday morning.
Funeral details:
The funeral service for Norm will be held in the Chapel of Norwood Park Crematorium, Sandford Street Mitchell ACT on Thursday, 18th January 24, commencing at 3:00pm.
Please contact the Funeral Directors, William Cole Funerals for the livestream details on Canberra 6253 3655
LEST WE FORGET
The Australian Infantry Obstacle Course poses the question: will it beat you? Army physical training, especially infantry training worldwide, utilizes the obstacle course as a test of toughness, leadership, and teamwork for the simple reason that it works. You will go from a standing start to exhaustion in moments, and you will then spend the next however long feeling like you are in the last minute of a crucial football game. Knowing that if your section does not perform, you are doing it again. Infantry training doesn’t care about your feelings; it is designed to identify breaking points and test weaknesses of both body and mind. It aims to see who emerges as a leader under pressure, getting the team going, or the character that turns inward, becoming selfish and the weak link.
There is no hiding on the Infantry Obstacle Course at the School of Infantry. You will be watched the whole time, and you must succeed at every single hurdle, or you and the section will fail. You will be wet and weighed down with the equipment you wear into battle. This is the ultimate CrossFit test, and the secret ingredients are muscular endurance, mental and physical toughness, and mateship.
The Infantry Obstacle Course will expose weaknesses in men, and if you are only Kapooka fit, you will fail this course. Then, good luck looking your team in the eye when they get told to get ready to go through it again. You are tested as a section, not just as an individual, and we don’t care about your feelings. Every infantry soldier has done this before; now it’s your turn to prevail or fail. What you do to prepare determines your ability to pass.
Duty First
Analysis by Brad Lendon, CNN
4 minute read
Updated 2:00 AM EST, Fri January 12, 2024
After repeated warnings, United States and British forces have followed through on threats to retaliate against Iran-backed Houthi rebels for their attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.
Under the cover of darkness they launched missiles and bombs on targets in Yemen from air and sea overnight Friday. Here’s what we know about the weapons and military hardware employed by the US and the UK.
CLICK LINK to continue reading on CNN site
What kind of weapons are the US and UK using to strike the Houthis? | CNN
We have been advised by E ‘Dutchly’ Lensing that:
214273 Kenneth Stanley STEVEN, Later nicknamed “Sarge”, formerly of B Coy 4 RAR serving with them in Malaya / Sarawak.
Ken was born on 27 May 1943 and passed away after a long illness on 8 Jan 2024. A private service has been held.
He served with 1 ARU / 9 RAR in 1968 /69 in SVN as a Corporal. He leaves behind his wife, Heather.
Condolences can be sent to:-
Mrs Heather Steven,
36 Edith St,
Howard. Qld 4659
Lest We Forget.
Sincerely
Wendy M McLean J.P.(Qual) LM
Secretary/Membership Officer
4RAR Association Qld. Inc.’
The B-17 Flying Fortress, hailed as a potential war-winning weapon, faced a harsh reality by the end of 1943. The American 8th Air Force, heavily relying on these iconic bombers, found themselves teetering on the edge of operational collapse. The menacing combination of German anti-aircraft flak and agile fighter planes systematically shot down B-17s in alarming numbers, forcing a reckoning with the impracticalities of existing strategic bombing doctrines.
As the aerial warfare landscape became increasingly perilous, the United States recognized the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul in leadership, tactics, and technology. In a mere year, the 8th Air Force underwent a remarkable transformation, emerging as masters of the skies over Europe and dealing a decisive blow to the formidable German Luftwaffe.
The catalyst for this turnaround was a multifaceted approach. Firstly, leadership underwent a strategic shift, with seasoned commanders implementing innovative and adaptive tactics. This change in mindset was crucial, as it allowed for a departure from predictable flight patterns that had previously made the B-17s vulnerable to German defences.
Tactical evolution played a pivotal role in the 8th Air Force’s resurgence. Pilots and crew members embraced new formations and defensive manoeuvres, enhancing the survivability of their missions. The adoption of tighter formations, such as the famous “combat box,” maximized the firepower of the B-17s while minimizing their vulnerability to enemy attacks.
Technological advancements also played a crucial role in turning the tide. The introduction of long-range fighter escorts, most notably the P-51 Mustang, provided the B-17s with much-needed protection deep into enemy territory. The extended range of these fighters allowed them to accompany the bombers throughout their entire mission, ensuring a continuous shield against marauding German fighters.
Additionally, improvements in radar technology and the development of electronic countermeasures allowed the 8th Air Force to gain a significant edge in the electronic warfare domain. This denied the Luftwaffe the element of surprise and enabled American bombers to navigate through hostile territory with greater precision.
In essence, the triumphant turnaround of the 8th Air Force can be attributed to a holistic approach that encompassed leadership adaptability, tactical innovation, and technological superiority. This transformation not only safeguarded the B-17s but also paved the way for a strategic dominance that played a pivotal role in the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany. This video explores the intricacies of these changes, shedding light on a crucial chapter in the history of aerial warfare during World War II.
Today we look at a vehicle which has not seen the light of day since the 1960s. With the help of @armouredarchives8867 we uncover the lost story of Britain’s quest to build an indestructible mine sweeping vehicle known as the M.R.V. Using original archive documents we learn both how it would have been build and ultimately why it failed.
The U.S. Army employs howitzers for precision indirect fire, rocket systems like MLRS for long-range strikes, and mortars for close support. These artillery systems engage enemy positions and provide critical fire support to troops in various operational scenarios. And today we want to show you the 10 best howitzers, rocket systems and mortars in US Army.
The United States and the United Kingdom conducted airstrikes against sites affiliated with the Houthi movement in Yemen. This marks the first such action since the Iran-backed group-initiated attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea late last year. Witnesses in Yemen reported explosions across the country. President Joe Biden warned in a statement on Thursday that further actions could be taken if necessary. Biden emphasized that these targeted strikes convey a strong message against attacks on personnel and threats to freedom of navigation. The UK Ministry of Defence stated that early indications suggest a setback to the Houthis’ capability to endanger merchant shipping. The ongoing strikes represent a significant escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East since it began in October. According to a U.S. official, the strikes involve aircraft, ships, and submarines, targeting over a dozen locations with the aim of diminishing Houthi military capabilities rather than being merely symbolic.