By Neil Andrew

I spoke to you in whispers

As shells made the ground beneath us quake

We both trembled in that crater

A toxic muddy bloody lake

I spoke to you and pulled your ears

To try and quell your fearful eye

As bullets whizzed through the raindrops

And we watched the men around us die

I spoke to you in stable tones

A quiet tranquil voice

At least I volunteered to fight

You didn’t get to make the choice

I spoke to you of old times

Perhaps you went before the plough

And pulled the haycart from the meadow

Far from where we’re dying now

I spoke to you of grooming

Of when the ploughman made you shine

Not the shrapnel wounds and bleeding flanks

Mane filled with mud and wire and grime

I spoke to you of courage

As gas filled the Flanders air

Watched you struggle in the mud

Harness acting like a snare

I spoke to you of peaceful fields

Grazing beneath a setting sun

Time to rest your torn and tired body

Your working day is done

I spoke to you of promises

If from this maelstrom I survive

By pen and prose and poetry

I’ll keep your sacrifice alive

I spoke to you of legacy

For when this hellish time is through

All those who hauled or charged or carried

Will be regarded heroes too

I spoke to you in dulcet tones

Your eye told me you understood

As I squeezed my trigger to bring you peace

The only way I could

And I spoke to you in whispers……

From: Alarna Vrieling <[email protected]>

Good morning.

My name is Alarna Vrieling and I am an independent solo researcher.

My dad, 2785574 Arne Vrieling is a Vietnam Veteran he served with 7RAR 1967-68
I would be most grateful if you would help me advertise my study and recruit participants. Detail below.

Sincerely,
Alarna Vrieling [email protected]

CLICK LINK BELOW

2023 – Media Notice with logo

Picture: EOS R800 system with new CUAS Dazzler technology. Photo: Supplied.

Australian defence, space, and communication technology firm Electro Optic Systems unveiled a new laser countermeasure system at the Indo Pacific 2023 International Maritime Exposition. The non-ballistic laser Dazzler countermeasure, designed to counter unmanned aerial and seaborne threats, was demonstrated in conjunction with the company’s R800 remote weapon system at the Sydney expo.

The Dazzler system offers operators a flexible range of kinetic and non-kinetic response options against unmanned aerial and surface vessel threats. It is integrated with an R800 30mm cannon and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

Scott Hicks, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at EOS Defence Systems highlighted the EOS’s reputation as a trusted partner for accuracy and counter-drone capabilities, citing the success of the Slinger system. The Dazzler, he noted, builds on this experience, utilizing cutting-edge Australian-designed technology to expand non-lethal payload options. He emphasized that it reflects lessons learned from modern warfare, addressing the use of non-lethal effects in urban areas and EOS’s innovative approach to countering the growing employment of drones in various contemporary operating environments worldwide.

Designed and developed in Australia, the Dazzler is specifically tailored for export markets to tackle emerging unmanned aerial and surface vessel threats based on insights from recent conflicts, such as in Ukraine.

EOS recently signed a memorandum of understanding with New Zealand-based military technology distributor Cratos. The aim is to broaden the export market for remote weapon systems and enhance interoperability between the New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces. Hicks expressed pride in partnering with a sovereign New Zealand defence company, highlighting EOS’s commitment to equipping allied defence forces with lethal, adaptable, and versatile systems through continued innovation and partnerships.

Photo: A semi-circular wall in black granite embedded with flecks of natural gold listing the names, rank and home base of 645 men who lost their lives on the HMAS Sydney in 1941

The tragic sinking of HMAS Sydney in November 1941 sent shockwaves reverberating through Australia, etching its place as the most significant loss of life in the country’s naval history. Prior to this fateful event, HMAS Sydney had garnered national acclaim for its victorious return from the Mediterranean, where it had dealt a decisive blow to the Italian cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni near Crete in 1940. The ship and its crew were hailed as the ‘toast of the country,’ providing a much-needed morale boost to the Australian public in the early stages of World War II.

The ill-fated encounter occurred on November 19, 1941, off the West Australian coast when HMAS Sydney engaged the German raider Kormoran. The Kormoran, disguised as the Dutch freighter Straat Malakaa, cunningly lured the technologically superior Sydney into the range of its formidable guns and torpedoes. The ensuing battle left both ships critically damaged, and they ultimately sank in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. The tragic outcome claimed the lives of all 645 men on board HMAS Sydney, leaving no survivors.

The first earnest attempts to locate the Sydney were initiated on November 24 when the ship failed to return to port as scheduled. On that same evening, a British tanker crew reported rescuing 25 German seamen from a raft, providing the first clues to the encounter’s grim aftermath. Subsequent searches revealed 315 more survivors from Kormoran’s crew, shedding light on the magnitude of the maritime catastrophe.

For 67 years, the location of HMAS Sydney remained a mystery until its discovery in 2008, resting 2,468 meters below the ocean surface and approximately 20 kilometres from the wreckage of the Kormoran. The revelation of the site brought closure but also intensified the solemnity of the tragedy for the people of Australia, particularly the families of the victims.

The impact of the loss of HMAS Sydney extended beyond the immediate aftermath, as the circumstances surrounding its demise remained shrouded in mystery. People had to rely on the accounts of Kormoran’s survivors to piece together the events leading to the ship’s sinking.

One poignant story emerged from the tragedy—the tale of ‘the Unknown Sailor.’ It is believed that only one Australian sailor managed to reach a life raft during the sinking. Despite surviving the battle, he met a tragic end at sea. For 80 years, he remained nameless, remembered only as ‘the Unknown Sailor.’ However, on the anniversary of the sinking, it was revealed that new DNA evidence had conclusively identified him as Able Seaman Thomas Welsby Clark from New Farm in Brisbane.

In a move to honour all those who lost their lives on HMAS Sydney (II), the Office of Australian War Graves announced that next year, on the anniversary of his identification, Tom’s grave in Geraldton War Cemetery will be marked by a new headstone bearing his name. This marks a significant step in ensuring that the sacrifices of those aboard HMAS Sydney are remembered and commemorated appropriately.

As the nation reflects on the anniversary of the Sydney’s loss, it serves as a solemn occasion to remember the victims of this tragedy and pay tribute to all Australian servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. The sinking of HMAS Sydney remains a poignant chapter in Australia’s naval history, a testament to the profound impact of war on individuals, families, and the collective memory of a nation.

The Battle of Berlin, a crucial chapter in the air war over Europe during World War II, marked the culmination of the Royal Air Force’s Bomber Command’s strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany. This intensive campaign aimed to weaken German industry, disrupt transportation, and lower civilian morale. Australians played a significant role in this conflict, with their pilots contributing to the arduous and perilous missions conducted by Bomber Command.

The Battle of the Ruhr and the Battle of Hamburg had set the stage for the RAF’s strategic bombing campaign. The Ruhr Valley, Germany’s industrial powerhouse, and Hamburg, a key port city, were strategic targets due to their economic and military significance. The focus then shifted to the German capital, Berlin, during the Battle of Berlin, which lasted from November 1943 to March 1944.

The Battle of Berlin was distinct for its duration and intensity, involving 16 massed bombing attacks on the German capital. Bomber Command’s objective was to cripple Berlin’s infrastructure, industrial capabilities, and erode the morale of the German population. The campaign, however, proved to be incredibly challenging and costly for the Allies.

The involvement of Australian pilots in the Battle of Berlin was substantial. These aviators, part of the larger British Commonwealth, flew alongside their British counterparts in the iconic Lancaster, Halifax, and other heavy bombers. The harsh conditions and constant threat of enemy fighters and anti-aircraft fire made these missions perilous. Many Australian pilots displayed exemplary courage and skill, contributing significantly to the overall effort.

Despite the strategic importance of the Battle of Berlin, it exacted a heavy toll on the RAF. Arthur “Bomber” Harris, the head of Bomber Command, initially predicted the loss of 400 to 500 aircraft. However, the actual losses surpassed these estimates. Over 1,000 aircraft and 7,000 aircrew members were lost during the Battle of Berlin, highlighting the formidable challenges faced by bomber aircrews.

Australian pilots were not exempt from the perils of the Battle of Berlin. Several of them were shot down over enemy territory, facing the grim realities of captivity or loss of life. Their sacrifice and bravery, however, were integral to the broader Allied strategy to weaken the German war machine.

Arthur Harris, despite the high losses, remained steadfast in his belief that the Battle of Berlin would be a decisive blow against Germany. The heavy toll on German industry and morale, he argued, would ultimately contribute to the Allied victory. The Battle of Berlin, along with the entire strategic bombing campaign, played a role in disrupting German war production and diverting resources from other fronts.

Throughout the entirety of World War II, bomber aircrews, including Australians, bore a disproportionate share of casualties and received more decorations per capita than any other element of the Allied military forces. Their dedication and sacrifice underscored the challenges and importance of strategic bombing in the overall Allied war effort. The Battle of Berlin stands as a testament to the courage of these aircrews and their significant contribution to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.

The best way to book transport to a DVA-approved medical appointment is via DVA’s online portal MyService.

You may be eligible to book transport if you’re over 80 and have a DVA Gold Card, or if you meet certain criteria outlined on the ‘Arrange for a taxi or hire car’ page of the DVA website.

We recommend that you watch the following video that walks you through the process:

It explains that you need to sign in to myGov to access your MyService account. You’ll then need to provide your pick-up address and destination address as well as the date and time of your appointment. You’ll also need to provide details about your provider, the primary condition being treated and the kind of appointment it is. You can even provide special instructions to the driver.

Once you’ve submitted the request, you can go back and edit or cancel it if necessary.

The businessman has spent several years and hundreds of millions of dollars for the best SpaceX engineers to create a new generation of aircraft! It can reach a hypersonic speed of 4,600 miles per hour with minimal fuel consumption, thanks to a unique engine that was previously used only in space shuttles! The aircraft is armed with one of the strongest microwave systems that can affect both equipment and people! The fighter has an advanced camouflage that hides it from radar and sight so much that it can easily be confused with a cloud, and it also has one very interesting feature ….?

Hello Everyone,

I’ve taken the time to read through all the thoughtful messages, emails, and texts I received during my time in and out of the hospital. It’s impossible for me to individually thank each one of you, but please accept this heartfelt appreciation. Your kindness has truly made me feel special and humble.

On the health front, I’m doing well with no pain, diligently following the doctors’ orders. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have Julie by my side, caring for me with such love and attentiveness. Who knows, I just might keep her for another 55 years!

Once again, thank you all for your wonderful and caring mateship.

Best regards,

Ray

THERE are two distinguishing features of the bronze memorial panels lining the Hall of Memory walls of Australia’s War Memorial.

Firstly, all those listed are equal in death, listed neither by age, rank, race, creed, gender or sexual preference, just surname and initials, ranked only in alphabetical order by unit.

The second is the proliferation of red paper poppies, the symbol of sacrifice in most Commonwealth countries after the poem, ‘In Flanders Fields’ by Canadian medical officer and Boer War veteran John McCrae who would himself succumb during the war, aged 45, to pneumonia.

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