(By Ken Lockyer, an Australian serving in the USAAF 322 Carrier Wing in 1945 in PNG).

It’s not often that the troops want to thank the airmen who are dropping bombs on them, but this certainly happened in New Guinea during World War II. It helped that the ‘bombs’ were parcels of newspapers and ice cream destined to cheer up the men fighting in the steaming jungles below. But what a morale booster it was to have this aerial bombardment arrive just when you were cursing the elements and the war in general.

Captain Ken Lockyer, Wireless Operator Gunner (WAG) Jimmy Packer, and Flying Officer Ted Staal were regulars on the ‘courier run’ from Australia to New Guinea and the Pacific islands, officially carrying General MacArthur’s commands to the Allied forces. They flew come rain, come shine, and never missed a flight regardless of the conditions or weather, according to Mrs Anne Lockyer.

In spite of opposition from the Americans, it was their idea to deliver to the men in the field ice cream, cake, and newspapers, she added. “My husband went to Mr Christopherson, of Peter’s Ice Cream in Brisbane, who was happy to give him as much ice cream as the aircraft could carry to deliver to ‘the boys’ on a regular basis,” Mrs Lockyer said.

Their efforts were well and truly welcomed by the troops, several of whom wrote to the RAAF trio to thank them for the drops. Sapper Ken Izzard was typical of the writers.

“Dear Ken, Fred & Jim,

Just a few lines to let you know that the bombing you had done on the morning of 28-2-45 using ice cream as bombs was very accurate indeed,” he wrote.

“Two of the boys and myself were doing a bit of a hike in the mud and heat, cursing the world in general and the bloody Nips in particular for making us come up to this steaming hell. After the cursing, we tried to cool things down by telling one another how a nice long draught of frosty beer or something cold would go.

I think you must have heard us, for about five minutes after, we heard the familiar roar of engines and made a concerted dash for a clearing, hoping to be on the receiving end of a good old Aussie paper. Just as we made the clearing, we looked up in time to see a parcel leave the door, and it landed about 15 feet [4.5 metres] in front of us. Needless to say, it was a matter of seconds before the paper was torn off, and there, looking us dead in the eye, were six great blocks of ice cream.

For a minute, we just stood and gaped, but I must admit it was a short minute. We then promptly called smoko, and with the aid of some Infantry boys, soon made a mess of the ice cream—and believe me, it was very nice and in good shape on landing.

I’d like you to thank Mr Christopherson for his kindness in passing bricks along for you to drop onto the boys. Believe me when I say that the boys appreciate greatly the job you do between you, and again when I say that your plane is the most popular on the island and is waited on by all the boys in hopes that they may get a paper.

You say that you’re sorry that you can’t get enough papers to go round. Well, I can honestly say that the boys understand that your supply is limited and appreciate your kind deeds to the full extent. You tell us to give the Japs hell. Well, the boys are doing just that, and with no beg pardons. The Japs are doing a bit of running but get caught up with fairly often. The RAAF have been having some good shooting, and they work in well with the boys and give them great support.

We may go crook at them later if we have to fill in any of the craters they made. Maybe I’ll run into you when you have a new strip. I certainly would like to meet up with the three of you and thank you personally for the grand job you are doing for and with the boys.

Well, I guess I’ve bored your ears quite enough, so I’ll finish this dribble, sending my regards and good flying to you all, and thanks once again.

Yours faithfully,
Ken Izzard.”

Ken Lockyer and Jimmy Packer died within days of each other in February 2000. Ted Staal was chairman of Emerald Shire Council for many years until he retired.

Ted Staal recalled his days flying in New Guinea with some nostalgia. “My flying time with these two quite outstanding men is still very vivid in my memory,” he said. “I clocked up nearly 1,000 hours in my time flying together with them. The conditions were sometimes appalling, both in climate and a geographical sense, cyclones being reasonably common, both to fly into—and hopefully out!”

In a recent letter to Mrs Lockyer, Ted Staal wrote: “Ken was our captain and a top man indeed. In essence, actually, rank was of no consequence. We were just a team of brothers.”

ED: This story was copied from the Tweed Heads-Coolangatta RSL Sub Branch Newsletter

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN, proudly invites all Australians to take part in Navy Week 2025, running from 3 to 9 March. This annual celebration provides a unique opportunity for the public to engage with the men and women of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and gain insight into the Navy’s vital role in safeguarding Australia’s security and economic prosperity.

Vice Admiral Hammond said: “It’s an honour to open Navy Week and see our people who serve, their families, and the broader Australian community come together to celebrate and recognise the crucial role Navy plays in protecting our nation’s economic prosperity and the Australian way of life. Navy Week 2025 recognises the significant investment in the size and lethality of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet. Last year, Navy achieved three successful test firings of new missile capabilities in one year—the Naval Strike Missile, the Standard Missile-6, and the Tomahawk cruise missile.

“Our people are our greatest asset. Dedicated, trained, extraordinary Australians committed to Navy’s role are our competitive edge. Without our people and the support of their families, none of our work would be possible.”

Celebrating the Future of the Navy

This year’s Navy Week theme, Future of the Navy, highlights the investment in a larger and more powerful surface combatant fleet, complemented by a future fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. As the Navy continues to evolve, these advancements ensure Australia’s maritime forces remain ready to meet future challenges.

Navy Week will feature a variety of events, including ceremonial sunsets, base open days, and community engagement activities across major cities and regional areas. These events offer Australians a chance to connect with Navy personnel, witness naval traditions, and better understand how the RAN operates on, under, and above the sea.

Get Involved

Navy Week is an opportunity to celebrate the dedication of Navy personnel and their families while showcasing the cutting-edge capabilities that will shape the future of the RAN. The Royal Australian Navy invites all Australians to take part in the festivities and experience Navy Week 2025 firsthand.

For a full list of Navy Week events and activities, visit navy.gov.au.

By APDR

Veterans who served as firefighters at RAAF Base Point Cook between 1 January 1957 and 31 December 1986 are being urged to investigate their eligibility for the ADF Firefighters Scheme. To date, some 268 of DVA’s clients have an accepted eligibility under the scheme, an initiative launched by the Australian Government in 2021.

The Air Force Association (AFA) is encouraging former ADF members who served as ADF Firefighters to determine if they qualify for health care and compensation benefits designed to address service-related challenges.

Deanna Nott, National Vice President and Director of Communications for AFA, highlighted the scheme’s importance, crediting former AFA President Carl Schiller OAM CSM for convincing the Government to agree to its creation.  “A significant part of what Carl achieved for veterans from the three Services was getting this scheme established,” said Nott.

The program targets ADF Firefighters who may have been exposed to risks during their service at Point Cook, offering health care and compensation support. As of 10 February 2025, 161 of the 268 eligible veterans have lodged claims for compensation, a notable number for this specialised group but others may be eligible for health care and compensation. The scheme provides access to fully funded health screenings for conditions like colorectal cancer and melanoma, alongside compensation options for a range of prescribed health issues. For those who qualify, the process is simplified – veterans don’t need to prove every detail of causation and previously rejected claims can be resubmitted for review.

Nott emphasised the need to reach more veterans. “We want to ensure everyone who’s eligible knows what’s available,” she said.

The AFA, which supports serving and former aviators and their families through advocacy, connection and community, is actively working to raise awareness. If you served as an ADF firefighter at Point Cook between 1957 and 1986, it’s worth exploring your eligibility. Contact the DVA at 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or check their website for details at https://www.dva.gov.au/get-support/financial-support/compensation-claims/claims-if-you-were-injured-1-july-2004/australian-defence-force-adf-firefighter-scheme.

The F-35 Lightning II has reached a major milestone, surpassing one million flight hours across its global fleet. With over 1,100 aircraft in service across 16 military organizations, these hours include training, operational missions, and combat sorties.

This achievement reflects not only the aircraft’s reliability but also the extensive support network required to maintain its readiness. Thousands of personnel in logistics, maintenance, and operations ensure the fleet remains mission-capable around the clock.

The F-35 program began in 1997 as part of the Joint Strike Fighter initiative, designed to create a versatile, multi-role aircraft. A competitive process led to the selection of the X-35, which evolved into three variants: the conventional take off and landing F-35A, the short take off and vertical landing F-35B, and the carrier-capable F-35C.

In 2001, a contract was awarded for full-scale development, and by 2006, the first production prototype was ready. Since then, the aircraft has exceeded performance expectations, achieving operational status in multiple countries.

Currently, 20 nations have incorporated the F-35 into their defence strategies. The fleet operates from 48 bases worldwide, including land-based and naval deployments. More than 2,790 pilots and 17,690 maintenance personnel support its growing operations.

Despite rapid expansion, the aircraft maintains a low accident rate—around 1.5 mishaps per 100,000 flight hours—lower than older fighter platforms.

With ongoing advancements and expanding roles, the F-35 continues to be the most advanced multirole fighter in service, ensuring air superiority for years to come.

A second nurse has been charged over a disturbing antisemitic video in which threats were allegedly made to harm Jewish patients at a south-west Sydney hospital. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with Australians calling for the maximum legal penalties to deter any further attacks of this nature.

Former Bankstown Hospital nurses Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 26, and Ahmad ‘Rashad’ Nadir, 27, were filmed in a shocking video that was widely circulated online after being shared by an Israel-based content creator. The video, which went viral, has been denounced as deeply offensive and dangerous.

Ahmad ‘Rashad’ Nadir was formally charged with a Commonwealth offence for using a carriage service to menace, harass, offend, or threaten. In addition, authorities discovered a prohibited drug inside his locker at Bankstown Hospital, leading to further charges.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb expressed gratitude to Strike Force Pearl detectives for their relentless efforts in combating antisemitic crimes. “There is a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work going into these investigations. Detectives have faced significant challenges, including immense public expectation, but they remain committed to bringing these individuals to justice,” she stated.

This development follows last week’s charges against Sarah Abu Lebdeh, who is facing three Commonwealth offences in connection to the same video. Authorities were initially unable to question Nadir due to his hospitalisation for mental health concerns, but charges have now been laid despite these delays.

The investigation has been complex, as key witnesses, including the content creator who recorded the video, are based in Israel. The video was captured on Chatruletka, an online chat platform, further complicating the legal process.

The nurses, whose registrations were suspended immediately after the incident, have since issued apologies, initially dismissing their comments as a “joke.” However, the severity of their statements has led to widespread outrage, with many Australians demanding strict penalties to prevent similar acts of hatred in the future.

The public has overwhelmingly condemned the video, insisting that such antisemitic rhetoric has no place in Australia. Many believe that only the harshest punishment will send a clear message that threats against any community will not be tolerated. The case is expected to proceed through the legal system with intense scrutiny as authorities work to ensure accountability and justice.