Hi All,
Ray (Dad) is currently in hospital unfortunately. He is doing well but will be off-line for a little while.
Glenn
In the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age, where information flows freely but often without direction or purpose, there stand entities that focus on bridging the gap between need and provision. Frontline is one such beacon, guiding Australian veterans, ex-service members, and active personnel through a quagmire of information, offering clarity and precision.
Yet, every beacon needs a source of light. For Frontline, that luminosity comes from the unwavering support of its donors.
It’s not just about financial contributions. It’s about believing in a cause. It’s about understanding the value of genuine, relevant, and timely information for our diggers, both on and off the battlefield. It’s about being a part of a larger mission – a mission that has, since 2001, been committed to ensuring that no member of our brave community feels lost in the vast expanse of the digital realm.
Each donation we receive is a testament to trust. Trust in our vision, our commitment, and our relentless pursuit of excellence. And it’s only right that such trust is recognised and celebrated.
Today, we’re honoured to present to you our dedicated page that showcases these pillars of strength. We invite you to visit Frontline’s Honour Roll – a space where gratitude meets action. Here, we’ve listed the names of our supporters, those individuals and entities that have chosen to stand with us, shoulder to shoulder, as we march forward.
To our donors: Your belief fuels our journey. Your trust shapes our path. And your support ensures that Frontline remains robust, reliable, and ever-resilient. From the depth of our hearts, we thank you. It’s backers like you who remind us daily of the worthiness of our mission and the importance of our duty.
As we continue to serve, know that your contributions are not just logged entries in our accounts. They are cherished reminders of a community that cares, believes, and supports.
Together, we forge ahead. And together, we ensure that Frontline remains ever bright.
30th October marks a significant date in world history. On this day in 1918, an armistice was signed with Turkey, effectively ending its participation in the First World War. This cessation of hostilities played a crucial role in determining the war’s outcome and reshaping the Middle East in the post-war period. Australian troops, who made substantial contributions during the conflict, especially against the Ottoman Empire, were instrumental in many of these campaigns, notably in Gallipoli and Sinai-Palestine.
Background: The First World War, which spanned from 1914 to 1918, saw the world’s major powers pitted against each other. The Central Powers, including Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria, were up against the Allies, mainly comprising Britain, France, Russia, and later the United States. The Ottoman Empire, once an expansive and dominant power, had been in decline and saw the war as an opportunity to rejuvenate its territorial prowess.
Australia’s Role: As part of the British Empire, Australia was automatically drawn into the war when Britain declared war on Germany in 1914. Australian forces were quickly deployed to different fronts, but their role in the Middle Eastern campaigns against the Ottomans was particularly pronounced.
Gallipoli: In 1915, Australian and New Zealand forces, collectively known as the ANZACs, were central to the Gallipoli campaign, an attempt to capture the Dardanelles strait and Constantinople. The campaign proved disastrous, with heavy casualties on both sides. Despite the failure to achieve its military objectives, Gallipoli forged a sense of national identity for Australia and New Zealand, marking the birth of the ANZAC spirit, which represents courage, mateship, and sacrifice.
Sinai-Palestine: Following the Gallipoli withdrawal, the Australian troops were re-deployed to the Sinai and Palestine front. Here, they fought a series of battles against the Ottoman forces, ultimately leading to the capture of Jerusalem and the eventual defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the region. The mounted troops, including the Australian Light Horse Brigade, played a particularly significant role in these campaigns.
The Armistice with Turkey: By late 1918, the war had taken a heavy toll on the Ottoman Empire, both in terms of human casualties and economic strain. Recognizing the inevitable, the Ottoman leadership sought an armistice. On 30th October 1918, the Armistice of Mudros was signed between the Allies and the Ottoman Empire aboard the HMS Agamemnon, effectively ending Turkey’s involvement in the war. This paved the way for the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920, which would further delineate the boundaries in the Middle East.
The signing of the armistice with Turkey on 30th October 1918 marked not only the end of the Ottoman Empire’s involvement in the First World War but also the beginning of the modern Middle East. The valor and sacrifice of Australian troops in the Middle Eastern campaigns played a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of these battles and remain a testament to the ANZAC spirit.
The AUKUS project, priced at $368 billion, is under scrutiny as former foreign affairs minister Alexander Downer predicts the future federal government might forgo local submarine construction due to high costs. Downer suggests that Australia could eventually purchase submarines from overseas, asserting that it would be 30% to 40% cheaper to have them built in the UK or US.
Countering this, SA premier Peter Malinauskas stresses the importance of Australia having the capability to build these submarines for national security, highlighting challenges in sourcing enough nuclear submarines from external sellers. Malinauskas critiques Downer’s stance, finding it inconsistent given Downer’s experience.
Downer further questioned the economic feasibility of building submarines in Adelaide and raised concerns about the unresolved issue of nuclear waste storage.
The current AUKUS terms have Australia receiving three Virginia-class submarines from the US while planning to construct up to eight nuclear-powered submarines domestically.
In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a government.
John Adams
Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of government. But then I repeat myself.
Mark Twain
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
Winston Churchill
A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
George Bernard Shaw
Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries.
Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University
Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.
P.J. O’Rourke, Civil Libertarian
Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavours to live at the expense of everybody else.
Frederic Bastiat, French economist (1801-1850)
I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.
Will Rogers
If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it’s free!
P.J. O’Rourke
In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other.
Voltaire (1764)
Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you!
Pericles (430 B.C.)
No man’s life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session.
Mark Twain (1866)
Talk is cheap…except when government does it.
Anonymous
The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.
Mark Twain
What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.
Edward Langley, Artist (1928-1995)
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
Thomas Jefferson
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
Aesop
In a groundbreaking move, Lieutenant Colonel Boniface Aruma from Papua New Guinea’s Defence Force (PNGDF) will take up the position as deputy commander of the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade in Townsville next year. This appointment marks the first instance of a foreign military officer achieving such a significant role in the Australian Army.
Lieutenant Colonel Aruma, with a service record spanning 27 years in the PNG army, voiced his enthusiasm, stating, “This is a monumental step for us as an organization. It represents the most senior position we’ve ever sent abroad.”
Having received his education in Australia, Aruma holds two master’s degrees from Deakin and the Australian National University in international relations and defence studies. He believes that both nations will see enhanced defence capabilities due to this collaboration. Aruma remarked on the shared values and aspirations of the two countries, emphasizing their mutual desire for a safe and secure Pacific region.
Speaking on the evolution of Australia-PNG relations, the outgoing deputy commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ken Golder, noted that this decision would cultivate a direct and genuine connection at the heart of the brigade’s leadership. This step further reinforces the already active exchange and training programs between the two forces.
While foreign officers serving in allied armies isn’t new, the involvement of Pacific neighbours in such roles is. There is value of this partnership, as it offers insights into PNGDF’s strategic, operational, and tactical planning. Moreover, it underscores the equality in the Australia-PNG relationship, distancing from any superior-subordinate dynamic.
Housed within the Imperial War Museums is a treasured artifact: a genuine, airworthy, combat-veteran Spitfire Mk 1. This remarkable aircraft is more than just a piece of history; it embodies the spirit of the British defence during World War II and stands as a testament to aviation engineering and innovation.
The initial design of the early Spitfires featured an armament of eight machine guns, all of which utilized the .303 rifle calibre machine gun round. This setup was formidable in its time and was a crucial part of the British air defences during the early days of the war.
However, the story of the Spitfire didn’t end with its initial design. As with many pieces of military hardware, the Spitfire underwent several modifications throughout its service. These were not just limited to performance tweaks like the addition of more powerful engines, but also significant enhancements in its firepower. Over time, the Spitfire’s armament evolved, incorporating larger weapons such as the 20mm cannon and the .5-inch machine gun.
The journey of the Spitfire’s armament development is intricate and multi-faceted. While these changes were essential to keep the aircraft competitive on the battlefield, they also sparked debates and discussions. Some of these debates remain unresolved and can be viewed as controversial even today. The decisions to modify the Spitfire’s armament weren’t taken lightly, and each change represents a balance between engineering challenges, strategic necessities, and tactical advantages.
To delve deeper into this captivating narrative, we’ve collaborated with an expert in the field. Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries will provide an in-depth exploration into the main weapons of the Spitfire. His insights promise to shed light on the intricate decisions behind the evolution of this iconic aircraft, offering enthusiasts and historians a detailed understanding of its armament transformation.
The global maritime balance is shifting, especially evident in the Indo-Pacific. Once dominant, the US Navy’s presence is tapering off, while China’s naval modernisation, particularly in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, indicates its readiness to use force to achieve its goals.
In defense, regional powers like India, Japan, and South Korea have initiated military modernisations and expansions. Their focus includes acquiring advanced naval platforms, such as aircraft carriers, fifth-generation fighters, hypersonic missiles, and submarines.
However, Australia’s defense readiness lags due to bureaucratic and political delays. With the US Navy’s declining presence and the rise of other superpowers, Australia’s naval capabilities need an overhaul. To protect interests in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia must significantly expand its naval strength.
US analyst, Peter Zeihan, suggests that the diminishing US Navy presence will lead to the end of globalisation. In the Persian Gulf, the decline of US naval deployments, initially to safeguard oil outflows to its allies, has been evident. This void is being filled by China, evident in their increasing interest in the Indian Ocean through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.
Australia’s AUKUS agreement, aiming for nuclear-powered submarines, is a step forward. However, with the evolving regional dynamics, a comprehensive revision of Australia’s defense planning is imperative. Adequate funding for the Indian and Pacific fleets is crucial.
In conclusion, the Indo-Pacific is emerging as the world’s central geopolitical hotspot. With countries like China, India, Pakistan, and Thailand vying for dominance, Australia must shift from a limited viewpoint to a broader strategic perspective. The nation needs to adopt a more substantial, independent role, meeting the challenges and opportunities of this evolving landscape.
If God wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates.
~Jay Leno~
The problem with political jokes is they get elected.
~Henry Cate, VII~
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office
~Aesop~
Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river.
~Nikita Khrushchev~
When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President; I’m beginning to believe it.
~Clarence Darrow~
Politicians are people who, when they see light at the end of the tunnel, go out and buy some more tunnel.
~John Quinton~
Why pay money to have your family tree traced; go into politics and your opponents will do it for you.
~Author unknown~
Politics is supposed to be the second-oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.
~Ronald Reagan~
Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other.
~Oscar Ameringer~
I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them.
~Adlai Stevenson, 1952~
A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country.
~ Tex Guinan~
Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.
~Doug Larson~
Sadly, this last one.
We’d all like to vote for the best man, but he’s never a candidate.