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As military operations intensify in the southern part of the region, there are reports suggesting that Israel is contemplating a strategy to incapacitate an extensive network of underground tunnels belonging to a terrorist group in Gaza. The plan involves flooding these tunnels with seawater, as revealed by two U.S. officials. Israel’s military, however, has chosen not to comment on this flooding tactic.

The underground tunnel system is a primary target for Israel, as it has been allegedly used by the Hamas terrorist group to hide hostages, weapons, and fighters, allowing them to move undetected across Gaza. The tunnels are reportedly extensive, spanning hundreds of miles and equipped with traps, also serving as hiding places for the group’s leaders.

Although Israel has not officially acknowledged the flooding plan, satellite imagery and IDF-released photos appear to depict the connection of pipes to the sea on Gaza’s beaches. Flooding the tunnels is technically feasible, given the soft sandstone composition of the area.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military’s efforts to encircle a specific location associated with the alleged mastermind behind a terrorist attack in Israel. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in eventually apprehending the individual, emphasizing the underground nature of the target.

Despite the potential effectiveness of the flooding tactic, there are concerns raised by residents and officials within Gaza. Leaflets distributed by the Israeli army, quoting a Quranic verse, have added to the anxiety among the population. Additionally, there are worries that the introduction of seawater could harm Gaza’s land, worsening an already critical humanitarian situation. The Palestinian Water Authority has warned of devastating effects on an underground aquifer, potentially making the region unviable. This raises concerns about the impact on the already limited food and water supply and the toll on the health of the population, with officials reporting thousands of casualties from weeks of Israeli attacks.

In the realm of modern U.S. presidents, Donald Trump stands as a polarizing figure, sparking either exuberant celebration or profound concern. His unexpected victory in 2016 marked a departure from the political norm, and he wasted no time establishing himself as the adversary of the mainstream media and traditional global alliances.

At the core of Trump’s appeal was his connection with the “forgotten Americans,” the working and middle class left behind by the forces of globalization. In his quest to “Make America Great Again,” he tapped into the sentiment that the post-Second World War order had failed these communities, promising a revival of Ronald Reagan’s era of economic prosperity.

Trump’s direct communication with the heartland of America, particularly in the Rust Belt and flyover states, resonated with those who felt overlooked. His commitment to end foreign wars and ensure that U.S. allies shared the burden garnered additional support from those tired of shouldering the costs in terms of “blood and treasure.”

The Trump administration’s transactional approach to foreign policy, coupled with the president’s bold and unapologetic style, raised concerns among the global policymaking establishment. Nations like Australia, traditionally reliant on U.S. strategic benevolence, faced the need to become self-sufficient.

Despite the initial shockwaves and apprehension following Trump’s first election, some positive aspects of his foreign policy. The administration provided weapons to Ukraine, brokered peace deals in the Middle East, and pushed European countries to increase defence spending.

The concern, revolves around the perception that a second Trump administration would be unbounded, marked by retribution, economic protectionism, and deals that are advantageous to the U.S.

A second Trump term could lead to shifts in U.S. commitments, such as potentially abandoning financial support in Europe and unsettling NATO. Others speculate on Trump’s unwavering support for Israel, possible deals with China’s president on Taiwan, and the broader tightening on global stability.

In the face of Trumps re-election, there’s a need to move beyond anguish and impose order on anxiety. The world has changed, and countries, particularly middle powers like Australia, must take more direct responsibility for their security and prosperity.

The reality is that the United States, in relative terms, is facing challenges and internal divisions. Whether under Trump or another leader, nations like Australia must adapt to a new global order, acknowledging the era of great power competition and multipolarity. Australia must prepare a transparent and collaborative approach between policymakers, elected officials, and the public to navigate this evolving landscape.

In essence, what is required is a nuanced understanding of Trump’s unconventional approach, acknowledging both positive and what we may see as negative outcomes. It encourages a pragmatic assessment of the changing global dynamics and emphasizes the need for countries to take charge of their destinies in an era of shifting power dynamics.

The Fluctus Channel uncoverS the stories that shape the resilient character of the men and women who call the depth of the sea their workplace, from routine operations and leisure to heavy-duty jobs.

Following the withdrawal of the ANZAC troops from the Gallipoli Peninsula, the doubling of the Australian Imperial Force in Egypt spawned the 105th Howitzer Battery on 8 March 1916. Less than five weeks later, the 105th was in action near Armentieres, France.

Becoming part of the 5th Australian Field Artillery Brigade (5 AFAB) in the artillery reorganisation of 11 May 1916 began a long association with this unit. The Battery served with distinction for the next three years from Passchendaele and Ypres in Belgium to Amiens and Villers Bretonneux in France, concluding its time at Thuin, Belgium after the Armistice. The unit was disbanded on 30 March 1919.

The 105th Howitzer Battery was reraised as part of 5 AFAB at Kelvin Grove, Brisbane in the Militia remodelling of 1921. It survived all the reorganisations between the wars and the hardships of the Great Depression and continued its camps and live firings at Fort Lytton, Cominya, Mt Walker and Caloundra. Mechanisation farewelled horses in 1939, and the Battery went on full time duty in 1940. Sadly, it was disbanded in the Second World War reorganisation which formed field regiments of artillery in December 1940.

Australia’s commitment to the British Commonwealth Far East Strategic Reserve led to the re-emergence of 105th Field Battery on 1 July 1955. It sailed for Malaya on 6 October 1955 to become the first unit of the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) to fire a shot in anger since World War 2. With its headquarters in Butterworth and gun troops in Perak and Kedah states, the Battery supported British, Malay and Australian battalions till its return to Australia in October 1957.

The 105th came under command of 1st then 4th Field Regiments till it was again called upon as the first RAA unit to serve—this time in the Vietnam War. Arriving on 28 September 1965, the Battery came under operational control of the 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep) US Army, served with the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) Group, and was awarded the US Meritorious Unit Commendation. Joining 1st Field Regiment RAA at Nui Dat in June 1966, it supported 6 RAR’s D Company at the Battle of Long Tan before returning to Australia in September.

The 105th Field Battery commenced its second tour in Vietnam on 4 February 1969 in support of 5 RAR. Though ‘home’ was at Nui Dat, in 12 months it built 31 fire support bases between Long Binh near Saigon and the south coast of Phuoc Tuy Province, fired over 76 000 rounds and returned home on 4 February 1970 without loss of life.

Since then the 105th has remained under the command of 1st Field Regiment RAA in Brisbane, witnessing the many changes of doctrine and reorganisations of peacetime soldiering. Australia’s entry into peacemaking in East Timor saw 47 members of the Battery on active service again, primarily in Civil Military Liaison Teams with 6 RAR. Second and third tours have now been completed.

The 105th became a medium battery equipped with 155-mm M198 Howitzers on 1 July 2005 with the new role of direct support to a motorised 6 RAR Group.

Subsequently, the 105th Medium Battery supported Australia’s commitment to Iraq by providing individual members on six-month detachments to the Security Detachment in Baghdad, and the Australian Army Training Team, up to the end of Australia’s commitment in July 2009.  Also in January 2009, the Battery was redesignated “105th Battery RAA” with removal of the ‘Medium’ on introduction of the M777 155mm Howitzer to the Battery.

In early 2009, a 105th Battery Troop of the 105th Battery RAA mobilised to join its British counterparts of 7 Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery for a six-month tour of Afghanistan where the Tiger Troop manned the British 105mm L118 Light Gun in operations in the Helmund Province.  The first Tiger round was fired on operations on 9 April 2009.  The final contingent of the 105th Battery Troop returned to Australia in April 2011.

Since 2011, several 105th Battery RAA Officers, NCOs, and gunners have been attached to units serving in training posts in Afghanistan, and Iraq.  In 2018 and into 2019, 105th Battery personnel were deployed in Iraq as ‘G’ (Golf) Company Task Training Unit.

105th Battery RAA remains equipped with M777 Howitzer guns, is supported by an extensive array of digital devices, and is a unit of 1st Regiment RAA based at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Brisbane Qld.

By Arthur Burke OAM (Dec’d), Honorary Historian, 105th Battery RAA
(updated) July 2020

The Air Force has decided to ground a portion of its C-27J Spartans after the discovery of structural cracking in these aircraft.

The manufacturer, Leonardo, issued an Alert Service Bulletin instructing operators, including Australia, as well as military forces in USA, Italy, Mexico, and other countries, to inspect for cracks near the attachment points of the horizontal and vertical stabilizers to the fuselage.

A spokesperson from the Defence department confirmed that the RAAF has initiated inspections on its C-27J fleet and found similar issues. Aircraft with cracking will be grounded until a thorough engineering assessment is conducted.

Leonardo, in a statement, assured that the problem is fixable and is not expected to significantly impact operations. The manufacturer has already identified a repair solution, which can be implemented by operators at customer premises without requiring significant effort.

Currently, Australia operates 10 Spartans through No. 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley. This squadron primarily focuses on peacetime operations, including search and rescue

Sweden, on the verge of joining NATO, recently inked a defence collaboration pact with the United States. This agreement grants the U.S. access to all military bases in Sweden, with the intent of enhancing regional security. The Swedish Defence Minister highlighted that the deal, formalized in Washington on Tuesday, is aimed at improving Sweden’s capacity to receive support from the U.S. in times of war or crisis.

While confirming that not all 17 locations will be utilized, the Minister clarified that the focus will be on strategically significant areas for storing defence equipment. The agreement was sealed at the Pentagon by the Swedish Defence Minister and the U.S. Defence Secretary, who emphasized that incorporating the capabilities of the Swedish armed forces into NATO will strengthen the alliance.

This accord follows a similar arrangement between the United States and NATO member Norway in 2021. Additionally, ongoing negotiations are in progress for comparable agreements with NATO members Finland and Denmark, both Nordic countries.

Sweden and Finland, departing from their long-standing non-alignment policy, opted to seek NATO membership in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year. Finland successfully joined NATO in April, but Sweden’s accession bid awaits formal approval from all existing alliance members. Turkey and Hungary remain the only NATO countries yet to endorse Sweden’s accession bid.

Attention 1RAR Group Veterans

My name is John Doorley, and I am reaching out with request to two Vietnam veterans who served with the 1RAR Group on Operation Hump on the 8th of November 1965. I have been asked to coordinate the 1RAR Group contingent to join with members of the 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep) for a special journey back to Vietnam to commemorate the battle during Operation Hump.

The return to Vietnam tour will be held over the period March 1st to 10th, 2024.

This pilgrimage aims to honour the sacrifices, bravery, and camaraderie demonstrated by our fellow soldiers during those pivotal days. We believe that the best way to pay tribute to the past is by returning to the very grounds where history was written and forging new memories.

Event Details:

• Battle Commemoration:March 1st to 10th, 2024
• Location:Vietnam, the site of the Battle of HUMP
• Expenses:All expenses will be covered

We are extending an invitation for two veterans to join the rest of the 1RAR Group contingent on this all expenses paid tour. Those interested must be able to gain their doctors clearance and be in age-appropriate fitness. You must have a current Passport, also you must have served on Operation Hump.

If you or someone you know fits the criteria and would be interested in participating, please contact John Doorley at the earliest convenience. John can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 0408 877 507.

If you have any questions, please give me a call.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to join with other members of the 1RAR Group and members of the 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep) on this fully sponsored tour.

Duty First

John Doorley

1RAR Contingent Coordinator

[email protected]

0408 877 507

The Sino-Vietnamese War [Feb 17, 1979 – Mar 16, 1979]. In this video, I’ll go over the three major reasons that caused the fraternal conflict between these two communist nations

The Australian Tunnel Rats, a group of fearless men serving in the Engineer Field Troops during the Vietnam War, played a crucial but often overlooked role in the conflict. Tasked with exploring and clearing enemy bunker systems, these individuals faced the daunting challenge of navigating through narrow, lightless, and almost airless tunnels armed with only a flashlight, a bayonet, and unwavering courage.

The inception of the Tunnel Rats was unplanned, with 3 Field Troop being thrust into this unexpected role during Operation Crimp in the Ho Bo Woods in January 1965. Despite lacking formal training and preparation, volunteers courageously entered the tunnels, discovering valuable intelligence that marked the beginning of their unintentional career as Tunnel Rats. Astonishingly, the troopers received no prior knowledge or operational techniques from past tunnel clearance experiences, leading to unanticipated challenges.

In Ho Bo Woods as the Troop delved deeper into tunnel exploration, tragedy struck on the fourth day when Corporal Bob Bowtell, attempting to navigate the claustrophobic passages, succumbed to suffocation. The deadly realities of war became painfully apparent, but the troopers, undeterred, continued their perilous mission. Over six days on Operation Crimp, six casualties, including one fatality and five injuries, were attributed to ‘bad air’ in the tunnels. However, a closer examination suggests that tear gas remnants and insufficient ventilation were likely culprits.

Following their withdrawal from Operation Crimp, 3 Field Troop relocated to Vung Tau and then to Nui Dat, where they actively engaged in infantry support roles and various engineering tasks. Despite the troopers’ exceptional versatility and courage, the limitations of their experience and the absence of training became evident. The Troop’s exploration of tunnels continued, but as their tour of duty neared its end, a shift in focus occurred: documenting their techniques and establishing training for future Tunnel Rats.

The Australian Tunnel Rats’ legacy is one of courage and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges. Their contributions, though marked by tragedy, laid the groundwork for subsequent tunnel exploration efforts. The importance of experience, effective processes, and prior training became apparent, prompting the troopers to document their knowledge for the benefit of those who would follow in their footsteps. The Troop’s varied and busy life reflected not only their role in tunnel exploration but also their broader contributions to the war effort.

The Australian Tunnel Rats exemplified bravery and adaptability in an unexpected and perilous role during the Vietnam War. Their experiences underscore the importance of preparedness, training, and documentation in the face of unforeseen challenges. As we reflect on their contributions, we recognize the unsung heroes who ventured into the darkness, on hands and knees, to confront the hidden dangers that lay beneath the surface of the Vietnam War.

The year 1966 marked a significant transformation for the Royal Australian Air Force Transport Flight Vietnam (RAAF TFV) as it was redesignated as No. 35 Squadron at Vung Tau Air Base in South Vietnam on 1 June. The squadron, equipped with DHC-4 Caribous, played a crucial role in supporting Australian, South Vietnamese, and United States forces through cargo, passenger, and medevac flights. Operating in a non-offensive capacity, the squadron, nicknamed “Wallaby Airlines,” became a symbol of resilience and efficiency amid the challenges of the Vietnam War.

Operational Challenges and Dangers:

Despite its non-combatant role, No. 35 Squadron faced numerous challenges in the conflict zone. Operating in dangerous areas, often at low altitudes, the squadron’s aircraft were not spared from hostile fire. The callsign “Wallaby” echoed through the tumultuous skies, signifying the squadron’s commitment to providing essential services in perilous circumstances. On several occasions, Caribous were fired upon, resulting in aircrew injuries, emphasizing the perilous nature of their missions.

Drawdown and Reductions:

As the Vietnam War drew to a close, Australia began reducing its forces in Vietnam. By June 1971, No. 35 Squadron’s aircraft complement was reduced from seven to four. However, due to maintenance requirements, only two aircraft remained operational at any given time. Despite these challenges, the squadron continued its vital missions until its last flight on 13 February 1972. The departure from South Vietnam on 19 February 1972 marked the end of an era, with No. 35 Squadron being the last RAAF unit to leave following the decision to withdraw.

Adversities Faced:

No. 35 Squadron faced not only the dangers of enemy fire but also the treacherous weather conditions and difficult landing grounds inherent to the Caribous’ mission profile. Two aircraft were lost due to accidents caused by poor weather, highlighting the inherent risks of their operations. Additionally, a Caribou was destroyed by Viet Cong mortar fire during a resupply mission at Thất Sơn in 1970, further underscoring the constant threat faced by the squadron.

Unsung Heroes and Recognition:

While their work may not have been glamorous, No. 35 Squadron earned a commendable reputation among U.S. air commanders for its efficiency and effectiveness. The squadron’s achievements prompted U.S. personnel to study their techniques, recognizing the valuable contributions of the Australian unit. For their dedication and bravery, members of No. 35 Squadron received numerous honours and decorations, including appointments to the Member of the Order of the British Empire, Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Distinguished Flying Medal, a British Empire Medal, and 36 Mentions in Dispatches.

Conclusion:

No. 35 Squadron RAAF, operating as “Wallaby Airlines,” exemplified the unsung heroes of the Vietnam War. Despite not engaging in offensive operations, the squadron faced considerable dangers and challenges, delivering crucial support to troops on the ground. Their efficient and effective performance earned them recognition and respect, highlighting the significant contributions made by Australian forces during this tumultuous period in history. The legacy of No. 35 Squadron serves as a testament to the sacrifices and dedication of those who served in the shadows, ensuring their place in the annals of military history.