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The Governor-General has announced that His Majesty The King has granted approval for the Victoria Cross for Australia to be posthumously awarded to the late Private Richard Norden of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR).

“Recently, I had the solemn privilege of informing Private Norden’s widow, Mrs. Robynn Freeman, that His Majesty has approved the awarding of the Victoria Cross for Australia to her late husband,” the Governor-General stated.

Private Norden’s citation reads:

“For most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action in the presence of the enemy in the ‘AO Surfers’ Area of Operations in Bien Hoa province, Vietnam, on 14 May 1968, during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral.”

Full details of Private Norden’s remarkable actions in battle are included below.

Tragically, Private Norden died in 1972 while serving with the Australian Capital Territory Police. His award of the Victoria Cross for Australia, the nation’s highest military honour, speaks to his exceptional courage and selflessness in combat, and it underscores the enduring legacy of bravery upheld by generations of Australian service personnel.

“This is a historic moment for Australia and for the Australian Defence Force,” said the Governor-General. “It is a deeply significant day for Private Norden’s family and loved ones. When I spoke with Mrs. Freeman, I conveyed the gratitude of all Australians for her late husband’s service and courage. I hope this recognition, our nation’s highest, will bring her a renewed sense of pride and affirmation that he will never be forgotten.”

Mrs. Freeman released the following statement:

“We are honoured that His Majesty has approved the Victoria Cross for Australia for Richard, recognised his gallant actions while serving in Vietnam. We would like to keep this special occasion private, and we request that any further inquiries be directed to the Department of Defence or the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General.”

The Governor-General has assured Mrs. Freeman that a special investiture ceremony will be planned with the utmost respect and dignity to mark this prestigious award and its importance to the nation.

Citation Details: Private Richard Norden, Victoria Cross for Australia

Private Richard Norden’s actions on 14 May 1968 were exemplary in their bravery. While serving with the 5th Platoon, B Company, of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR), in the AO Surfers Area of Operations in Bien Hoa province, Vietnam, his platoon came under heavy ambush from an estimated squad of seven to ten North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldiers. As a member of the lead section, Private Norden immediately took action under intense enemy fire, advancing forward to reach his wounded Section Commander and forward scout.

In his initial advance, Private Norden killed one NVA soldier and, upon expending his ammunition, recovered that enemy’s weapon and continued his assault. Displaying extraordinary valour, he then half-carried, half-dragged his seriously wounded Section Commander back to safety. Despite his own severe injuries, Private Norden returned to the line, pressing forward again to reach the forward scout. In a final act of selflessness, he neutralized another NVA soldier who was using the scout as a shield, only to confirm that the scout had been killed. Determined to secure the area, Private Norden gathered grenades, advanced for a third time, and cleared the position, allowing the scout’s body to be recovered.

Private Norden’s courage and self-sacrifice enabled his platoon to secure the position, and his actions likely saved the lives of his fellow soldiers. His legacy as a courageous and selfless soldier will be forever honoured by this award.

Copied from DVA website

This year marks the 110^th anniversary of the battle at sea between HMAS Sydney and Germany’s light cruiser SMS Emden on 9 November 1914.

SMS Emden was raiding the Cocos-Keeling Islands, aiming to destroy the British wireless station and cut the undersea cable delivering international telegraphs to Australia.

HMAS Sydney, also a light cruiser, and one of the escorts protecting the first convoy of Australian and New Zealand troops to sail for the war, set off to investigate a distress signal coming from the Cocos-Keeling Islands station. Sydney sighted the islands at 9.15 am and spotted smoke coming from Emden’s funnel almost immediately.

Commanded by Captain John Glossop RN, Sydney had the edge over Emden in speed, range of guns, and armour. However, when Emden saw that Sydney was approaching at speed to engage, fired and hit Sydney at about 9.40 am.

In return, Sydney scored more than 100 hits on Emden in an intense engagement that lasted almost 2 hours. Emden was soon engulfed in fire and lost 2 of 3 funnels and its foremast.

Badly damaged, Emden was deliberately run aground by her Captain Karl von Müller on North Keeling Island, preventing the ship from sinking and in the hope of saving as many lives as possible. Of its 316 crew, 134 lost their lives and a further 65 were wounded.

Sydney disengaged from the battle to capture the German crew of Emden’s scuttled collier (coal supply ship) and, when it returned to Emden at 4 pm, the wrecked cruiser was still flying the German ensign. After an inconclusive exchange of signals, Glossop fired two further salvoes.

A German sailor finally climbed up the mast and took down the ensign, and another waved a white sheet on the quarterdeck.

Four Australians lost their lives as part of the battle, and more than a dozen were wounded. The battle was considered a strategic win as it removed the immediate threat to Australia’s oceanic links to Britain. It also ensured control of the Indian Ocean for future contingents and trade, underscoring the strategic importance of Australia’s oceanic connections to the world.

Today, we remember those who served and the Australians who sacrificed their lives in Australia’s first single-ship battle at sea.

Lest we forget.

Tangle News

As cost-of-living pressures rise, Australians are asking, “Are we better off than before?” A resounding number of Australians seem to answer “no.” Under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government, inflation has surged to levels unseen since the pandemic, while support for the Coalition has climbed to its highest since the 2022 election.

A major driver of this inflation has been linked to decisions made in Canberra. Treasurer Jim Chalmers, alongside Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen, has overseen projects whose costs have blown out far beyond initial budgets, raising questions about fiscal management under the Albanese government. Australians are feeling the pressure as the ripple effects of these policies reach households and businesses nationwide.

One of the most contentious issues has been Minister Chris Bowen’s climate initiatives, which include ambitious renewable energy projects. While many Australians support the transition to sustainable energy, concerns are growing over the pace and expense of these projects. Initial budgets have consistently fallen short as timelines extend and costs mount, with recent reports suggesting that the gap between projected and actual spending could exceed billions of dollars. This has led to fears that Australian taxpayers are footing the bill for these ballooning expenses, adding further strain to household budgets already grappling with high inflation.

Senator Malcolm Roberts from Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party has been vocal in his criticism, pointing out that Canberra’s policies have driven inflationary pressures rather than alleviating them. According to him and other critics, decisions from Canberra are directly impacting essential costs—energy, housing, food—making everyday expenses harder for Australians to manage.

Adding fuel to the fire, the latest Newspoll results reveal a sharp increase in Coalition support, suggesting that a growing number of Australians hold the Albanese government accountable for the economic pain they’re experiencing.

As tensions rise, the US preps for war against China by dusting off deserted WWII air bases, like Tinian, in the South China Sea. Learn about the historical significance of these abandoned Pacific air bases in this video.

In a historic recognition of bravery during the Vietnam War, Australia has awarded the Victoria Cross to Private Richard Leslie Nordern, who served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and displayed extraordinary courage in the Battle of Coral-Balmoral. The posthumous award was presented by Governor-General Sam Mostyn following the national Remembrance Day service in Canberra on November 11, 2024.

The Victoria Cross recognizes Nordern’s gallant actions on May 14, 1968, during a pivotal and gruelling conflict in the Vietnam War. The Battle of Coral-Balmoral, fought between May and June 1968, was among the most challenging and costly battles for Australian forces in the Vietnam War. Facing intense North Vietnamese and Viet Cong offensives, Australian soldiers, including Nordern, were tasked with defending the forward operating bases Coral and Balmoral in South Vietnam’s Bien Hoa province. Their bravery in this battle is a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of the Australian military in an unforgiving conflict.

Private Nordern’s actions on that day are noted for their conspicuous gallantry and devotion to his comrades, qualities that have earned him the Victoria Cross—the highest military award for bravery in Australia. The Victoria Cross for Australia is awarded for exceptional acts of heroism under fire, conspicuous gallantry, and unwavering devotion to duty, recognizing service members who perform beyond the call of duty under life-threatening conditions.

This honour brings the total number of Victoria Crosses awarded to Australians to 101. Governed by the approval of the King and awarded on the recommendation of Australia’s Defence Minister, the medal serves as a lasting symbol of sacrifice and courage. Governor-General Mostyn’s presentation highlighted the enduring legacy of the ANZAC spirit and reinforced the solemn reverence for Australia’s military history, especially on Remembrance Day, when Australians honour those who served and fell in defence of their nation.

The Fiji Times

ADF officers who were part of Operation Kuru Kuru. Picture: SUPPLIED

As part of contribution to maritime surveillance in the Pacific, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has completed its support to Operation Kuru Kuru, assisting Fiji to tackle illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activity.

Operation Kuru Kuru is a coordinated maritime surveillance operation in which countries cooperate to monitor and protect Pacific Island countries’ exclusive economic zones.

The ADF provided a C-27J Spartan and KA350 King Air aircraft, operating out of Vanuatu, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and now Fiji.

“This is in addition to support from the Navy where vessels support FFA’s (Forum Fisheries Agency) Operation 365 during frequent deployments and transits in the Southwest Pacific,” said Commander Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, RAN

“We are at our best when we work together as a Pacific family, to face joint challenges together.”

The ADF contribution to Operation Kuru Kuru was conducted through Operation Solania, the ADF contribution to maritime surveillance in the Pacific.

On Remembrance Day we commemorate those who died in the First World War, as well as all Australian Defence Force personnel who have fought and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. The year 2024 marks the 106th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice between Allied forces and Germany, which ended the First World War (1914–18). On 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare. More Australians were killed and wounded in the First World War than in all subsequent conflicts combined. As a mark of respect Australians are encouraged to pause at 11am for one minute’s silence and remember all those who died or suffered for Australia in all wars and armed conflicts. Defence joins all Australians on Remembrance Day to acknowledge, honour and remember the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country and those who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Ukraine Daily

Zelensky’s Vision for Defence Independence

On Nov. 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proudly announced that Ukraine had reached a significant milestone in its national defence capabilities, producing its first 100 missiles domestically. This achievement is part of a larger defence initiative launched in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Since then, Ukraine has focused intently on strengthening its military independence, with particular attention to missile and drone technology, to bolster its defences and deter further aggression.

Following the outbreak of war, Ukraine intensified its efforts to develop indigenous weapons, with the missile program becoming one of the central pillars of its defence strategy. In a speech earlier this year, Zelensky highlighted “good dynamics” in Ukraine’s arms production, a momentum he attributed to the country’s commitment to self-sufficiency in defence. This announcement was followed in August by news of Ukraine’s first successful test of a domestically produced ballistic missile, an accomplishment that Zelensky celebrated as a testament to the country’s growing military capabilities.

Although the details of the specific missiles produced have been kept confidential, Ukraine’s missile program includes a highly anticipated project: the Hrim-2 ballistic missile, a system that has been under development for years. The Hrim-2, which is speculated to have been the missile tested in August, represents Ukraine’s ambition to field long-range missile capabilities, providing a strategic counterbalance to Russia’s superior missile arsenal.

Alongside ballistic missile development, Ukraine has also been advancing drone capabilities tailored to its unique battlefield requirements. One such development, the missile-drone “Palianytsia,” adds a new layer to Ukraine’s defence by integrating missile and drone functionalities for flexible strike options. In his Nov. 9 address, Zelensky praised the variety of new drones capable of defending Ukrainian positions and striking deep into Russian territory. He emphasized that these domestic creations are critical to the Ukrainian military, not only for frontline defences but also for penetrating enemy lines.

The successful production of missiles and drones underscores Ukraine’s goal to expand its defensive and offensive capabilities independently of foreign assistance. This ambition is driven in part by Western restrictions on Ukrainian forces regarding the use of foreign-provided weaponry for strikes on Russian soil. Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine’s domestic production efforts are essential in circumventing these limitations, as the country’s Western allies, including the United States, have yet to revise their policies on long-range strikes.

Zelensky’s emphasis on Ukraine’s increasing capability to independently produce artillery, ammunition, and advanced technology like drones signals a pivotal shift in Ukraine’s defence strategy. While international military aid has been vital, the Ukrainian government has consistently stressed the importance of self-reliance in securing its borders and reclaiming occupied territories. By producing long-range weapons within its borders, Ukraine is taking concrete steps toward a more resilient and self-sustaining defence system.

As the war continues, Ukraine’s advances in military technology represent more than just an answer to immediate threats; they symbolize the nation’s determination to secure a future of greater strategic autonomy. For Ukraine, the production of its first 100 missiles marks not only a technological achievement but also a profound statement of resilience and a promise to defend its sovereignty against any adversary.

At 11 am on November 11, 1918, the thunder of artillery on the Western Front finally ceased, bringing to an end over four years of relentless warfare. It was a moment of collective sigh for the world, as the guns fell silent and the bloodshed of World War I came to a close. The Allied armies, after months of intense combat, had succeeded in driving back the German forces, leading to the signing of an armistice agreement. This agreement was effectively an unconditional surrender, and for soldiers and civilians alike, it marked not only the end of a brutal conflict but also the beginning of a cherished tradition in honouring those who had given their lives.

In the aftermath of this global tragedy, November 11th at 11 am gained a sacred significance. Known initially as Armistice Day, the date became a universal reminder of the enormous sacrifice made by the millions who served and fell. Over 70 million people were mobilized in World War I, and tragically, between 9 and 13 million lives were lost—many of whom lie in unknown graves, their identities and stories lost but their sacrifice everlasting. This “Great War” transformed our world, sparking the need for a solemn pause to remember those who served, those who died, and those who would continue to fight in future conflicts.

The first anniversary of the armistice in 1919 saw the institution of a two-minute silence at the new Cenotaph in London. This quiet homage was inspired by the Australian journalist Edward Honey, who suggested the silence as a way to honour the fallen with a collective, peaceful gesture. With the support of King George V, who called upon all in the British Empire to observe the silence, the tradition took root as a powerful moment of reflection and unity.

In 1920, the significance of the day was deepened with the interment of an unknown soldier, buried with full honours in Westminster Abbey in London and at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This act gave a face to the countless unidentified soldiers whose families and nations mourned them. Over a million people came to pay respects in London alone, creating a legacy that other Allied nations would adopt in the years that followed.

After World War II, Armistice Day evolved into Remembrance Day to honour the fallen in all wars. This shift reflected the broader toll that modern conflicts had taken on society, expanding the day’s focus to encompass the memory of those who died in both world wars and all subsequent conflicts.

In Australia, Remembrance Day once again became a focal point in 1993 on the 75th anniversary of the armistice. The remains of an unknown Australian soldier from a First World War cemetery in France were brought back home and laid to rest in the Australian War Memorial’s Hall of Memory in Canberra. This powerful ceremony resonated deeply with Australians, restoring the importance of Remembrance Day as a day for the nation to come together in mourning and gratitude.

Since then, Remembrance Day has become an enduring tradition, formally marked in 1997 by Governor-General Sir William Deane, who proclaimed it a day to observe one minute’s silence. This solemn moment allows us to honour all who have served and sacrificed for Australia in conflicts across the world, past and present.

Each year, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Australians and people around the world pause in silence. This silence is more than just a moment—it’s an act of unity, a tribute to courage, and a commitment to remember the sacrifices that shaped our freedoms. The cost of our peace has been great, and by remembering those who served, we honour their legacy and reaffirm our commitment to peace.

On November 11, let us all join together to reflect, respect, and remember the courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women.

The book will be on all bookshelves within a week or two. The price of the book is mis-leading. The normal average price in Australia is $32.99, but will be cheaper in some stores such as Big W. The price in New Zealand will be around $34.99.

With the book in demand from different Book Agencies, Big Sky Publishing has decided to print another batch.

Sadly one of the 38 veterans in the book, has passed away. Trevor Gordon, he and his story will now be ‘ Never Forgotten’.

Remember all the proceeds from this book will be donated to Legacy.

Let me know, how you all go.

Thank you all for your stories.

Take care,

Dave Morgan

0407 394992

CLICK LINK for more information

BSP TP Never Forgotten (1)