I have just noticed a death notice, in the NSW RSL Magazine ‘Reveille’ September issue, of Russell Collette. Russ was a Bombardier with Headquarters Battery, 4th Field Regiment in Vietnam from March 1970 until March 1971. After returning to Australia, Russ transferred to Catering Corps and at one time worked in the ORs mess at the School of Artillery, North Head.
RIP Russell Collette
Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
[email protected]
Door gunners in the Vietnam War had one of the most dangerous and high-pressure jobs. Positioned on helicopters, they provided suppressive fire during combat missions, often flying into enemy territory under heavy fire. With minimal protection and exposed to incoming bullets, they had to remain vigilant, defending the aircraft and its crew while simultaneously being vulnerable to attack. Their role was crucial for the success of many air assaults, medevac missions, and resupply operations, but it came with immense risks and psychological strain.
The drones, which can carry various types of weaponry, have already seen combat in Ukraine and are now being delivered in greater numbers to support ongoing military operations.
The “Courier” drone can be equipped with a wide range of armaments, including AGS-17 and AGS-30 automatic grenade launchers, RPGs, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), and 12.7 mm heavy machine guns. It is also capable of deploying anti-tank mines, RPO-A “Shmel” thermobaric rocket launchers, and electronic warfare (EW) systems, making it a highly versatile platform for frontline operations.
This latest batch is part of an accelerated production schedule, with the Russian defence industry working to meet increasing battlefield demand. Initially developed as a garage-based prototype, the “Courier” system has quickly evolved into a vital asset for ground operations. The Russian military has already deployed the drones in the Avdiivka sector, where they were used to support combat activities.
Production has ramped up significantly since early 2024, transforming the once small-scale project into a mass-produced military asset.
Search for Remains of D445 Soldiers Killed in 7RAR/3Cav ambush on 31 December 1970 – Ceases.
In early September, the Vietnamese “war remains-recovery authorities” (ie: 515 Guidance Group) of Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu), began a search for the remains of 23 D445 Battalion soldiers killed in a night ambush at Láng Cà Thi (ie: the Cà Thi Waterfall near Xuyên Mộc) by 7RAR elements (HQ B Coy, 6 Platoon minus), and 1/1/B 3 Cav Regt – four M113 APCs. 1 ATF records accessed and assessed included a detailed sketch map of the ambush site at YS 690668 by OC B Coy (MAJ G.P. Warland), and the 1 ATF INTSUMs that list in detail the large quantity of arms, equipment, materiel and documents recovered from the ambush site (ie back to Núi Đất). See attached a photograph of the Vietnamese 515 Group’s “Ground-Breaking Ceremony Altar” established at the beginning of their “dig” at Láng Cà Thi. The Vietnamese 515 Guidance Group’s recovery operation included the use of a small excavator. Information on the ambush/burial location was sought from 7RAR and 3 Cav veterans – and a 3 Cav veteran, David Pakes, indicated a burial location of the D445 soldiers’ remains on the “Warland sketch map” . However, on 28 September, the 515 Guidance Group cadre advised that – not having found the burial site of their fallen D445 soldiers at Láng Cà Thi, they had ceased their search.
Any information can be passed to Ernie Chamberlain ([email protected] .
The Three Mile Island nuclear reactor in Pennsylvania, dormant for the past five years, is set to be reactivated following a significant deal between Constellation Energy and Microsoft. Under a new 20-year agreement, the plant will supply 835 megawatts of power to the Pennsylvania grid, primarily to support Microsoft’s growing AI operations. The economic impact of this deal is substantial, as it will create 3,400 jobs and contribute a staggering $16 billion to the state’s economy.
This news comes amidst a backdrop of historical controversy. The partial meltdown at Three Mile Island in 1979 has long been a rallying point for nuclear energy opponents. However, the facts surrounding the incident are often overshadowed by fearmongering. Despite the severity of the event, the death toll at Three Mile Island was precisely zero, and there were no recorded cases of nuclear contamination in the surrounding area. This fact is critical as it counters decades of negative narratives about nuclear energy.
Over the past 70 years, the global death toll from nuclear power accidents stands at 33 confirmed fatalities. The 1986 Chernobyl disaster resulted in the deaths of two plant workers on the night of the explosion and an additional 28 emergency workers who succumbed to acute radiation syndrome in the weeks that followed. The other major incident occurred at Fukushima in 2011, where one plant worker died from acute radiation syndrome and two more died from heart attacks, likely linked to the stress of the event. These numbers stand in stark contrast to the catastrophic accidents associated with other forms of energy production.
When comparing nuclear energy to other energy sources, its safety record is unparalleled. With just 0.0011 deaths per terawatt-hour (TWh) of electricity generated, nuclear is vastly safer than solar energy (0.02 deaths per TWh), wind (0.04 deaths), hydro (1.3 deaths), and biomass, which leads the toll with a staggering 4.8 deaths per TWh. For context, more people perished in the Hindenburg disaster (36 deaths) than in all nuclear power accidents combined.
As debates about energy policy heat up, it’s essential for policymakers to look at the facts. Nuclear energy is not only one of the most reliable ways to meet growing energy demands, but it’s also one of the safest. The reactivation of Three Mile Island symbolizes a renewed commitment to nuclear energy’s role in the future of sustainable power generation.
Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen would do well to heed the lessons of history. His focus on promoting hydrogen as a clean energy solution is commendable, but it’s worth remembering that hydrogen, regardless of whether it is green, blue, brown, or pink, remains a highly flammable and potentially explosive gas. The risks associated with hydrogen, in terms of safety and handling, are well-documented and should not be ignored in the rush to embrace this alternative fuel source.
In light of these facts, nuclear power stands out as a crucial part of the energy mix, offering both safety and reliability in an uncertain future. The return of Three Mile Island is a testament to nuclear energy’s enduring viability and its role in powering the world’s most advanced technologies.
By APDR
Australia has awarded a contract to Polaris Australia for the DAGOR vehicle, an off-road and internally transportable tactical mobility platform from the company’s Government and Defence division. The contract is valued at A$22 million (US$14.6 million) and includes vehicles, mission accessories, technical manuals, spare parts and tool kits, driver and maintainer training and ongoing, in-country support.
Polaris will deliver the DAGOR vehicles to the Australian Defence Force in several variants in support of joint missions worldwide. The four-wheel, all-terrain vehicles will be configured in three different variants – a transport variant for enhanced tactical mobility and greater standoff; an expeditionary reconnaissance variant for continued agility and increased stealth in austere conditions; and a cargo variant with the rear seats replaced with a rear bed extension for increased combat load capacity. Polaris engineered standard mission configuration items, as well as locally engineered and manufactured content, will be integrated onto the vehicles at a Polaris facility in Melbourne.
“We are proud to provide this capability for Australian personnel. The DAGOR all-terrain vehicle will allow teams to move faster, carry more and significantly reduce combat fatigue by navigating complex terrain otherwise covered on foot,” said Michael Cannell, Government and Defence sales and operation manager, Polaris Australia. “Polaris Australia will also provide in-country sustainment, leveraging the global presence of Polaris as these vehicles deploy globally.”
DAGOR comprises an optimal balance of rapid air transportability, payload capacity and advanced mobility and is the most capable military platform in its class for off-road, rugged terrain. The chassis and suspension are engineered for off-road operation at full payload of 1,814 kilograms (4,000 pounds), which also contributes to the vehicle’s overall reliability and durability. DAGOR uses a readily available commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) driveline, controls and components like a diesel/JP8 engine selected for its ideal combination of power, weight and size. DAGOR can produce up to 4.4 kW of exportable power and is heavy-weapons capable. Its weight and size allow it to be internally transportable on a variety of in-service aircraft, including CH-47, C-17 and C-130 and is also airdrop and sling-load certified.
“Collaboration within the global defence community is critical to mission success and equipment commonality helps enable interoperability among joint forces,” said Nick Francis, vice president, Polaris Government and Defence. “Polaris military vehicles have become force multipliers for expeditionary forces by extending mission range while mitigating operator fatigue and increasing mission readiness and capability.”
DAGOR’s unique design and use of commercial components allows for ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment in support of combat operations. Allied forces that also have the DAGOR platform include U.S. forces, Canadian forces, and multiple European countries. DAGOR vehicle production is underway, and deliveries will take place over the next two years. These vehicles will augment existing Australian vehicle fleets, which include two other Polaris products: the MV850 and Sportsman 6×6 Big Boss ATVs.
ED: This link to the Sky News story has now been sent to me by quite a few times now, so I am posting it here as a matter of interest.
To Dad’s beloved 4 and 2/4 Battalion RAR family and friends.
It is with a heavy heart that I convey Dad lost his battle with cancer overnight, passing away peacefully at home with all of his boys with him.
He was very appreciative of the messages received through the week, recounting some great memories and times with many of you, it brought a smile to his face.
Thank you
Dad does not want a funeral service, choosing to just have a cremation and then interment of his ashes with his beloved wife of 53 years, our mother Sue Moncrieff who we lost 3 1/2 years ago. They will now be at rest and peace together.
We will hold a BBQ and some farewell drinks at an appropriate time and will advise of these details for anyone that may wish to come along and raise a glass in memory of dad.
We have been so lucky to be able to care for him at home right to the end.
Thanks again to everyone that reached out, we may see you at a small gathering in the near future.
Darren, Shane, and Garry Moncrief
Sincerely
Wendy M McLean J.P.(Qual) LM
Secretary/Membership Officer
4RAR Association Qld. Inc.’
Courtesy Department of Defence
Last month, a group who once relied on the celestial dance of stars and planets to chart their course met a generation trained with GPS.
Forty years to the day after graduating from No. 64 navigator course, a close-knit group of friends reunited to visit what was then called the RAAF School of Air Navigation.
Despite one member having passed away, six surviving graduates toured simulators and observed the latest software at RAAF Base East Sale’s Air Mission Training School.
The group, who have shared a lifetime of career changes and health challenges, donned their old flying jackets and suits for the reunion.
Mission aircrew students guided the class of ’84, which included retired Wing Commander Gavin Small, through take-off checks on the ground missions trainer simulator, showcasing technology vastly different from the ’80s.
Back then, manual navigation over water relied on whatever positional data was available – often celestial cues and solar observations.
Sextants and mathematical equations helped calculate heading and airspeed, always mindful of the wind’s potential to alter its course.
Despite the ‘navigator’ title no longer existing, many aspects of the role remain the same.
‘The work during our course was vastly different from what students do now, but someone still occupies the seat I once did, they just have extra duties and a bit more comfort with modern equipment,’ Mr Small said.
The group marvelled at how today’s compact A4-size charts starkly contrasted with the sprawling maps of the past, which once required an origami lesson to fold.
The old and new generations shared lunch and listened to yarns from “back in the day”.
The veterans’ strong bond left an impression on the students, offering them a glimpse of what their futures might hold.
The group emphasised to the students that their classmates could potentially become lifelong friends, not just temporary acquaintances.
‘We wanted to show them that we old blokes are still great friends, as it certainly never crossed our minds during the course that we would forge such a lasting bond,’ Mr Small said.
Reflecting on the camaraderie he observed, Pilot Officer Zachary Smith found it inspiring and was proud to be part of the reunion.
‘Hearing their war stories and learning what they got up to on trips away was fascinating,’ he said.
‘I could see their personalities in their mateship – the funny guys, the thoughtful guys. I could picture them all 40 years ago on course together.
Most of the original course, including those who did not graduate, continue to have regular catch-ups and maintain a Facebook group.
‘RAAF Base East Sale holds significance for us and provides another opportunity to reconnect and reminisce about old memories,’ Mr Small said.
The group previously celebrated their 30th reunion, with plans already underway for a 45th reunion.
‘We don’t want to wait too long between gatherings; after all, we’re not getting any younger,’ Mr Small said.
Below: Air Force aviators reunite 40 years after graduation. Rear, from left: Squadron Leader Michael Spencer, Squadron Leader (retd) Geoffrey Menzies, Wing Commander (retd) Gavin Small, Flight Lieutenant (retd) Russell Lucas, Group Captain (retd) John Heinrich and (front) Wing Commander Michael Hicks.