Hauraki News. Issue No:24 August 2001

Transcription

1 Issue No:24 August 2001 Hauraki News "Whaka tangata kia kaha" Official Newsletter of the 6 Battalion (Hauraki) Regimental Association PO Box 2217 Tauranga Tel: Fax: trevor.l3mn@wave.co.nz Editor Lynn Archer

2 Hauraki Merchandising Price List as at August Centenary Port Produced and bottled especially by Totara vineyards, our centenary port comes attractively labelled featuring the Hauraki crest and battle honours. The port is a very full rich and velvety fine old port aged in small oak barrels adding great depth of complexity to the palate. The port is suitable to drink now or may be cellared for another 5 years and beyond $15.00 per bottle Pewter Statues These pewterfigurinesrepresent the modern Hauraki soldier in field dress carrying his pack, webbing and personal weapon, the 5.56mm Steyr, at the ready. At the base of the figurine the Hauraki Crest is moulded into the pewter. The figurine is mounted on a polished hardwood base. Standing approx 20cm tall, this figurine provides a quality and lasting memento of the 100 years of proud service Haurakis have provided to New Zealand $65.00 Thermal Cups Produced especially to mark our centennial year, these plastic insulated mugs are ideal for the field or office and will keep your brew hot for well over an hour. The cups come complete with the safety lid making it easy to drink from in vehicles and keep out those unwanted bits and pieces in the field. The mugs come in black and feature the Hauraki crest surrounded by the 21 battle honours that are woven into our colours $12.00 Singapore Shorts Beware of imitations! Our shorts are directly imported from Lees Photo Shop in Singapore making sure that you get the genuine article at a genuine price. The shorts feature the centenary logo in white on the left leg $10.00 Polo Shirts These high quality polo neck shirts are offered in navy and teal and are embroided with the centenary logo $35.00 Commemorative Coins Minted especially for the centenary the coins are approx 40mm across and double sided with the Hauraki crest and the unit motto. Don't be caught without your coins in the mess. $15.00 All of the above are available now. If interested contact Merchandising Bob Mankelow c/-p.o.box2217 Tauranga

3 Supplement to the August Hauraki News The Attack on Chunuk Bair The attack on Chunuk Bair, the Gallipoli action conducted by Hamilton in August 1915, was the last attempt made by the Gallipoli commanders to achieve the objectives of the campaign. New Zealand Forces were significant in that campaign; especially so on the 8 August. New Zealand was at the leading edge during the one point in the campaign where allied forces nearly achieved success. We can be proud of this. New Zealanders were selected to be in the forefront of the Chunuk Bair effort because Birdwood recognised 1 our abilities and qualities as soldiers; give the tough job to the best you have available. We can be honoured by his selection. While nothing much went right with the Chunuk Bair action, New Zealand never-the-less proved itself reliable and capable (again) and the limited and brief success achieved remains significant today. Birdwood was popular 2 with Kiwis, unusual for an English officer, Chunuk Bair reinforced our relationship with him, and strengthened other relationships with our own commander(s); e. g. Malone. No doubt Chunuk Bair remains significant to the Wellington Battalion because of Malone and the actions of his Wellingtonians. The esprit de corps of the Wellingtons must have been high and their regard for Malone very deep, for them to have fought so bravely. Somewhere I read that some of the remaining Wellingtonians wept as they came off the crest-deep emotion, This is sign, signalling something strong and enduring. No doubt the Chunuk Bair action is etched into the Wellington Regiments folk lore and traditions. It was a deeply significant action for the Regiment and probably remains so today; hence it is important. Chunuk Bair throws Malone into relief-while recriminations subsequently swirled about him and his actions, at Chunuk Bair he fought a spirited action and demonstrated his consistent good leadership, organisational skills and clear and single-mindedness. His significance to Gallipoli and New Zealand lies in the debate that surrounds him. We are still trying to determine his place in our military history, and, to some extent, how this reflects our view of ourselves. Malone refused to submit to orders that he felt were foolish- he was, according to his Colonel, at times insubordinate-wilfully; because he knew that he had a good sensible plan and that his men were good enough to successfully execute his plan. Chunuk Bair is an excellent example of this situation-he wouldn't attack it by day, but would attack at night and was confident of success! And he was successful. He was clear minded about his task on Gallipoli. Equally he formed strong opinions about other commanders (and soldiers) who failed to measure up. He was confident in his abilities. Malone, most notably, marks out the emerging character of the New Zealand Forces and of the general emergence of a New Zealand identity. This becomes obvious when reading his letters home 3. lh Gallipoli; James, Robert Rhodes 2 ibid 3 "The diaries and letters of Lt Col WG Malone-August 1914-August 1915." EP Malone, The Turnbull Library Record, Vol. XXII-No. 1-May 1989

4 Chunuk Bair contributed to a changing of attitudes about ourselves and our relationship with the Australians and the old country-england. Colonial blood gained and held Chunuk Bair; English relief lost it! Deep feelings were stirred by our losses and the loss of the crest. Thoughts began to crystallise about our self confidence and abilities. Chunuk Bair was a test; New Zealand forces passed (at least in our opinion). Old Country leadership and raw English soldiers failed (us). If we were not aware of the distance between New Zealand and England, from leadership, qualities, approaches etc. points of view before Chunuk Bair, then we certainly were after. These thoughts were probably not at a conscious level within the collective of New Zealand forces at the time, and the New Zealand population may have been only dimly aware of them, but such feelings as were aroused on, and by, the Chunuk Bair action, were to grow over the remainder of WW1 and exercise a profound effect on New Zealand and her perception of self later 4. This remains significant today, the more so as historians seek to interpret these times and events and to contribute to our changing sense of self 5. This has become pertinent in these times of difficult race relations. New Zealand has nothing very solid to stand on when it comes to building harmonious race relations; we have the Treaty and we have our military exploits; Gallipoli and Chunuk Bair are important cornerstones that assist us to understand that we have the capacity to work and live together as a homogenous grouping. The Chunuk Bair legacy has endured-confidence in self and commanders, independence of thought and action, recognition of own identity, establishment of traditions and heritage, self evaluation and objective improvement- what is significant is that to some degree Chunuk Bair and AN ZAC remains relevant as we struggle to interpret and resolve outstanding issues. New Zealand is not too old to have forgotten the lessons that ANZAC provided; we still glance over our collective shoulders to the lessons of ANZAC, especially when we need to reassure ourselves. Especially significant is the relationship that young New Zealand has with ANZAC, although maybe not so much with Chunuk Bair; young New Zealand has attached itself to ANZAC-both at Gallipoli and at home; i.e. 24/4/15 annual remembrance. This is very important. Those that know of Chunuk Bair and Malone recognise its importance; e.g. I site Jim Anderton and his relatively recent political moves to have Malone more formally recognised. Why is this event still so vivid after 85 years-why is a politician still trying to honour an officer 85 years on; because we are a young country and issues are unresolved. Chunuk Bair is one of those issues as we struggle to make sense of it and understand its significance-both then and now. Chunuk Bair is significant because it has been built into our military folk lore and tradition. The Army today has a very high standard to maintain; in the eyes of our international (US and Australian) colleagues, and more importantly in the feelings of those at home. Gallipoli and Chunuk Bair were building blocks for the reputation created and the expectation maintained. 4 "The Straits of War-Gallipoli Remembered." Address, 'Echos of Gallipoli', by Leonard Thornton. 5 "Gallipoli The New Zealand Story"; Pugsley, Christopher Chunuk Bair is significant today as it marks an event that we can be proud of and that we should deliberately and regularly use to create or reinforce traditions and folk lore. The events of 25 April and 8 August reinforce our perception of self. We need building block events to give substance to our developing sense of emergence; to develop a greater sense of self-to develop New Zealand's 'place to stand'. Note: these thoughts are perhaps especially timely given the emergence of the Army as the beneficiary of recent Government announcements regarding Defence Forces realignment. Russell Skeet

5 J_ COMMITTEE 2000 / 01 Patron: Lt.Col (rtd.) AJ». Coster ED President: Des Anderson,tefc07: h Vice President Gordon Eagleson tel fex Secretary/Treasurer Trevor Archer, tel: 07: rax: trevor.lynn@wave.co.nz Welfare Officer Open for vacancy Committee: BobMankelow Richard Burgess Penny Burgess AREA REPS: Auckland: Bob Mack Shirley Kenb Tony Fraser Ted Dean telephone: 09: Thames: Russell Skeet 07: Tauranga: See Committee Matamata DougMcGlashen 07: Whakatane Vacant Hamilton: Stu Foster telephone: 07: Te Aroha: Gordon Eagleson telephone: 07: Te Awamutu: Vacant Presidents Report The Association is in a sound financial position due to the injection of funds from the profits of the Garrison Club. Thus we were able to hold subscriptions at their current level despite the raising costs. For those of you who are not yet Perpetual Members "the one payment then forget," is the best way to go. The A.G.M. endorsed the continued support by the Association, of the 10 Army Cadet Units that are being sponsored by the Hauraki Regiment. Some funds from the Garrison profits have been set aside for the purpose of raising the profile of the commitment between the Association and the Hauraki Regiment's sponsored cadet units. The major drive for the Association is the museum. From those who have visited for the first time, their comments are very favourable. To give those members who have not yet seen your museum, the committee has planned a Sunday to give you the opportunity to visit, plus be involved in the business of your committee..as with any organization the success comes from the dedication of the volunteers. I cannot speak highly enough of the dedicated efforts of the current volunteers, but we can always do with a helping hand. If you can offer your services in any way, even if you don't live in Tauranga please contact the Secretary. You will see there is a supplement to the newsletter. Regarding the "Attack on Chunik Bain". It is hoped to have more supplements in the future, in particular articles covering the Battle Honours of the Hauraki Regiment. If you are interested in assisting in this project please contact the Secretary. Our history is in the hands of the youth. They need to be educated in the dedication, commitment and courage of those past Hauraki's Kia Kaha Des Anderson President

6 Last Post Pleased to say nothing to report. Sympathy Pleased to say nothing to report Sickness Trev the Secretary had a stay at Mercy Hospital recently for a rune up and came home with 6 stents added to the fuel line. Trev and stents are both fine. *********** H.R. (Bob) Burt recently spent a few more days back in Hospital, twice, for a minor health problem. *********** The AGM Well our Annual general Meeting has now been and gone and we all face another year ahead of us. The Committee is much the same as last year, but with two new faces and two retirements. We would like to welcome on board Richard and Penny Burgess who have both agreed to serve on this years Cornmittee. They are our first husband and wife team, and will be a great help to us all. A big thanks to both Bob Mack and Hugh Harrison for their services over the past few years. Bob used to travel down from Auckland to attend Committee meetings and then head back the same night. Quite a feat. Thanks Bob. Hugh Harrison also travelled when possible, and he resides at Whiritoa. We welcomed his in-put as he was the Welfare Officer. Unfortunately for various reasons Hugh resigned his post, but continues on as Area Rep in his area. ********* Subscriptions For the year 2000 / 01 I guess it had to crop up again, so here is the good news. It was decided at the AGM that subs would once more, remain unchanged. New Members only $20.00 Renewal only $15.00 Optional - Perpetual Membership $ We ended up last financial year with only 15 unpaid subs, which isn't too bad. Many thanks to the members that were current. The sad part is that 25 members were written off for non payment. This year we won't be quite so lenient waiting for subs to arrive, as they are very necessary to keep the ship afloat. Please do not go crook at me if your account arrives with an overdue sticker attached. Sometimes a call or letter to me could save the disappointment of being struck off as it could be the last newsletter to arrive. One sub is equal to the price of 1 can of lemonade or beer a week. Trev the Secretary. Have a laugh "You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note on the windscreen, it said Parking Fine. So that was nice."

7 From The Archives 1969 Standing To Attention or Freezing At retreat No authority exists for this custom and no origin can be definitely stated. Maj T.J.Edwards MBE, F.R.Hists, a world authority on Military Customs, first saw this at a Camp in North Wales in He states that having never seen this in his 45 years of service in the Regular Army and at the War Office, not covering the country lecturing on Customs for over 30 years, he was so amazed that he approached the CO and asked him what it meant. He was told it was a custom of the KOYLI (Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry). He has since made extensive enquiries about this custom to no avail. He assumes that a member or ex member of KOYLIs must have brought the custom to NZ and instituted it. The thought that it is because we remember the "dead" is wrong, if this was the case we would "freeze" at "Last Post" and "Reveille" which are the only calls played for the dead and in fact we do. Taken from The Hauraki April 1969 Garrison Chairs Thanks to "Redeye's" friend Jim Woods of Upholstery Services, 6 of the small arm chairs belonging to the Garrison Club have been reupholstered. I must admit they look quite smart in their new Stewart Tartan. Well worth a visit just to see them. If memory fails you the Garrison Club is open every Friday night from Coffee is available if required. ********* Cadet Corner To enhance the profile of the commitment of the Association towards the Cadet Units within the Hauraki Area, the Cornmittee has purchased a sword to be used as a presentation to the top Cadet at "Hauraki Experience". The sword will be presented at the annual exercise then held at the museum The winner of the trophy will retain a suitable memento. "Hauraki Experience" is a week long training exercise organised jointly between the ten Cadet Units and the Hauraki Regiment. This allows selected Senior Cadets from each Cadet Unit to participate in the bullring type training, (as you would remember from your earlier days). An example of the training given is abseiling, flotation, map reading, leadership tasks, drill, TOETS and barrack room inspections. There is also training given to cadet SNCO's and Officers. The week culrninates in a formal parade and a live firing shoot with the Styer. The Hauraki Experience gives all the cadets an opportunity to experience service life first hand. Des Anderson From the Editor ******** We would welcome any articles submitted by Cadet Units. Remember!! The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fen belt and a leaky tire.

8 LEST WE FORGET JUST A COMMON SOLDIER He was getting old and paunchy, And his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the R.S.A, Telling stories of the past, Of a war that he had fought in, And the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his comrades, They were heroes, every one. Though sometimes to his neighbours, His tales became a joke, All his R.S.A buddies listened, For they new whereof he spoke, But we'll hear his tales no longer, For old Bill has passed away, And the Worlds a little poorer, For a Soldier died today. He'll not be mourned by many, Just his children and his wife, For he lived an ordinary, Quiet and uneventful life, Held a job and raised a family, Quietly going on his way, And the World won't note his passing, Though a Soldier died today. When Politicians leave this Earth, Their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing And proclaim that they were great, Papers tell their life stories from The time that they were young, But the passing of a Soldier Goes unnoticed and unsung. Is the greatest contribution To the welfare of our land, A guy who breaks his promises, And cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow who In times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country, And offers up his life. A politicians stipend and the Style in which he lives Are sometimes disproportionate, To the service that he gives, While the ordinary Soldier Who offers up his all, Is paid off with a medal And perhaps a pension small. It's so easy to forget them, For it was so long ago, That the "Old Bills" of our Country, Went to battle, but we know, It was not the politicians, With their compromise and ploys, Who won for us the Free*dom, That our Country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger, With your enemies at hand, Would you want a politician, With his ever shifting sand? Or would you prefer a Soldier, Who has sworn to defend, His home, his kin and country, And would fight until the end? He was just a common Soldier And his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us, We may need his kind again, For when countries are in conflict, Then we find the Soldiers part, Is to clean up all the troubles, That the politicians start. If we cannot do him honour While he's here to hear the praise, Then at least lets give him homage At the ending of his days, Perhaps a simple headline In a paper that would say, "Our Country is in mourning for Soldier died today." Sent in by E.Bullen

9 Hauraki Overseas Capt. V.H.Meagher (NZCFMO) Sinai L/Cpl J.M.Cameron (3Platoon) NZBatt4 East Timor L/Cpl W.D.Collins (APC Section) NZBatt4 East Timor Pte G.T.Hutson (Mortar Platoon) NZBatt4 East Timor Pte D.J.Smith-Holley ( 2 Platoon) NZBatt4 East Timor Pte L.A.T.Torr ( 5 Platoon) NZBatt5 East Timor ******* Scary Night in 1967 If I remember rightly it was the battle of the Kaimai Ranges and was a Patrolling Exercise. The night was very clear, with a full moon, cool and kind of spooky, and made spookier by the wind whistling through the trees. The object was to patrol a logging road starting at 2100 and to proceed under active patrol conditions until we were ambushed by the bad guys. If we were ambushed, a member of the patrol was to hightail it back to our FOP to get help while the remainder held ground. Inevitably we were attacked and plan B went into gear and the chosen grunt took off back to the FOP. Now the night being super eerie the young grunt made the metre dash in amazing time. He ran like the wind, stayed dead centre of the road, and the faster he ran the more scared he became. He arrived at the FOP, white as a sheet with his eyes sticking out like- you know what. Maori) and eventually alerted the rest of the troops about the ambush, and rescue was in sight. The 800m run was completed in double quick time, as the runner, (his words,) felt he was being chased by a kehua /ghost. Name held by request Information Wanted Information is sought on the (militia) Volunteer movement in Thames from 1867 to Any details regarding individuals or units, including photographs, would be appreciated. Costs of copies happily met. Units operating in Thames included; the Thames Scottish Battalion, the Thames Naval Artillery Volunteers (aka the Thames Naval Brigade), the Thames Rifle Rangers (or the Hauraki Rifle Volunteers), the Thames Native Volunteers, the Thames Engineer (or the Hauraki Engineer Volunteers, the Tapu Rifle Rangers Volunteers, and the various cadets units and bands that were formed to support these units. Contact Russell Skeet Phone work rskeetfgbctra. co. nz Post 106 Victoria Street Thames 2801 *********** Barely able to speak, the young grunt slowly regained his colour (he was X

10 7 The Bridge Well the good news, (or bad depends on where you live) for Tauranga, is that as at midnight 22 nd July 2001 all tolls on the Harbour Bridge ceased. As you know the military always had free access, as did the Ambulance, Fire and Police. However it would appear that at times our Hauraki soldiers did in fact get a bit of a grilling when they crossed over. Remarks made were on the lines of, where is your uniform or that doesn't look like an army vehicle. Some bridge staff did get rather confused when the troops were in PT gear, and on the way to Mount Maunganui. Having worked on the Harbour Bridge, for 6 years, I can sympathise with the drivers, at times, but some of the troops who were obviously not on duty came up with great excuses at times. So being a nosy sort of bloke I met up with my old boss for a story, which he wouldn't or couldn't give me. He did however give me a copy of the bylaws and a copy of the rules of exemption. Rule 20 -(b) Every member of any of the armed forces of Her Majesty when on duty or going to or rehuiiing from duty, and in the uniform of his corp. Apparently in their eyes PT gear is not a uniform of the Corp. Boss man went on to say that, at times, they were a little soft with the guys and bent the rules in the Army's favour. I sort of said, "what a lot of cobblers" (or something like that) Any way just thought it may have been of interest for some during the battle of the bridge. Sec Hauraki Tie At the last AGM a suggestion from the floor was for the Association to produce a Regimental tie. The question is how many members etc are prepared to purchase a tie?? We are seeking an indication of numbers and some design suggestions!! So members are requested, nay, ordered to respond with either a phone call or to Trev the secretary. Bob Mankelow Area Reps Area Reps are invited to the October Committee Meeting which will be held Sunday October 7 th starting at The bar will be open from looo.this will be followed by a light Pot Luck luncheon. All Association Members are most welcome. For catering purposes, please contact Trev the Secretary to advise attendance. Maj. Tenby Powell is shortly leaving for the Middle East where he takes up a year-long United Nations peacekeeping job. Mr.Powell has been a TF officer for 18 years and recently attained the rank of Major. ********* Secretary T.J.Archer was made a Life Member of the Association at the last AGM. This was the best kept secret of the year and it came as a big surprise to him. (and he's the Secretary) For once he was nearly speechless. *********

11 News from the Regiment Farewell and god speed After almost a year as Adjutant of the Hauraki Regiment, Capt. Roger Earp is off to Burnham Camp for predeployment training prior to heading off to East Timor with Bart 5. Roger will be in East Timor from November 2001 until May 2002 when he will be posted on RTNZ to Waiouru. Welcome New Adjutant Introduction With the posting of Capt. Earp to NZBatt5, I have been TOD to fill his position until the upcoming December posting cycle. For me it is a return, not an introduction, to the Haurakis. I look at this opportunity as the closing of a cycle beginning in late I enlisted into the Haurakis while attending university at Waikato and spent 4 years with the then Waikato Uni Coy based in Hamilton. These were good times with the Battalion at full strength, with 5 full Rifle Coys as well as Spt and Cbt Spt Coys. My first Annual Camp sticks in my mind with the large tent city erected to accommodate the Bn at the Tauranga racecourse. Initially as a Pte, then as an Officer I enjoyed my service and took a lot from the experience into my civilian world. Something obviously clicked, for in January 1996,1 began a year at OCS learning the skills required to become an Officer in the Regular Force. I graduated in December of 1996 into 2/1 Bn RNZIR, where I served until my current TOD back to the Haurakis. My experience with 2/1 Bn includes time served as a Rifle PI Com and the Mortar PI Com, acting Ops Officer, a deployment to Canada serving with a Mech Inf Bart and NZBATT2 as the Civil military Affairs/ Mortar PI Com I am looking forward to my time back with the Haurakis. and have already been made welcome by the Regimental pers I have met. With the TF rationalisation, the Regiment has obviously streamlined its capacity but the future is looking exciting. The experience the Coster Contingent brings back to the Regiment, as well as that of those previously and currently on operational tours will allow us to lead the Regiment into a new and significant period. The opportunity for Haurakis to get overseas is likely to remain high, and all Regiment pers should now strive to bring themselves to a standard to be able to deploy if the opportunity arises, particularly with BATT 6 in May Other than ensuring the Regiment runs smoothly, I would like to see us grow and develop. While we will not be able to achieve the size of the mid to late 1990's, significant gains look likely with Bradford Coy and should be supported by the entire Regiment and associated members. I encourage all Haurakis to actively promote your Regiment and tell all of those you associate with of the opportunities provided by service and association with the Hauraki Regiment. I am looking forward to the challenges of my short return to the Regiment and know that whatever future may face us, we will remain strong and quit ourselves as men. Capt. D Thorsen Whakatangata Kia Kaha ***********

12 HAURAKI SCRAPBOOK r o Photo taken of the occasion: "Day in the lite of H.R.B. (Bob) Burt" Left - Right 8 ex Commanding Officers Col. R.F.*Smith - Col. A.H. Balzer - Col. G.J. MacLeod - Col. A.P. Coster Brig. E.J.Torrance - Col. H.R. Burt - Brig. E.P. Dean - Lt.Col. A.J. McCaw