Vetaffairs Noticeboard

Service may end, but the mateship doesn't. Stay connected, hit the greens and be part of the 18th National Diggers Bowls Tournament - a legendary 3-day event packed with camaraderie, competition and community spirit. Open to all current and former Defence Force personnel (just you service number is needed). To be held in Dubbo - Diggers Day: 7 Sept, Tournament: 9-11 Sept. Format: 3 Bowls Triples - Teams or singles. Send nominations to: National Diggers Bowls Carnival, PO Box 2686, NSW 2830.

Allan served with the RAAF during WWII. I spoke to Allan about his service a few years ago and now hope to find friends or family to speak to, as I'm writing a book.

Joyce served in WWII. Her service included time in Townsville and Brisbane. The information is for a book I'm writing on women in WWII.

On Saturday 31 May 2025, a Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial will tell the story of an airman of Bomber Command recorded on the Roll of Honour. The next day, Sun 1 June 2025, at 11am, at the Memorial’s Bomber Command Memorial, a ceremony will be held to pay tribute to the 10,000 RAAF aircrew along with ground staff and Women’s Auxiliary Air Force members who served in and supported RAF Bomber Command from 1939 to 1945. The BCCDF also recognise the 4,149 RAAF members who made the supreme sacrifice while serving across 132 RAF, RAAF, RNZAF and RCAF operational squadrons and operational training units of Bomber Command. There will be a dinner on Saturday evening at the ADFA Officer’s Mess and lunch following the ceremony on Sunday at Poppy’s Café at the AWM. If you are interested in attending any of the social functions, please contact the Bomber Command Commemorative Day Foundation (BCCDF). Please visit the website for further details. Those attending the Last Post Ceremony will need to book a free ticket via the Memorial’s website: awm.gov.au/visit/plan

We are reaching out to all those who serve/have served in the RAAF, either Regular, Reserve or National Service to join in the camaraderie of the Association. This invitation is also extended to Army Aviation and Commonwealth Allied Forces. The Branch meets on the first Sunday of each month at Club Toowoomba, 331 Hume Street, Toowoomba, commencing at 10.00 am.

As an experienced Reiki practitioner, I offer Reiki treatments and I would like to extend my services to veterans. Reiki services are available pre and post procedures in Perth's Charlie Gardener Hospital, Fiona Stanley as well as day clinics. Reiki integrates and harmonises all body systems thus reduces stress, anxiety, acute chronic pain, insomnia enhancing quality of life with no side effects. Please follow this link about research to date http://www.centreforreikiresearch.com/

Cairns RSL Sub-Branch (in conjunction with British Ex-Serviceman's Association, QLD) has formed a group for ex members of the British Armed Forces within the region. Their goal is to promote social activities, welfare, commemoration events, military history and the memory of fallen friends. More information can be provided from the Sub-Branch Offices on 07 4249 3030 or from Graeme below.

Veterans who reside in Queensland in the Federal electorate of Lilley are invited to apply to Computers 4 Learning for a free desktop computer as part of the Diggers go Digital initiative. To take advantage of this offer, you will have to provide a copy of your valid and current Department of Veteran's Affairs card or other proof of service documentation. This initiative has been made possible due to grant funding from the Kedron-Wavell Community Grants. Although veterans over 65 are targeted, any ex-serving member is welcome to apply.

Any veterans in the greater Geelong area interested in joining the Geelong chapter of the Vietnam Veterans and Veterans motorcycle club?

National Service 1969-71, B Company, 9th Platoon, Singleton. Seeking members for a get together. Contact Graham (below) or Bruce Barnell, 0417 750 256.

The No 37 Squadron (RAAF) Association is endeavouring to contact former personnel who participated in HQRIC Detachment ‘S’, the Hercules and Dakota deployment to Saigon 29 March - 29 April 1975. Please email contact details, and the information will be sent of the commemorative event at the AWM Canberra on Wednesday 23 July 2025.

We are a community group trying to have 3 WW2 local RAAF airman recognised with a plaque in a pocket park in Manly. All three were KIA - bodies and aircraft never recovered. We are trying to locate relatives of these airman:

Sgt 402114 David Ross Gale 250 Sqn RAAF Enlisted 27/01/1940 KIA 26/06/1941 Age 24.
Cause of Death – Flying Battle. Memorial Column 246 El Alamein Egypt. Active June-November 1941: Sidi Haneish South. April 1941-April 1942: Curtiss Tomahawk IIB D.O.B. 09/09/1919 Bronze Medallion 11625 – 09/02/1936 Manly (South Steyne) LSC

Sgt 402893 Frank Webster Tregear 260 Sqn RAAF Enlisted Army - Manly, 28/05/1940 – 19/09/1940 T/F RAAF 11/11/1940 KIA 24/04/1942 Age 20. Aircraft – Curtiss Kittyhawk
Cause of Death – Flying Battle. Memorial Column 266 El Alamein Egypt.
D.O.B. 20/06/1921 Bronze Medallion 16246 – 10/11/1940 Manly (South Steyne) LSC

F/O 403262 Alan Howard Durrell 459 Sqn RAAF Enlisted 05/01/1941 KIA 15/06/1942 48 Rosedale Street Manly Age 21. Aircraft: Lockheed Hudson V9022
Cause of Death – Flying Battle. Memorial Column 264 El Alamein Egypt.
D.O.B. 18/08/1920 Bronze Medallion 14022 – 20/10/1938 North Steyne SLSC

Our next round is Friday 24th January, 10am Townsville Golf Club. $20 online registration and green fees on the day. Remember to be eligible for the Brisbane finals in September, you need to register online from each event.

I have recently taken possession of some documents and photographs that belong to this soldier. Donald served in the British Army on the Rhine, 1946 – 1948, and later migrated to Australia. These documents will mean something to someone out there and I would like to find them a home.

Paul was an RAAF officer in the 1980s. Lost contact after my wedding in 1993. Any news would be welcome.

He served on HMAS Sydney in 1966/68 and was from Werribee, Victoria.

Seeking to make contact with any serving or ex-RAAF members who know of contact details for the late Ralf's family. Ralf was a member of Number 20 Radio Apprentice Course 1966 at RAAF Base Laverton, Victoria. I believe his wife's name is Jenny and he had children. Ralf's father was Hugo, and his wife was Ruby.

R.A.N. from years 1965/67, HMAS Parramatta.

Did you serve in PNG during 1951 to 1975? The PIB-PIR Association is recruiting new members across Australia. Membership is only $5 a year and offers newsletters, commemoration services and social events.

Seeking to reconnect with Stewart who served with me (his twin by call-up date), Linus and others on Bravo Radar, Det 131 Div Loc Bty at Nui Dat in 1967/68. Last contact was a year or so ago when he and Jan were living in Darwin. Any news of Stewart and/or Jan would be greatly appreciated