http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/ List of the latest topics from our public forum. http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/world-war-ii-43/obituary-lt-cmdr-tony-bentley-buckle-rn/ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/military-obituaries/naval-obituaries/7982962/Lieutenant-Commander-Tony-Bentley-Buckle.html

A remarkable ma...]]> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/military-obituaries/naval-obituaries/7982962/Lieutenant-Commander-Tony-Bentley-Buckle.html

A remarkable man

Rest In Peace]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/world-war-ii-43/obituary-lt-cmdr-tony-bentley-buckle-rn/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:21:55 +0000 Sandgroper http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/open-slather-34/the-bridge-to-somewhere/
I saw this being built back in the early stages of construction. As ...]]>
I saw this being built back in the early stages of construction. As an ex-RAE builder and demolisher of such structures I am impressed. The earthworks alone were something to be admired.]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/open-slather-34/the-bridge-to-somewhere/ Sun, 05 Sep 2010 21:38:58 +0000 Radish http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/the-mess-38/cracking-prank/ poor unsuspecting RAAF Officer.

Now, this RAAF...]]> poor unsuspecting RAAF Officer.

Now, this RAAF Officer, lets call him Biggles, was notorious for having 'the chaps' pretty much manage and execute all of his duties and responsibilities. If 'the chaps' could have taken a dumb for him, he'd have tried to delegate that too.

Now, some of the 'chaps' had had a bit of a gut-full of this after a while and decided it was time he was made responsible for SOMETHING.

SO, a quick discussion with the boys in the workshop and about 30 minutes of work produced a small sheet of metal with 20 keys attached around the edges and an envelope marked 'Secret - Combat Search and Rescue'. It must be noted that this 'rack of keys' was too big to fit in any of the pockets of a flying suit or helmet bag, thus carrying it would be a pain for Biggles.

'Biggles' was then informed on arrival in theatre, that as the senior ranking member on the crew, he would be required to sign out the "keys to every safe house in southern Iraq" prior to each sortie, and due to the sensitivity of the keys in question, it would be he, and only he, that could receive the keys from the COMMS staff.

For the duration of his tour, Biggles signed out the phoney safe house keys before each and every sortie, with the men finding this hugely hilarious.

SO tour complete, its time for Biggles to return to Australia and a comfortable posting outside of the wing. As the crew waited patiently on the ramp for the big grey bird to take them home, Biggles asked one of 'the chaps' to move his bag onto a nearby pallet while he went to relieve himself.

I can only imagine his face, when he got home, put up his feet and opened his bags......and found he'd 'accidentally' taken the only set of keys to every safe house in southern Iraq.]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/the-mess-38/cracking-prank/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:38:16 +0000 Glenn Chapman http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/art-books-video-27/diggers-in-france/
It details the mismanagement of the war effort by Generals Haig, Gough and Haking and contrasts starkly with the command of Plumer and Harrington, two Australian leaders who knew what the word leadership actually meant.

Along the way it gives a great account of life in the Army at that time and the hardships the commanders put them under in the name of victory at any price. Like always I guess, the price was the blood of the soldiers, but there are times reading this book when you can see ahead what is going to happen and you really wish someone would frag them.

But the stories of Plumer and Harrington bring a pride to the chest that the British Leadership would find foreign. The informaiton comes from letters, diaries, autobiographies and gives voice to the Private soldiers who died amid the mud, rain, barbedwire and British blunders. It ends with Monash and the five Australian divisions under his command and their key role in the battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel, Mont St Quentin and Péronne.

A worthwehile book for the average historically inclined reader. I bought my copy from Borders for $38.99, less a 30% discount for being a member. An ABC Book published in 2008. ISBN 978 0 7333 2342 3.]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/art-books-video-27/diggers-in-france/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:18:00 +0000 Graham Parks http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/open-slather-34/dva-media-release-re-scams/ VETERANS WARNED OF POTENTIAL SCAMS
Veterans have been targeted by scam-artists claiming to represent the Australian Governmen...]]> VETERANS WARNED OF POTENTIAL SCAMS
Veterans have been targeted by scam-artists claiming to represent the Australian Government, Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Mr Ian Campbell said today.
Mr Campbell said the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) had been made aware of several approaches to members of the veteran community asking for personal information in exchange for new government services such as free electricity or pension benefits. In some cases these people posed as officers from DVA.
“These ‘offers’ are false and my Department is investigating these incidents,” he said.
“Veterans in Queensland and Victoria have been most recently targeted however veterans across the country should be aware of the potential scams.
“I urge the veteran community to exercise caution when asked to release personal details.
-
Be cautious about when and to whom you release your personal information.
-
If you receive a phone call or letter asking for personal information such as your DVA client number or banking details, do not answer straight away. Contact your nearest DVA office on 133 254 (for metropolitan callers) or 1800 555 254 (for non-metropolitan callers) to confirm the source is legitimate.
“It is disappointing that our veterans are being targeted by these cowardly scams and I encourage members of the veteran community to contact DVA if they have any concerns,” Mr Campbell said.
The Government’s Scamwatch website – www.scamwatch.gov.au – contains useful information on how to protect your privacy.
MEDIA INQUIRIES:DVA media 02 6289 6203]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/open-slather-34/dva-media-release-re-scams/ Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:01:21 +0000 Rob http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/art-books-video-27/jungle-soldier/
It is the story of ...]]>
It is the story of Freddy Spencer Chapman written by Brian Moynahan

ISBN 978 1 84916 208 1 publisher Quercus

I have now found a second hand copy of The Jungle is Neutral published in 1949 by Freddy, should have it this week.

In my book he was some man indeed]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/art-books-video-27/jungle-soldier/ Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:37:27 +0000 Sandgroper http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/orderly-room-22/hello-all-in-diggers/ My name is Elizabeth (Liz H). It is great to be on the Diggers site. My time in the Army has been 1 FD AMB (81-91) and 7 FD REGT, 113 FD BTY (91-00).... My partner in crime is Piesandbeers.]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/orderly-room-22/hello-all-in-diggers/ Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:01:15 +0000 Elizabeth Hodgetts http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/sitrep-20/recruit-applications/
In response to a question from mum;

Again any Tom Dick or Harriet can register on the site, and see NOTHING (I've lost count of the ...]]>
In response to a question from mum;

Again any Tom Dick or Harriet can register on the site, and see NOTHING (I've lost count of the times I've written this through the versions), UNLESS their membership is MANUALLY upgraded to Bronze status.

Recruit status means registered, but NO access.]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/sitrep-20/recruit-applications/ Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:25:18 +0000 Michael Wass http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/viet-nam-47/seeking-information-on-david-dubber/ "My name is Troy Jacobsen, I live in Townsville, North Queensland. I am writing on behalf of my son, Nik, who in September is going to ...]]> "My name is Troy Jacobsen, I live in Townsville, North Queensland. I am writing on behalf of my son, Nik, who in September is going to Vietnam on a study tour. On this study tour the kids have to research a fallen soldier and tell their story to the rest of the group.

Nik has been given Cpl David John Dubber,
Service No: A317809
Service: RAAF
Death Date: 07/06/1971
Service Between: 14/02/1968 and 7/06/1971
Total Days: 385
Units:
No. 2 Squadron
No. 9 Squadron
Honour: Mention in Dispatches

We have found a little bit of information of his time in Vietnam, unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a lot out there. We were hoping that you may have some more information on him. His childhood, what was he like, likes and dislikes, etc.. any information you could provide would be very grateful. Nik was also wondering if he has any living relatives? Would they like him to say something in particular about David.

The study tour is a school based tour organised by Mr Glenn Edwards of Pimlico State High School, he has organised a few other study tours in previous years. Last year the tour was to Greece and Turkey, I believe next year is to North Africa, this is the first trip Nik has gone on.

Glenn is the Head of Department - Social Science, Pimlico High School: Ph 07 4759 3444.

The group leaves Friday the 17th September returning Saturday 2nd October. Some of the activities the group will be doing include:
Touring the Demilitarized zone
Service at Long Tan
Helping out at the Christina Noble Childrens Foundation Shelter
Cu Chi Tunnels
That's just a very brief over view of what they will be doing.

We are more than happy to supply any information that you may require and can be contacted on the numbers I have supplied, should you want any more information please do not hesitate to ask.

Regards

Troy


Thankyou in advance for anything you are able to provide, should you like to contact us are numbers are:

Home 07 4779 3195
Troy: 0407 42 42 13
Nik: 0402 80 44 88


If anyone is able to assist Troy please do so on the home phone numbers or on troy_ned_kids@bigpond.com]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/viet-nam-47/seeking-information-on-david-dubber/ Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:32 +0000 Rob http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/open-slather-34/nasho-scam/ "I have just been advised by DVA that some people are scamming mainly ex National Serviceman.
The ex serviceman is initiall...]]> "I have just been advised by DVA that some people are scamming mainly ex National Serviceman.
The ex serviceman is initially sent a letter advising them that they are entitled to Service pension and to contact the author.
Once they do this they are then sent a letter with AMF (not used for many years) headed paper asking for bank details to put the service pension into, date of birth and other personal information.
Their bank accounts are then cleaned out.
Please advise others of this scam"]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/open-slather-34/nasho-scam/ Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:56:56 +0000 Rob http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/ceremonial-medals-memorabilia-29/coin-commemorates-national-service-1951-1972/ http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/coin-commemorates-national-service.htm#ixzz0xZ71Q4XN]]> http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/coin-commemorates-national-service.htm#ixzz0xZ71Q4XN]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/ceremonial-medals-memorabilia-29/coin-commemorates-national-service-1951-1972/ Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:53:50 +0000 Rob http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/navy-25/russian-subs-stalk-boomers/ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/7969017/Russian-subs-stalk-Trident-in-echo-of-Cold-War.html

I am not surprised at any of ...]]> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/7969017/Russian-subs-stalk-Trident-in-echo-of-Cold-War.html

I am not surprised at any of this. The Bear does not change, he has a bit more Mazuma now and back to his old ways. We relax at our peril.]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/navy-25/russian-subs-stalk-boomers/ Sat, 28 Aug 2010 15:22:13 +0000 Sandgroper http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/army-24/diggers-face-likely-charges-on-child-deaths/
Let me start by stating that I am all for people being accountable for their actions, moreso members of the ADF...]]>
Let me start by stating that I am all for people being accountable for their actions, moreso members of the ADF, but this article simply beggars belief.

The Officer in question, in my opinion, has a real thing against the RAInf if you judge her actions previously alongside this.

How the hell did we get to this point?

Are we so Politically Correct now that we no longer can conduct ourselves in the proper military manner? Are we so PC now that we can not conduct military operations thousands of miles from home without people looking over our (distant) shoulders and applying their "Armchair General" opinions/decisions upon soldiers who's boots are actually on the ground in the mud, the dust and snow?

Article here

Brig Lyn McDade should be ashamed of heself and again, in my opinion, she shames the uniform she wears.]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/army-24/diggers-face-likely-charges-on-child-deaths/ Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:23:09 +0000 http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/the-early-years-41/from-the-sudan-to-ww-2/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1306078/Medals-hero-Royal-Marine-fought-50-...]]>
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1306078/Medals-hero-Royal-Marine-fought-50-years-Anglo-Sudan-War-WW2-sold.html]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/the-early-years-41/from-the-sudan-to-ww-2/ Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:02:25 +0000 Sandgroper http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/confrontation-46/updated-nmbva-site/ http://www.nmbva.co.uk/

Mostly Uk links, but still some interesting bumf on there.]]> http://www.nmbva.co.uk/

Mostly Uk links, but still some interesting bumf on there.]]> http://www.australiandiggers.com/index.php?do=/forum/confrontation-46/updated-nmbva-site/ Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:48:38 +0000 Sandgroper