NEWS
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The first sod was turned today on a small northern property in the countryside near Pheasant Wood, France, where a suspected World War I group burial site may have gone undiscovered for over 90 years.
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Mr Warren Snowdon MP, announced that the limited excavation project will ascertain whether the remains of fallen Australian and British soldiers from the battle of Fromelles are buried beneath the soil.
Reports prove beyond reasonable doubt that approximately 400 Australian and British soldiers were buried here during the battle on the Western Front in 1916, and now we are trying to ascertain whether the remains are still buried here or if they were disinterred at some stage during the subsequent years, Mr Snowdon said.
I am confident that the planned process is robust, and the personnel assigned to this task will work tirelessly to determine once and for all whether Australian WWI remains lay buried at the Fromelles site.
The Army has engaged experienced battlefield excavation contractor, Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (GUARD), to carry out the works and Senior Army Representative, Major General Mike OBrien, is overseeing the project in France. A team of specialists are also on hand to identify artefacts and assess the condition of remains, should any be discovered during the excavation.
The most important task for this team is to concentrate on a thorough and scientific process to evaluate whether remains are located in this field alongside Pheasant Wood.
Conditions have been difficult over the past months, with the high water table causing delay to the scheduled timetable, so I am pleased that the excavation was able to begin today.
The works are being undertaken with the approval of French and British authorities and under the auspices of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It is expected that the work will take approximately two weeks to complete, depending on local conditions.
We have received excellent support from the French and British Governments as well as the residents of Fromelles, in particular the tenant and owner of the excavating site.
I am looking forward to regular updates from the team in France and will keep the Australian public informed of any progress at the site as we proceed, Mr Snowdon said.
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Australian soldier wounded in Iraq
An Australian soldier has been wounded in a roadside bomb attack in southern Iraq. He is from the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment and is serving with the Overwatch Battle Group in Dhi Qar Province.
The wounded soldier was participating in a patrol near An Nasiriyah early this morning (Iraq local time) when the Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle he was a passenger in was struck by a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said the patrol reacted to the incident immediately.
“Other members of the patrol secured the area quickly and carried out first aid to treat shrapnel wounds to the soldier’s upper body. He was then evacuated from the scene via helicopter and is currently receiving treatment in a Coalition Hospital at Tallil.
“I am advised that his condition is assessed as serious but stable. We will be guided by expert medical advice in relation to his ongoing medical needs.
“Defence has notified the soldier’s family and we join them in hoping that he makes a speedy recovery,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
Air Chief Marshal Houston said that in placing IEDs, extremists seek to indiscriminately kill and maim people.
“IEDs are indiscriminate weapons that not only threaten our troops, but innocent Iraqi civilians who use these areas. Patrolling by the Overwatch Battle Group in coordination with US and Iraqi Security Forces has reduced IED attacks significantly. Although Iraq remains a dangerous place, I am pleased to say that IED attacks in Dhi Qar Province remain at an all time low,” he said.
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PM's Address on 40th Anniversary of Coral Balmoral
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Alan Griffin MP
The Leader of the Opposition
General Sir Phillip Bennett and Lady Bennett
Major General Peter Phillips and Mrs Phillips
Lt General Peter Leahy, Chief of Army, and Mrs Leahy
Veterans of the battle of Coral and Balmoral
Families of those who gave their lives
Members of the diplomatic corps
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
We gather here in the nation’s parliament to mark the 40th anniversary of a great example of the courage, conviction and dedication of Australia’s servicemen in Vietnam.
We gather to honour you, the veterans of the Battles of Coral and Balmoral.
These battles saw some of the heaviest fighting and some of the most prolonged engagements of Australian forces in that theatre.
Between 12 May and 6 June 1968, the Australian forces were engaged almost daily with North Vietnamese Army regular forces.
The fighting was fierce because the North Vietnamese forces needed to clear the path to Saigon.
They had to eliminate Coral and Balmoral and the Australian Task Force so that they could secure their routes to and from Saigon following on from the Tet Offensive.
So the North Vietnamese forces launched attack after attack on Coral and Balmoral.
The first attacks began in the early hours the day after our forces arrived.
And that first encounter was a sign of things to come – fierce fighting, bloody fighting and at close quarters.
It could have been a disaster on that first night.
One soldier wrote of that first night at Coral: “Ammo was low, no grenades, the VC were all around us. Out of the 7 men around the M60, I had lost one dead and one wounded – there was nothing I could do.”
But, thanks to you, thanks to your determination, your professionalism and your courage, that first night was not a disaster.
In fact, far from it.
The enemy got a little more than they were bargaining for on that first night.
One officer said of his men: they “fought like thrashing machines”.
But of course our troops – you, our guests of honour tonight – did not just defend, you took the fight up to the enemy.
You spent days patrolling, searching for the enemy and on many occasions came into contact with a determined foe.
I understand that initially the infantry – like the infantry in every war, were a bit suspicious of working with tanks.
But after the first day’s operation alongside elements of the 1st Armoured Regiment against enemy bunkers, perhaps more than a few minds had been changed.
And, just like 50 years earlier in the First World War when General Monash showed at the Battle of Le Hamel that tanks and infantry could work together, you showed that armour and infantry could form an effective fighting team.
The team at Coral and Balmoral went beyond the infantry and the tanks.
It included the APCs; it included the artillery; it included air crews and, of course, the medics.
What is remarkable about the battle is that despite all the chaos of the battlefield, and the chaos of trying to establish new positions, and coordinate all the elements of a complex and changing battle plan, everyone played their part – and everyone played their part with distinction.
In spite of the individual danger you all faced, in spite of the risks you all faced, you got on with it. You did your jobs.
When that happens, the people around you know that they can have confidence in you.
It lets them get on with their job too.
It is an important part of the great Australian tradition of looking after your mates.
It’s part of the tradition of not letting your mates down.
It’s part of the Australian tradition of the profession of arms
And that is the tradition that you lived up to 40 years ago.
It is that tradition that you added to by your actions 40 years ago.
Tonight, as Prime Minister of Australia, I want to pay tribute to your service to Australia in this great battle of the Vietnam War.
For your service, I say thank you.
For family members here tonight of those who lost their lives, I offer my sympathies.
For those whose service to the nation through this terrible war has not been properly honoured by government, I express regret.
We can never repay the price you have paid.
But tonight I say that we will properly honour the memory of those who fell in the actions around Coral and Balmoral.
Veterans of Australia – tonight it is my great pleasure to host this reception in your honour.
The political debate around the Vietnam War was great.
But there can be no debate about the valour of those who fought in that war – wearing proudly the uniform of Australia.
On this the 40th anniversary of the Battles of Coral and Balmoral, the nation salutes you. |
INQUIRY FINDINGS
Monday 12 May 2008
Defence today released the findings of inquiries into the combat deaths of three Australian soldiers last year, and a separate but related investigation into civilian deaths and allegations of mistreatment of a detainee. The three combat death inquiries established the facts surrounding the deaths of Trooper David Pearce on 8 October 2007, Sergeant Matthew Locke on 25 October 2007, and Private Luke Worsley on 23 November 2007. The fourth inquiry investigated civilian casualties and an allegation of detainee mistreatment by Australian troops during the 23 November incident in which Private Worsley was killed.
Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, said the investigating officers were satisfied that no further formal investigation was required into the combat deaths. "These were very thorough investigations undertaken by officers with considerable operational and legal expertise," Lt Gen Gillespie said. "We have thoroughly investigated whether anything could have prevented the deaths of David, Matthew and Luke. The inquiry officers looked at equipment, training, the operational situation and even the orders the soldiers were given on the day of their death to ascertain if there was any process or system that may have let them down. "The Chief of the Defence Force and the Minister for Defence have agreed that Commissions of Inquiry into the combat deaths are not required," Lt Gen Gillespie said.
Lt Gen Gillespie said he hoped the release of this information may offer a degree of closure to the families of the three soldiers killed in combat. "All three men were killed conducting authorised combat operations and as heartbreaking as their deaths are, this was an unfortunate consequence of our troops participating in armed conflict."
Lt Gen Gillespie said the fourth inquiry highlighted the complex and demanding nature of operations being undertaken by Australian troops in Afghanistan. The investigating officer found that two non-combatants were killed as a result of Taliban extremists engaging an Australian Special Operations force from within a compound the extremists knew to be occupied by civilians. The investigating officer also found that at least two other non-combatants were wounded in the engagement. "We utilised every resource available, including review of operational reports, collection of statements, liaison with our ISAF partners, and an interview with the Afghan village elder making the claims, to ensure that these inquiries had access to all available information," Lt Gen Gillespie said. "There is no evidence that the Australian troops breached their rules of engagement on 23 November, 2007. "In fact, there is overwhelming evidence that our troops put themselves in further danger through their disciplined, proportionate and courageous actions," Lieutenant General Gillespie said.
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HYPERSONIC CHAIR
Friday, 2 May 2008
046/2008
DSTO AND UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND CREATE
A HYPERSONIC CHAIR
Missiles 10 times faster than today’s and troops deployed to the other side of the world in just a few hours are all part of the hypersonic future being developed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the University of Queensland (UQ).
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, announced today that DSTO will fund a Chair in Hypersonics at UQ in a significant boost to high-speed flight research.
“Hypersonics is the study of flight exceeding approximately five times the speed of sound, and a closer DSTO/UQ collaboration will strengthen Australia’s position as a world leader in the field,” Mr Snowdon Said.
“Future applications for hypersonic travel include the inexpensive launch of satellites, and scramjets (supersonic ramjets) for long-range time critical missions.”
DSTO’s Deputy Chief Defence Scientist (Information and Weapons System), Dr Warren Harch, said the Chair enhances an already excellent alliance and will foster long-term developments.
“The research will focus on scramjet technology, and the Hypersonics International Flight Research Experimentation (HIFiRE) Agreement,” said Dr Harch.
“In November 2006 DSTO signed a $74 million HIFiRE Agreement with the United States Air Force that will comprise up to 10 hypersonic flight experiments planned for the Woomera Testing Facility over the next five years.
“The DSTO funding will also go towards the University’s ‘T4 shock tunnel’ for experimental modelling of flights.”
Dr Russell Boyce of the University of New South Wales, at the Australian Defence Force Academy, has been appointed DSTO Chair and Professor in Hypersonics.
He will work alongside Associate Professor Michael Smart, formerly of NASA, who has been appointed to the position of Chair and Professor in Hypersonic Propulsion.
Executive Dean of the University of Queensland’s Faculty of Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture, Professor Stephen Walker, welcomed the appointments.
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Special Operations Soldier Killed, 4 Wounded
An Australian soldier serving with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) in Afghanistan has been killed by Taliban extremists in Oruzgan Province, approximately 25km southeast of Tarin Kowt.
Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said the soldier was killed during a gun-battle in the early hours of this morning (AEST) when Australian soldiers were engaged by Taliban extremists using small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades.
“Lance Corporal Jason Marks, who was 27 years of age and from the Sydney-based 4th Battalion (Commando), the Royal Australian Regiment, was killed just after 6pm,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
Four other soldiers were also seriously wounded during the contact. Their condition is assessed as not life threatening. Due to the nature of wounds, one of more of those hospitalised may need to be evacuated to other facilities for more advanced medical treatment. In accordance with Defence policy, their names will not be released.
The wounded soldiers and the body of Lance Corporal Marks have since been evacuated by helicopter to a medical facility at Tarin Kowt. Repatriation arrangements for Lance Corporal Marks’ body will begin immediately.
“This is a sad day and, on behalf of the entire Defence Organisation, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues and friends of Lance Corporal Marks. Our best wishes are also with the wounded soldiers in the hope that they make a speedy recovery.
Defence has notified the immediate families of all soldiers involved and is providing assistance to them during this very difficult time.
“Our soldiers continue to acquit themselves magnificently and the SOTG continues to take the fight to the Taliban. However, due to the nature of special operations, no further details can be released at this time,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said. |
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT 60th COMMEMORATION
In November 1948 the three Infantry Battalions, the 65th, 66th and 67th were redesignated as the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalion of the Australian Regiment. Soon after it was granted its "Royal" prefix.
will provide the Guard for the Parade.
PARADE 23rd November 1600hrs, Victoria Barracks - Sydney
During the Vietnam War the Regiment's' numbers were raised to Nine Battalions. After the War a number were linked to form 2/4RAR, /7RAR and 8/9RAR.
In November 2008 the Royal Australian Regiment marks its 60th Year of Service. The 23rd November is not just a Birthday or an Anniversary for the Regiment but an important milestone of 60 years of continuous service to this Nation, many on Active Service.
The RAR is with out doubt this Nation's premier fighting force. In light of the Regiment's tempo of operations since its first landing in Timor in 1999, the events of the Commemorations will allow different eras of the Regiment to attend the main Parade together.
So perhaps for the first time ever, RAR Members who served in Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, Rwanda, and Somalia, will mix with those who went to Timor and all deployments since, at the same place at the same time, as the REGIMENT.
The Focus of the Commemoration Events is a Service and Parade at Victoria Barracks Sydney, on the 23rd November 2008. The events start at 1600hrs sharp.
There is an important rededication Service at the RAR Memorial at Regimental Square in Sydney on the afternoon of the 22nd November, starting 1300. All welcome.
The Commemorations have the backing of the RAR and Army including Chief of Army Lt Gen Peter Leahy. The RAR Battalion COs have also backed the events by promising the COLOURS and Colour Parties will be in Sydney.
This means the Colours of 1 RAR, 2RAR, 3RAR, 4RAR, 5RAR, 6RAR and 7RAR will be at the Parade. The Diggers of 3RAR
Members interested in attending the Parade at Victoria Barracks on the 23rd November are requested to contact their Association or RAR Association, NSW C/O Officers Mess; Victoria Barracks Sydney, to be placed on an 'entry list' for the Barracks. Your Association will coordinate the lists required for entry in to the Barracks.
Due to the complexity of organising such an event the Committee requests that final lists from the RAR Associations and Battalion Associations be forwarded to the Commemorations Committee no later than 18th August 2008. This is to assist with the sorting of contracts for food and drink providers within the Barracks.
If you have any intentions of attending the Royal Australian Regiment 60th Commemoration, in Sydney, please register your interest with the coordinator of the RAR Association NSW BranchTony Blake whose contact is RARcommittee60@gmail.com
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ADF CADETS CAMPING OUT IN DARWIN
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, today welcomed to Darwin 60 cadets from across Australia for a Top End week they’ll never forget.
“Defence Force cadets are young Australians between 12 ½ and 19 years of age who are looking for adventure with a focus on leadership, teambuilding and citizenship,” Mr Snowdon said.
“Already they’ve flown gliders, sailed, gained bush skills, done first aid and a whole lot more.
“Now this camp will help the cadets explore how that training relates to the unique careers available in the Navy, Army and Air Force.”
Cadets currently make up approximately 17 percent of general ADF enlistments, and even higher rates move into officer training, Mr Snowdon said, but through the camp, the full range of Defence career possibilities will be offered to them.
“The young men and women will be visiting the 1st Brigade at Robertson Barracks, HMAS Coonawarra at the Darwin Naval Base and the Air Force Base at Tindal, and will get to meet and mingle with serving personnel,” Mr Snowdon said.
Four camps will be held around Australia this year, with the next scheduled for Victoria in July.
“It’s great to kick off the camp calendar with the incredible experience of Defence in Darwin,” Mr Snowdon said.
“And no matter whether these young people choose to become a part of the ADF or not, this camp will help give them valuable decision-making and life skills that will always stand them in good stead.”
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1 RAR Diggers returned to Australia June 2007
I have been advised by BRIG John Caligari that he understands that the handover of the bodies from the Vietnamese Government to Australia is to occur in Hanoi on 4 Jun.
BRIG Caligari has advised: I have a team (SGT and 8 soldiers from 1 RAR) with all clearances complete standing by to depart Townsville to escort the bodies from Vietnam for the return to Australia, on order. There is also much planning going into the reception at Richmond and subsequent military funerals.
A significant amount of work is being undertaken by Army and a number of other Defence agencies to provide appropriate support to those closest to Gillson and Parker. I can assure you Army and in particular 1 RAR understand the significance of this repatriation and everyone wants the same outcome.
Army’s priority of effort is to conform to the wishes of the families, as it is in all of these cases. Once that’s been adequately and appropriately addresses the info for others, especially member of the Battalion will be forthcoming.
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