4 Field Regiment (SVN) 'Old Boys' Newsletter - June 2008

4 th Field Regiment (SVN) Association AKA 4 th Field Regiment Old Boys Newsletter No 16. June 2008 Peter Bruce: Tele/Fax 03 5752 2114. Mobile 0419 349 317. Email: pjbruce8@bigpond.net.au Gabby Hayes: Tele 07 3888 9665 Email: gabbyhayes@ozemail.com.au Kerry Boyce: Tele 02 9636 9546 Fax: 02 9631 7635 Email: kboyce@bigpond.net.au G’day everyone,  Many of you would have heard of the Army Combat Badge (ACB) and I am sure many have applied via Battery Associations or the like. If you haven’t, read Kerry Boyce’s article and return the attached form to him ASAP. He has to have them submitted by 20 June.  Postage of the ACBs to individuals will require a padded envelope but we will cover the costs of those envelopes from our Old Boys Association funds. If you would like to help with costs, make a donation to Gabby Hayes for our funds.  We sent quite a few packages over seas to 4 Field Regiment soldiers on operations. Last time I spoke to Paddy Durnford he was overseas himself (on holidays) so we are waiting for his return to coordinate another parcel mail out. I had several letters back from some of the soldiers and they were most appreciative.  PJ Smith is now the Appeals Director for the Victorian Branch of the RSL. He and I went up to Canberra recently for the Battle of Coral commemorations and a Gunner Dinner. It was a great couple of days. We also caught up with Kerry Boyce and Andrew Murray. Many of you would remember Major General Tim Ford who served with 4 th Field Regiment in SVN in 70/71 as a Captain. Tim was also CO of 4 th Field Regiment when PJ Smith and I were BSM’s in Townsville. Tim is now retired from the Army and is the Representative Colonel Commandant of the RAA and Chairman of the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Product.  Dave Sabben (Platoon Comd at Battle of Long Tan) is after photos of guns in action during that time (Circa 1965/66). If anyone has any good shots of a 105 detachment in action you can call me for Dave’s details.  Des Spurr is also looking at doing a series of photos of us with a before SVN and now theme. Anyone interested can contact Des via me.  Dave Drabble writes: Hi All Yes folks. Ric Lidddelow has been found alive and well. Pat Gibbons Gibbo, Jibbeaux, Jaffa) was near Bendigo and started chatting to fellow travellers at a roadside stop. He mentioned he was trying to find an old army mate and this lady said she had a foster brother by the name of Deric Liddelow. More chance of winning Lotto but she gave Gibbo Ric's number and that he lived near Geelong and the rest is history. Ric has just spent the last few days at my place here in the West and he also caught up with Alf Hickinbotham and John Hume. Missing were Ron Fritchley, Brian Cunningham and John Hauck. However, we spoke to Ron Hall on the phone in Canberra and he'll be joining us in the West next ANZAC day and Ric will also be back over here next year. Ric is in great health and has done really well in the Vic Water Board and looks like retiring in the near future.  Ron and Anne Hall called in and stayed a few days last month. It was great to see them again. They are in “grey nomad” mode and last seen heading north to Qld.  Lindsay Black died last week. Many of you would have known Lindsay over the years. I have not heard how the funeral went at this stage.  If you know of anyone who has not received a copy of this letter, please pass it on and make sure you get your application for the ACB into Kerry ASAP.  Brian Swift has gone o/s and was to visit Gallipoli and the battlefields of France. Perhaps he will do an article on his travels for the next edition.  We are looking at the weekend of 18/19 October for a weekend in Manly to unveil the new Pavers at North Fort. Confirmation still to be obtained but put it in your diary now. Perhaps a get together on Fri Night and lunch and unveiling on Saturday with a dinner somewhere on Sat night. Free day on Sunday to do your own thing. Details to follow.