4 Field Regiment (SVN) 'Old Boys' Newsletter - February 2018 Edition

10 and to professional associations. George apparently received many congratulatory messages and his response is below: Dear Peter, Thanks very much for your email. I am not sure that the award is really deserved however I am happy to accept same. Had some great emails: Keith Hall, David Anderson, Lance Grimstone among others. Hope you are fit and well. Kind Regards. George. Items various.  As I mentioned earlier, we have moved to a new house. Life in an over 50s resort did not really suit either of us. We have moved to a normal house block still in Lake Cathie. (pronounced ‘cat eye’). It was a great move and went very smoothly indeed. Now I need to buy all the tools and gardening gear again which was sold when we left Kendall. Oh well, at least we now have room to move and the grandkids have a back yard to play in. We are walking distance to the beach and more importantly, the local pub and coffee shop. Had big plans to fit the caravan in the carport beside the house but miscalculated the height of both and now have a task of raising the carport roof a couple of feet.  Bill McMillan is not travelling too well these days. Now in a nursing home and struggling. Syd Farrow keeps in touch with Bills wife Jan so any messages for Bill through me or Syd please.  My idea of perhaps collating a ‘Coffee Table’ type book has fallen on deaf ears. I know there are lots of photos and stories out there but putting them all together is a mammoth task. For those who have not seen the 106 Battery book ‘Gunners Vietnam 67/68’, try and get hold of a copy. It is a great memento of the battery in SVN.  Speaking of books, I have recently finished reading a book by Frank Walker titled ‘The Tiger Man of Vietnam’. A true story about (then) Captain Barry Anderson and his work with the Montagnard people. A good read with lots side issues which I found very interesting, including involvement of the Brits in SVN. I remember some years ago, a British soldier telling me there was UK involvement in SVN but had trouble believing him. Very interesting.  The 12 Field Regiment (Vietnam) Association has unfortunately folded and closed up shop. Sad I know, but with a common ailment ie no volunteers. Many organisations suffer the same fate.  Just a reminder to all that we are not associated directly with the 4 Fd Regt Old Boys group on Facebook. Some individuals, including myself, have joined the group but we, as an association are not involved with that particular group.  I have spare copies of the latest RAA Liaison Letter and Cannonball – the Journal of the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company – if anyone wants one. Postage is the killer though so be prepared to cover costs. The Liaison Letter is also available on line via the Australian Artillery Association web site www.australianartilleryassociation.com  The next National Gunner Dinner will be held on the 24 th August 2019 at Caloundra in Queensland. Full details available at the web site above. A great chance to experience RAA comradeship and a real “gunner’ bash. Well, that’s all folks. Again, your comments are most welcome and feedback most appreciated. Would like to hear of anyone who is not travelling so well and may need a bit of a boost. Keep an eye on your mates and if you have been going to get in touch with someone – do it now! Best wishes Pete