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

3 From Mick and Pat Long . Merry Christmas to you all. Don’t drink too much. Don’t eat too much. But if you do, enjoy yourselves! Regards, Mick & Pat. From Gus Weir . Hey Pete, Just going thru some old stuff and found this photo. Is that a young you in the background with Ken Wylie and Coops.?? I have lots more so should get them up to you. The boys will get a laugh or two. Have a good Christmas and keep up the good work. Gus WEIR From Denis Byrne . Thanks Pete and a merry Christmas and a happy 2018 to you and Susie. Speaking of 2018, I’ll be in Broome for next ANZAC Day with Harry Dainton. His son, Scott, is being married on 27 April. He’ll have some former Army mates there as well. Cheers, Denis. From Allan Hutcheson . Thanks for the letter Peter. A very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New year to all. Allan. From Graeme Leonard . Peter Bruce, what is this I “try to play golf”, was 8 under my handicap with 5 holes to go last Sunday when I was forced to pull out because of an old knee injury. Injury is from kicking too many goals in the Townsville Australian Football League (Leading Goal Kicker twice) back in the 70's.....Ha Ha....Gonzo 007 (Have had to change number because I am in the next James Bond movie next year. Merry Xmas to everyone. I do aerial photography for nothing . Gonzo 16160. "Retired Expert Of Everything Insignificant" From Peter (PJ) Smith . I can never blame my bad knees on kicking too many goals! Not much chance of that in the back pocket! A very happy and safe Christmas to everyone and a great 2018 for you all. PJ From John Wells. Thanks, Peter. Your efforts are appreciated, but no-one will ever be bothered saying so. I know this to be true! One thing with which you are dealing, and which is perhaps best typified by the difference between the 108 Journal and Tiger Rag, is that those of us who were NS have perforce a much stronger attachment at Battery level than at Regimental. We were simply not there long enough to form the sorts of relationships some of you other blokes have, and which I sometimes envy. Have a good Christmas among your people. mate. John Wells. Ed. John makes a very valid point regarding battery associations. We encountered this right back in the 70s when our Old Boys Association was starting out. We completely understand the stronger attachments at battery level and support them entirely. There are however, many who for whatever reason, be it time in batteries or the like, cling to a Regimental group. HQ Battery members are probably our strongest link, but we are happy to include all whenever they feel inclined. FO parties are another example. Many have a closer association with the battalion they worked with rather than the battery they originated from. I think the common link is that we were Arty, 4 th Field Regiment and in SVN at some stage. We would appreciate any comments for the next newsletter. Pete