A History of Military Police Service in
South Australia
1930s – 1990s
This document was written by an unknown authour for use in RACMP
Regimental Instructions in the 1990s and has been reprinted here courtesy of
the RACMP Historical Collection.
{Historical
note – 4 MP Coy (4th Military Police Company) is no longer on the
RACMP Order of Battle as of 2008 and was amalgamated with other MP elements to
provide better support the Australian
Army in 2008 and beyond. This
story is an excellent work and record of the Corps in South Australia}
Introduction
4 MP Coy is an integrated
unit (ARA/ARes) and was raised in 1975 by the amalgamation of 4 and 5 MD MP
Units (ARA) and 2 Comm Z Coy (ARes) as part of the re-organization of RACMP.
The ARes elements of the
unit include 41 and 43 MP Pls and certain establishment positions within the
Unit HQ and Admin Pl.
ARA
MP in South Australia
Extensive enquiries have not
been able to trace the unit history back further than 1952. The Officer Commanding the unit from 1952
to 1957, CAPT Paul McCullough, was very helpful and supplied most of the
information regarding the unit's early history.
Ex-CAPT McCullough was
seconded to Military Police after receiving a long service commission in early
1950. Due to his previous service with
the SA Police Department, the then GOC C Comd, MAJGEN Wilson, selected him to
take command of C COMD Pro Unit from a W02 Cook. CAPT McCullough believes the unit moved into accommodation at
Keswick Barracks shortly after the end of WWII. The existing Barrack Detention Rooms were erected at about the
same time.
CAPT McCullough handed over
command of the unit to W01 L.H. Andrews (Ex MAJ Andrews PM 3 MD) in 1958. In 1959 CAPT A. (Bill) Preston arrived as
the Unit OC and W01 Andrews became the Unit RSM. CAPT Preston was to remain as OC C Comd Pro Unit until 1965.
From 1960, onwards, the ARA
Military Police were joined in South Australia by an ARes element (CMF in those
days).
From the increasing number
of CMF members in South Australia it became evident that the ARA Provost Unit
could not fully support CMF exercises.
To provide the necessary Military Police support to South Australia,
approval was given for a CMF Provost Unit to be raised in the Adelaide
Metropolitan Area. On 6 Sep 60, CAPT
C.L. Brebner, a CMF officer who was a WWII veteran and ex-PW was given command
of 2 L of C Pro Coy and raised the unit from CMF volunteers. The unit was based in a drill hall at
Keswick Barracks.
The founding members of the
Company were 2LT Hannaford and SGT Ward.
The Company RSM, WOI Symons joined the Company later that first
year. The first ARA Cadre members of
the Company were LT K.G. Petersen (Adjutant) and W02 Norm Elton (CQMS). The former is now LTCOL Peterson (ex
DMP/PM-A, now retired).
During the early days the
Company was involved in training its own members from officer to junior
NCO. In 1961 the unit was operational
with the first sergeants promoted and the first officer commissioned from
within the Company.
1963-64
In 1963, CAPT Petersen was
posted to 28 Commonwealth Inf Bde Pro Unit in Malaya. His place within the Company was taken by CAPT T. Parvin.
During that year, Donald Campbell was to make an attempt on the land speed
record on Lake Eyre. 2 L of C Pro Coy
was to provide support for the venture, however, the attempt was to fail. In 1964 the Company again provided support
for a second attempt at the record by Campbell. This time the attempt was successful.
In early 1974 the Military
Police building at Keswick was demolished to make way for the present DSU
Adelaide Logistics complex and the unit moved to barracks located at Prospect.
1975-80
The unit was renamed 4 MP
Coy in 1975. As a result of the re-
organisation, 44 MP Pl (formerly C Comd Pro Unit and late 4 MD MP Unit) although
a sub-unit of 4 MP Coy, was to remain under command of DSU Adelaide. In 1978, 44 MP Pl was finally placed under
command of 4 MP Coy, to make the Company an integrated unit. The Company was to remain at Prospect until
Oct 80, after which it took up residence in the seaside location of Somerton
Park.
The re-organisation of RACMP
and updated Corps doctrine caused a gradual change in the role of the
unit. The greatest change resulting
from the integration of the unit brought about a greater involvement in ARA
activities and operations by both ARA and ARes members.
Summary
Unit records are vague in
many aspects, however, because of the short life of the ARes element much of
that side of the unit history was obtained from the several members who have
been with the unit since its early days.
The ARes element of the Company has, for the most part, been fully
manned. Until recent years, the
majority of ARes members were members of the SA Police Department. Trends have
changed, but still a number of members are civilian policemen.
Army Reserve/CMF Military Police – Adelaide, South Australia, WW2 – 1990s
Prior to the raising of a
citizens Military Forces (CMF) Provost Company in South Australia all Military
Police requirements had been handled by the Australian Regular Army (ARA) Unit
located at Keswick Barracks, Keswick.
From early in the 1950’s due to the existence of the National Service
(NS) Scheme, large numbers of troops were assembled for the annual camps, in
order to meet their commitments under The National service Act proclaimed on 17
Mar 51. On completion of NS basic
training, soldiers transferred to a CMF unit to complete their obligation,
therefore CMF units contained both volunteers and those under a NS obligation. Prior to 30 Jun 57 this was 98 days basic
training with two years to complete 21 days each year comprising a 14 day camp
with the remainder in home training.
After that date it became basic training of 77 days but one extra year
thereby still retaining the 140 day total NS obligation.
CMF numbers were so large
that an Infantry Brigade was assembled for the annual camps to 1960. It was
therefore decided that as nearly all of the Arms and Services had a CMF
component in South Australia that it should be expanded to include a CMP
Provost (now MP) component, which subsequently lead to the raising of the 2nd
Lines of Communication Provost Company (2 L of C Pro Coy). To equate with changing terminology, the
term Lines of Communication was to become Communication Zone - or that area of
operations which is to the rear of the Corps Area. The term Provost comes from medieval times and applied to the
person who was responsible for law enforcement in the early days of
history. Since being raised on 6 Sep
60 the unit's title has changed from the original 2 L of C Pro Coy, to 2 Comm Z
Pro Coy, 2 Comm Z MP Coy, and then to the title of today - 4
MP Coy.
On adopting its last title
it came into line with the standard organisation for MP Companies in the
Australian Army, and with it came the
integration of an ARA Platoon within the company.
The detailed history of
significant events of the Unit is outlined in the following paragraphs.
1960
The South Australian CMF
Provost unit was raised on 6 Sep 60, at Keswick Barracks, Keswick, using the
facilities of the ARA Unit, key appointments in the unit at that time were:-
·� Commanding
Officer (CMF CAPT Clifton L. Brebner - A Civilian Police Senior Inspector who
saw Military Service in the Western Desert and after capture became a Prisoner
of War in Germany until hostilities ceased.
·� Adjutant: (ARA)
LT Kenneth G. Peterson ARA, transferred from the CMF MP Unit in Sydney.
·� RQMS (ARA) W02
Norman P. Elton
2LT Ronald C. Hannaford was seconded
from the 27th Battalion Royal South Australian Scottish Regiment (27 SASR) to
conduct interviews and transfers, with a significant number of new recruits
showing an interest.
It should be remembered that
on 30 Jun 60 all National Service Training obligations were cancelled under The
National Service Discharge of Trainees Act of 1960 and the CMF Army became a
completely volunteer army, but it also brought a major re-organisation which
meant many existing members, particularly those who were civilian police
officers, sought a transfer to the fledgling company.
On 6 Sep 60 2LT R. (Ron) C.
Hannaford was transferred in, as was SGT A. (Allan) A. Ward from 10 Field
Security Section (10 F S Sect) and with prior service also in 27 SASR. SGT Cundy from 10 Adelaide Rifles (10 AR)
also transferred into the unit (2LT Hannaford and SGT Ward were both
Instructors in the Training Division in the Civilian Police).
W02 Harold Andrews from ARA
Unit was lent to assist with organising and training the new unit. SGT Ward acted as unit RSM and SGT Cundy
started basic training of new enlistees - no centralized Recruit Training
existed at that time.
As an MP needs to hold the
minimum rank of Corporal those early days were unbelievably hectic to pass
through the stages of Recruit Training whilst some were also qualified to
temporary Corporal, CPLs Cock, Jackson, Martin and Smith in addition qualified
as SGTs by the close of training in Dec 60.
W02 Andrew's untiring
efforts should be acknowledged, as without his support, on-going efforts of
others would have collapsed in administrative scrap heaps. This support and contact was to remain for
many years and for that the unit must be greatly appreciative, for without it
the achievements of the unit would have been considerably less.
Although about 3 months of
real training time was available in the closing stages of 1960, considering the
awesome task of raising a completely new unit from scratch, with a combination
of administration, logistics and training a great deal was achieved in that
relatively short time. Even more could
have been achieved if we had not been saddled with an initial issue of some 30
Harley Davidson motorcycles (which we had all awaited eagerly) arriving from
Sydney only to find after their arrival that all required so much work that
they were all condemned - or BER'd (beyond economical repair) - stunned
us. Approximately one month after
they had arrived, and just after their removal, another 30 arrived for
training. To the dismay of those
who really were involved in motorcycling and after a little unofficial
cannibalizing only 6 were not BER'd -
it just seemed beyond comprehension that time, money and effort could be
expended to transport useless junk half way across Australia - it did cause a
little deflation of morale, and bred some lack of confidence in the system.
In Nov the unit re-located
to a building east of the Artillery Building which was to remain its base for
many years.
A lot of ground had been
covered in those three active months prior to Closing down for Christmas.
1961
As was usual in CMF units
training resumed in late January. We
immediately embarked on a vigorous driver training programme, as the role of an
MP Coy requires a high degree of mobility in mechanical transport, and to date
no one held military driving licences.
9 Bde was to hold its Annual Camp in April at El Alamein (a military
training site on the west side of Spencer Gulf stretching almost from Pt Augusta
to Whyalla.
Also more motorcycles had
arrived and needed to be checked over and worked on - although not a mechanic
by trade - actually a police bandsman - CPL Len Oliver worked many hours to
achieve a total of a dozen working machines.
With no time to spare but to
the amazement of all, about 20 personnel eventually gained their Army (G11)
Licence - some even had the Code (Solo
Motorcycle) prior to camp.
CPL Martin had attended a
Vehicle Testing officer's Course (VTO) over the Christmas break, this enabled
Mechanical Transport (MT) Courses to be conducted within the Unit.
2 Mar 61 saw the first
member of the unit being commissioned. SGT Ward was promoted 2LT (Prov) and
simultaneously CPLs Cock, Jackson, Martin and Smith were promoted to SGT in
order to attend camp in these capacities.
Although the organisation of
the Unit allowed for a Headquarters Section, and Four Provost Sections the
small in number, but enthusiastic members were sufficient to form a scaled down
HQ Sect and two Provost Sections - due to some degree of discontinuance of
National Service Training on 30 Jun 60 - (vide The National Service - Discharge
of Trainees Act of 1960) to proceed
to El Alamein for its first camp.
The unit was located in the
base camp, and Corps training with an emphasis on B010 motorcycle training was
the order of the day. Camp also saw
the arrival of the unit's first substantive Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) -
W01 Colin Symons - he also had come from 27 SASR, where he had been the
Regimental Police (RP) SGT for 2 years.
LT Hannaford (promoted from
2LT the week before camp), in recognition of the enthusiasm of members, donated
a trophy for presentation to the best section in Camp - to be a perpetuating
trophy and competed for annually. SGT
Cock's section won by the slim margin of I point, his 21C was CPL Black.
The unit returned from Camp
with a feeling of satisfaction in its training program. LT Hannaford had assumed the
responsibilities in his Posting of Regimental officer, for General training,
not covered by LT Ward's Regimental officer duties as Transport Officer which
embraced anything involving vehicles or their movements.
An aspect of a Provost
Company organisation in the prevailing organisation was that on the
Headquarters there were positions for an OC, (CMF) 21C/ADJT (ARA) and 2 x Regt
OFFR's (CMF), a small Administration, Quartermaster and Transport nucleus and
no more. Sections comprised of the
Sect Sergeant and 16 Corporals and there was no limit to the number of Sections
that a HQ Sect could administer which is somewhat different to the standard MP
Coy organisation now in existence.
Shortly before Camp SGTs
Hornibrook and Black reverted from Platoon SGTs in 43 Bn (Hindmarsh Regiment)
to CPLs in order to become enthusiastic members of the new company.
Shortly after return from
Camp, the unit was directed to provide an Adelaide Royal Show motorcyle display
team to cover 15 minutes of arena time on 3 nights. A stunt sequence was decided upon by LT Ward and SGT Jackson
(who was attached to the Advanced Driving Wing in the SA Police), in lieu of
the more familiar precision riding theme.
To hold the attention of spectators over that period of time is no mean
feat - it must have been considered as successfully accomplished for the
following year it was increased to 22 minutes.
2LT Ward successfully
completed promotion exam requirements which converted him from Provisional to
Probation status. After all the furore
of the year to Show time in Sep 61, the unit settled down to conducting NCO Courses,
particularly in the Corps subject as sufficient members of NCO's had
transferred in to warrant this approach to substantiate their rank in the
Provost Corps.
It had been a very busy year
and by Christmas W02 Elton had earned a coveted nickname of 'SGT Bilko' - his
ability to arrange the arrival of items, various, in shorter than indent
timings, and often with more than we should have probably been entitled to
certainly gained his the admiration of all who had the pleasure of working with
him: (for those not old enough to remember, 'Bilko' was a famous TV character
in those early days of Australian Television - an American Quartermaster
Sergeant whose ability to acquire goods etc, was unbelievable and shall we add,
unconventional).
The Christmas standdown was
almost a hindrance to interest and progression in training.
1962
The new training year began
with the knowledge that camp would again be in the El Alamein Camp area, and a similar
number of enthusiastic members attended with a HQ Section and two Provost
Sections. It was again a programme
of Corps training, with simultaneous solo motorcycle, and landrover driving
courses occurring, together with town patrols, and of course major effort for
the road moves of 9 Task Force (TF) up and back. Prior to 1959 the majority of
the troop movement was per rail - with major duties then confined to MP control
at loading or unloading points. It
also brought transfer and promotion for CPL J. (Jim) D. Sullivan from the ARA
MP unit to become the Orderly Room SGT.
The change to road movement
meant a hitherto unpractised effort by MP in SA of Traffic Control extending
over 200 miles (320 kms) - quite a task, considering many of the unit's members
had had little military background or knowledge prior to enlistment. It meant not only learning the skills of
becoming an in the field active Military Policeman, but learning of the
composition of other units within the control of the TF. It meant a lot of
cramming of knowledge, because it must be remembered that after all being a CMF
soldier meant that you were only a part time soldier. The Hannaford Trophy was
won by SGT Jackson's Sect who had CPL Hornibrook as 21C.
During Camp W01 E. (Ted)
King attached as supernumerary to C Comd Pro Unit was loaned to the unit to
assist with training.
Map reading is an essential
element in the functional role of an MP.
His expertise in this field amazed many - whether it be by day or by
night, with or without features he has the ability to read a map with an
uncanny accurate ability. This contact
was to continue for several years and it would not be incorrect to say that all
learnt from his incredible skill.
After Camp SGT Ben Martin,
the Transport SGT intimated that he would be finishing his time in Sep 62 after
2 years with the unit. His departure
would then mean that it would be again without a VTO. To fulfil the need to have a unit VTO LT Ward was sent off to
Puckapunyal, Victoria to the Royal Australian Army Service Corps (RAASC)
School, Mechanical Transport Wing for an intensive VTO Course (6 weeks for ARA
compressed into 2 weeks for the CMF).
His qualification meant the unit could look forward to having a VTO for
the ensuing 5 years (the validity of qualification).
On return from the course LT
Ward and SGT Jackson were again confronted with the task of training another
Royal Adelaide Show Display Team, on solo motorcycles, but with the arena
performance time increased from 15 minutes to 22 minutes.
To successfully achieve this
we enlisted the assistance of the OC of Central Command Workshop Unit in
civilian life the operator of Adelaide’s first automatic transmission facility,
and aided capably by the Light Aid Detachment (LAD) Commander, LT H. (Harold)
Shipp, whose civilian business of one of Adelaide's oldest tow truck/recovery
business using the slogan, 'Don’t go dippy - just ring Shippy', being almost a
household expression amongst Adelaidians.
A very apt expression - at that time the unit was using 42 WLA Model,
750 cc Harley Davidson motorcycles - once again CPL Len Oliver's expertise on
Harley's should be recognised.
(simply because the Army did NOT have any motorcycle mechanics). Without his 'illegal’, and 'unqualified’
application to the task the motorcycles simply would not have kept going.
The workshop crews modified
the one ridden by SGT Cock (also a driving instructor in the SA Police Advanced
Driving Wing), so that it allowed extra personnel to hang from it at various
and precarious positions. SGT Cock, despite 3 fractured ribs sustained during a
fall in practise, managed to ride on around the arena until 24 MP's hung on
long enough to complete at least 1 lap of the Showgrounds arena. To sustain all that weight tyre pressures of
80 psi in the front and 100 psi in the rear were needed. When all was totalled up the motorcycle was
carrying in excess of 2 tonne of bodies.
SGT Bob Cock in order to keep his three fractured ribs in position had
borrowed a pair of his wife's roll-ons - a fashionable female under garment of
that period, to give anatomical shape to the female form. with so many MP's grabbing, pulling or
pushing he certainly needed to keep his chest in shape. He needed to be constantly informed of the
path to take after two thirds of the load were on board as by then he could see
neither forwards nor sideways. It
certainly stimulated the team spirit which certainly reflected in the general
attitude of the Company.
We were informed that this
had equalled the world record of the Royal Corps of Signals Display Team in the
British Regular Army, who naturally had considerably greater practice time
available.
When asked to perform in
November at a Youth Display on Norwood Football Oval it gave an opportunity to
eclipse the Show performance and as practice was still reasonably up to date it
did not surprise all when we built that up to 25 - a world record.
An interesting feature of
the Norwood Oval display was the discovery of an almost six foot difference going
from south downhill to the north end.
Basically this meant that going away from the crowd we could gain the
advantage of a down hill run which the old girl under it all was able to take -
but when it cam to the up-hill slog back to the main grandstand, she just did
not have enough power to make the climb.
The limit had been reached but we had achieved our aim to beat our own
performance and also the Royal Signals team.
During the training time
keen interest and support by the Comd 9 TF, BRIG John F. McKinna, DSO ED (who
was also the SA Police Commissioner) in the form of approval for the necessary
extra training and personal visits certainly gave impetus to the event and a
high morale amongst participants was always evident. With only 35 or so members all ranks, in the unit it is easy to
Bee that the display involved virtually everyone, either physically or in the
administrative back up which is needed for such an exercise.
Then the year had almost
expired and SGT Ben Martin retired (he had been a member of the SA Police in
the early fifties, resigned to join the ARA, be came a CPL in the RAA Pro and
served his final years in the C Comd Pro Det. He then resigned to return to the SA Police in the Mounted
Division), to be replaced by CPL Tom Parkin, the Transport CPL. CPL Parkin
was promoted Transport SGT
(it is interesting to note that SGT Parkin was also a member of the Mounted
Police - a factor which enabled liaison between the Transport SGT and CPL to be
continued even outside training parade time).
With his upgrading to Tpt SGT it meant CPL B. (Brian) W. Black moved in
to be the Tpt CPL.
It seemed that a run of
departures from the unit was under way. As the unit closed down for the
Christmas break it saw CPL John Long (the son of MAJGEN LONG - General Officer
Commanding, Central Command (GOC C Comd) who had been in the unit for almost a
year and a half depart to become a Staff Cadet at the Royal Military College,
Duntroon, when it resumed in 1963.
CPL Malcolm Knispel, who had
been.selected for the Officer Cadet School, Portsea, Victoria, in Jun 62 had
long been gone.
On graduation at the end of
1963 he was posted to the Royal Australian Army Provost Corps (RAA Pro) as a
2LT.
It also meant that that very
close team of CAPT Cliff Brebner and by now CAPT Ken G. Petersen was to be
broken up. CAPT Petersen was posted to
28 Commonwealth Infantry Brigade Provost Unit, in Malaya. He had set a pinnacle of support and
guidance that was only achieved once more in the following years.
1963
When the unit resumed in the
New Year, CAPT T. (Tom) Parvin had arrived from Malaya to take up duties as the
21C/Adjutant. Training commenced with
gusto for the forthcoming Annual Camp in this year was to move out of the El
Alamein Camp area, and conduct independent field training after completing
assistance for the move up.
This location was on an
escarpment overlooking Spencer Gulf with a clear view of the Pt Lowly Light
House. Apart from the magnificent
views, probably the most memorable point of that camp were frequent serves of
baked schnapper cutlets fresh from the 4 wheeled Wiles cooker issued to the
unit for field cooking. Even at
morning tea superb cutlets were served.
This feat was possible due to the expertise and able liaison of the RQMS
W02 Norm (temporarily renamed Kingfisher) Elton.
The self supporting nature
of the camp proved an invaluable experience for an event which was to follow
shortly after return from camp. Camp vehicles - including the Wiles cooker-were
held at the unit pending the outcome of a liaison between the Federal and State
Governments to use ARA and CMF members in support of Donald Campbell and his
forthcoming world land speed record attempt on Lake Eyre in the far north of
the State. The approval came through
on the Thursday before Easter. The
support group of 12 civilian police officers - all of whom were members of the
CMF, combined with a Support Element from Central Command Workshops (all ARA),
Keswick Barracks, Keswick and a Medical Team detached from 2 Field Ambulance
(all ARA) located at Woodside Barracks in the Adelaide Hills - to be joined at
Lake Eyre by a RAAF Medical Officer - and later by an Otter aerial ambulance
from Woomera.
It was certainly an exercise
of achieving a great deal in a short time - vehicles were given absolutely
finite attention - it is a long way to Lake Eyre, and as the move was almost
immediate, it would mean a long haul via El Alamein to collect camp stores and
mechanical breakdowns were to be avoided.
Incredibly on the Friday after Easter the convoy of some 20
Army/Police Vehicles -
including two Medium Recovery Trucks and a Coles mobile crane, married up with
some 36 civilian support vehicles, including the star of the show - 'Bluebird'.
CAPT C.L. Brebner, who was
also Senior Inspector was in charge of the SA Police Group, was additionally
appointed OC of the Army Units at the base camp near Muloorina Station. Undoubtedly the success of the operation was
due to the leadership of CAPT Brebner, with LT Ward being responsible for
co-ordination, and W01 Jackson being in charge of convoy movement. W02 Elton again proved superbly capable in
organising the Q side of the operation. . A special mention should go to W02
Cyril Fern (his tall slim shape earned his the nickname of Cy-Fern) in charge
of the Royal Australian Electrical Detachment (RAEME) and his team.
Although preparation had
been good, after the convoy had left Hawker, W01 Jackson's landrover developed
rear tail shaft bearing problems to the extent that it was unbearable to
continue. Because the landrover was one
of the 3 vehicles equipped with civilian police radios it had to be kept in use
- what to do? Simple, remove the rear
tailshaft between the transfer case and the rear differential, and then put it
into 4 wheel drive effectively turning it into a front wheel drive
vehicle. The comment afterwards was
that it became a better vehicle to drive due to these changes of mechanical
characteristics.
The army vehicles equipped
with radios, used SA Police radio for VHF transmissions and also Traeger
Sets. one of the Police vehicles was a
Mobile Transmitter Van and Workshop combined.
Its equipment enabled it to transmit almost anywhere in Australia under
good conditions. One peculiarity of
transmitting from Muloorina was that often to reach Adelaide transmission was
done via Mt Gambier. Occassionally atmospherics allowed the entertainment of
hearing police car transmissions in Sydney.
The unit performed daily
duties in the field for 6 continuous weeks without one rest day. Once daily trial runs of Bluebird
commenced it meant rising at 0330 hours to enable breakfast to be downed
hurriedly and drive 35 miles to Check Point Charlie - the Security Checkpoint
on the shore end of the special causeway constructed to get vehicles across the
thin layer of salt near the shoreline and out onto the thick salt layer some
400 yards further out.
Logistics were quite mind
boggling - particularly for the English 'boffins' attached to the Bluebird
Project who had come from the confines of Britain to be literally dumped in the
middle of nowhere.
The RSM cajoled one at Check
Point Charlie when he poured a cup of water from the water bag and after a
couple of sips threw out the rest - not liking the characteristic taste
associated with water coming from a canvas water bag. He was told in no uncertain terms that every two or three days a
400 gallon watertruck had to be driven from the camp along the dirt track 36
miles (58 kms) into Marree and then head south to Leigh Creek along a dirt road
for 73 miles (117 km) to obtain the drinking water there. it then had to return to the camp and then
water for the Check Point, and out on the Lake, was carried by Jerry Can - that
drinking water was the result of almost 255 miles (408 kms) of effort - 'and
Sir, the bloody salt lake doesn't need any of it' - how true that exclamation
was later to prove.
Another facet was the bread
situation - three times a week fresh bread was collected at the Marree Railway Station
having been transported by high speed Budd Railcar from the Port Augusta
bakery.
The RSM warned of serious
happenings to those who didn't eat their crusts and all their sandwiches after
all that effort. Bread transported 214
miles (343 km) and another 36 miles (58 km) over bushtrack before being turned
into humble sandwiches back at the base camp was absolutely mind boggling for
those pale Englishmen suffering exposure to the warm central Australian winter
sunshine - better than summer weather in England.
The drinking water was also
supplementing Muloorina Homestead supplies because although the Price family
had contracted to accommodate the civilian group drinking water supplies were
meagre - rain had not fallen for 7 years.
Although the days were long,
when Donald Campbell's wife Sonje co- opted the services of her long standing
Australian show business friend, Lorrae Desmond, to stage an impromptu show in
the Camp Mess Marquee, volunteers were in abundance to up-lift the grand piano
300 yards from over at the Homestead.
It even enticed other locals
from adjoining stations several hundred kilometres afield. Probably a song which will linger in the
minds of the audience had the catchy lines that:-
.
‘If it's
something you enjoy It's illegal, it's immoral Or it makes you fat."
Entertainment to up-market
night club standards in the midst of red sand and salt bush amidst the
occasional mulga tree with sound penetrating the still night air will be an
event which will be ever present in the participating audience.
Then came the revelation
that rains in Queensland earlier in the year meant that the waters of the
swollen Diamentina River had now reached Lake Eyre in the Northern Sector. This was the beginning of disaster for the
Bluebird attempt. An emergency evacuation plan was implemented - the low loader
which had conveyed Bluebird from Adelaide had returned there and the dilemma of
retrieving Bluebird from the Lake had to be solved - and quickly. The waters from the Diamentina were creeping
under the salt and weakening the salt from the underside. The Studebaker 6 x 6 used as the unit's
work horse broke through and it was only momentum that kept it going and back
onto the thick "ice".
The imagination of Blue
Hughes of the Muloorina Station family and the crew from RAEME resulted in a
temporary trailer of heavy RSJ sections welded together and mounted on an old
truck axle assembly and turntable. Time was running out, then to cap it all a
huge storm loomed over the Lake. An absolutely disastrous setback - the trailer
was taken out to the Lake - Bluebird was loaded and moved towards the
causeway. Then came the news that
one of the fuel trucks had broken through the salt at the causeway. The big
question was how could we get Bluebird around this disaster?
To ensure Bluebird did not
suffer the same fate, the wire mesh under the workshop truck at the Lake base
had to be uplifted and rushed to the end of the causeway. It was almost heart stopping to see the
salt surface bending as the trailer carrying Bluebird traversed the wire mesh.
Without the mesh the passage would have been impossible. Bluebird remained at Check Point Charlie
overnight and at first light began a slow trip back to Muloorina.
The storm finally broke and
the task of equipment retrieval became unbelievable - the roads turned into
quagmires - the two Recovery Trucks won the admiration of all. Down to the axles, yet still they pushed
on, mile after mile. How hard they
slogged it out can be assessed in that for each unit 80 gallons of fuel was
needed between the base camp and the Check Points. Stockpiling of fuel at Check Point Charlie ensued a return
journey was possible.
When all equipment had been
recovered back to Muloorina, the massive task of cleaning it confronted the
entire team. What a mess - that red outback dust to mud which sticks like glue
to vehicles under frames. Finally the last vehicle was cleaned but already salt
exposure was evident in the 4 only landrovers permitted onto the salt lake -
frozen handbrakes - excessively visible rust on springs, and the bodywork would
undoubtedly eventually become visibly deteriorated. It was only after 6 weeks in the field that the team had one
day of standdown. Because the
Frome River had also in the meantime flooded, and cut off the route to Marree
it meant movement by road from Muloorina would be just impossible for a
considerable time. Despite all this
activity the Medical Team had to treat no more than cuts and bruises, with an
odd splinter to be drawn out.
However during the flood
build up, a call for help was heard on the Police Radio. At William Creek Railway Station a pregnant
woman needed urgent evacuation - the airstrip was flooded making it unuseable
and floodwaters had cut the railway in several places - trains were simply not
running - nor were they to for several months. CPL Geoffrey Whitford with a member of the Medical Team set off
in one of the Landrover Ambulances, and in some places needed to drive along
the railway tracks during their incredible journey of mercy. The mother-to-be was successfully extricated
to Marree where she was able to be evacuated.
The ambulance returned to Muloorina just in time before Marree was also
inaccessible.
Finally the RAAF Otter air
ambulance on duty at the Lake for use during the speed trials (it needed to go
into a dive to keep up with Bluebird even in the early days), was converted to
a transport role for the evacuation of personnel from the site. This also included the civilians who were
engaged on the project. Evacuation was
direct to the hard surface airstrip at Leigh Creek, where all were then
conveyed back to Adelaide by civil police transport. The Marree Leigh Creek road had by now been severely cut in
several places and would be impassable for a long time, as well as the track
into Marree being flooded by the swollen Frome River. The aerial observation
platform gave an epic view and revealed just how extensive the flooding really
was.
CPL Brian Black and Const Ted
Baker remained at the campsite as caretaker and radio technician/operator until
six weeks later when LT Ward led the convoy of vehicles to reach Marree from
Adelaide and then out to Muloorina.
After several days CAPT
Brebner brought the remaining party back to Marree by train and BO the entire
operation was completed after almost half of the equipment went back to El
Alamein with the remainder conveyed safely back and stored in Adelaide.
One may ask why so much was
devoted to this aspect in writing the unit's history - probably there is no
other CMF unit which has performed continuously in the field in a very remote
location for such a protracted period.
The unit was able to claim a high degree of experience in the field - it
was probably better prepared for full time field duty than any other CMF unit
in Australia. It also showed that 6
weeks is as long as vehicles can be pushed with little or no service. Time was utilized to the maximum but
certainly it took its toll on machine if not man, but we had certainly learned
a lot about our own capability and very importantly the ability to work and
live with our RAEME and RAAMC people.
In combat this is how it would in fact be very much the case.
Those who participated in
the exercise would never forget it. Those who served at Lake Eyre Brebner,
Ward, Jackson, Cock, Black, Whitford, Webber, Turner, Keynes, Hornibrook.
With a fair proportion of
the unit's key personnel away it meant CAPT Parvin and LT Hannaford had a very
busy time back at the unit in Keswick Barracks, conducting home training.
After all the dust had
settled down in the north and all personnel had put their feet back on the
ground it once again became time to conduct NCO courses as the programme in
late 1962 had prevented them being conducted and early 1963 had proved no less
active.
Although necessary the
mundaneness of home training was a great deflating contrast to the first two
thirds of the year. The close of year
also saw the RQMS being posted having been at the unit for three and a quarter
years and a very busy period it had proved to be.
He had been very
instrumental in acquiring an extra building to the rear of the main drill hall,
having achieved an 11 th hour decision to not have it sold and carted away.
1964
Once again the 9 TF annual
camp was to be held in the El Alamein training area, and whilst all other units
prepared to conduct training in that area it had been decided the 2 L of C Pro
Coy would again support Donald Campbell in another attempt on the World Land
Speed Record. However it would be in
an increased role. The Muloorina
Homestead people had declined to provide accommodation for the civilian parties
in the support team. Only Donald
Campbell, his family and his Chief Mechanic Leo Villa could be
accommodated. We were to provide the
accommodation and feed the remainder.
In order to allow rapid establishment of the Campsite the entire unit
was to move off and erect the camp for both Services and Civilian support
groups. After a speedy deployment,
local training was conducted to complete the 14 day camp requirements. At that juncture selected members remained
to continue the support role for the Speed Record attempt. .
Compared to the previous
year it was a case of routine daily operations, still with the early daily
timings until on the morning of Friday 17 Jul 64 those members on duty at the
Lake witnessed Bluebird speed down the salt at a new World Land Speed Record of
403.1 mph - (this world record still stands for a vehicle driven through the
wheels - higher speeds have been achieved with thrust propelled units).
Just prior to the move CPL
A.(Alan) Webber was promoted SGT.
In September SGT Parkin
sought discharge, and CPLs Black and Hornibrook were promoted to SGT, prior to
attending the RAASC Centre MT Wing, Puckapunyal, for a VTO's Course. Both qualified and brought back a
working knowledge of the Australian Army's new International Mk 3 and Mk 5
trucks which were to replace the old Blitz wagons and the ever faithful
Studebaker 6 x 6 2 1/2 ton General Service (GS) trucks the latter of which held
a special endearment by those involved in the transport aspects of the unit.
During the year SGT A.
(Ossie) Osborne had been seconded to the unit from C Comd Pro Unit as a temp
RQMS, which turned into becoming permanent and subsequently he was promoted to
W02. It was not long before he took
over the reins in the Q store in as capable a manner as his predecessor. If it wasn't in the store - come back and
Bee me next week and invariably it was there.
Thank God we had not suffered from that syndrome of "We haven't got it - and if
we did have it - you wouldn't get it." Our achievements would have been minimal if we had suffered that
attitude in the Q store.
C Comd Pro Unit lent WO1 E.
(Ted) King to assist with training and his navigational exercises will remain
indelible in the minds of those who experienced-his expertise.
CAPT J. Parvin was posted
and LT Manfred (Fred) Gernhoeffer came to us as the new ARA Adjutant. We were not becoming involved in that
incredible ARA whirl of postings in and out to units. 1964 closed with Transport and NCO Training Courses again
dominating the training programme. Oct 64 also saw CPL D. (Don) Sharp being
promoted to T/SGT (he was the first member to exceed the rank of CPL who was
not a civilian police officer - he was a line technician in the Postmaster
General's Department (PMG) - later to be renamed Telecom).
1965
Enthusiasm for the training
programme was at an all time high when the unit returned after the Christmas
break, and remembering the success of the previous year's very successful field
and training exercises, the impending probability of the unit moving to New
South Wales for the Annual Camp was causing enthusiasm to bubble.
Additionally through the
Commissioner of Police (BRIG John F. McKinna, DSO, ED), who was also the
Honorary Colonel of School Cadets in SA, a group of 8 members from the MP Coy,
who were also members of the civilian police, were attached to 4 Cadet Bde
camps. They served in a dual role -
primary role was as Instructors, and secondary role was to act as watchdog on
the civilian support labour force.
Their presence achieved the desired result in that a considerable number
of unpaid State warrants were paid for (from the wages earned), and a general
increase in the standard of the support staff who had been prone to social
problems. (School cadets were not
permitted to perform kitchen, waiter and latrine duties, therefore requiring a
reasonably large labour support force for these duties which had its own
inherent problems).
In February SGT H. (Harold)
E.W. Smith was promoted to LT (he was a Police Prosecutor in the State Police
which accounted for his continuing position in the Orderly Room). CPL O. (Owen) Donaghey left his Q Store
duties for promotion to a Sect SGT.
In March the unit proceeded
by road to Singleton, NSW as the first phase to join in "Exercise
Quickstep 3". During the move over phase, the unit assisted in the
delivery of 12 Landrover Ambulances fresh from the manufacturer in SA to the
Moorbank Ordnance Vehicle Park. Once
again to assist with successful convoy control Civil Police radios were fitted
to 3 vehicles. Because of the limited number of drivers, progress was tedious
due to the need to have regular breaks coupled with the lower speed
restrictions for the brand new vehicles in the convoy. During the move over no vehicle sustained
accident damage, the only casualty being one of the old Commercial (CL) Trucks
which required to have a replacement engine for the return journey.
Exercise Quickstep 3
involved a move by road from Singleton to a beachhead near Port Stephens on
Nelson Bay, and then inland to Tea Gardens north of Newcastle, however after a
monumental problem on the beach with loading of the first of 6 convoys, the
remainder were quickly re-routed by road.
The exercise was to practise
operation of a Task Force Maintenance Area (TFMA) and utilizing simulated
cargoes when real cargo was not in use (a fair proportion of rations and fuel
and supplies for real daily maintenance formed part of the loadings - all other
cargo was then simulated to make up the daily requirements to sustain a forward
operating TF).
Tmnl Sqns, Water Tpt Sqns,
Engr Plant Sqns, Engr Constr Sqns, Tpt Tps, and Sqns, the like of which members
had never seen, were in all directions.
It could only be described as the most enlightening exercise the unit
had ever been involved in to date or probably would be for the remainder of its
existence. One other aspect that will
be forever remembered was the ferocity and intensity of the mosquitoes which
seemingly arrived nightly in squadron strength.
After assisting up to the
completion of the field exercise the unit moved south to the Military Police Headquarters
and School, located within the grounds of HMAS Watson, South Head, Sydney for
one night, albeit a very short night, for at 0400 hr our convoy was given MP
Control by E Comd MP Coy to guide us through Sydney in one piece and send the
convoy up into the Blue Mountains via Katoomba and home. To the amazement of all, we were at our
depot in Keswick Barracks at 2200 hr that day. Because we had considerably increased our driver to vehicle
ration after delivering the ambulances, it meant by consistent driver rotation
halt times were kept to an absolute minimum - also we had learned the trick of
being able to rest a can of meat or vegetables on the manifold of the Rover
engine. It meant that at halt times a
couple of cans of hot food was ready for consumption within seconds of
stopping. A large multi-pot provided
the hot water for a brew - how many cups are there in one multi-pot? This efficient move had been possible
through good vehicle control and driver discipline at halts and in particular at
refuelling stops. Correct convoy speeds had been maintained throughout the
move.
An article in a Sydney
newspaper gave an insight into the involvement of State Civilian Police in the
MP Unit. This clipping attached as an
annex to 1965 serves as an example of how life within the unit was really like
no other unit when one considered the large numbers in that situation contained
in the article.
In May LT Ward was granted
leave in order to be seconded from the State Police to the commonwealth Police
to subsequently transfer to the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) to be
one of the 40 civilian police forming the second Australian Civilian Police
Contingent. Whilst there his knowledge
of Army writings and procedure were utilized by the Australian Commander, and
it meant close liaison with other civil police contingents and very large
military components Of the force, of 14000 on arrival which decreased to 12000
by his departure. Especial liaison was
with the UNFICYP MP Coy comprised of members from each of the armies of the
peace keeping force the only entirely composite unit on the island.
CPLs D. (Dick) Whittington
and L. (Lionel) Peisley were selected to become members of the initial intake
to Officer Cadet Training Unit (OCTU) formed to provide a uniform basic
training programme for CMF members training to be appointed to commissioned
rank.
SGT Jackson was promoted to
W02 and acted as RSM following the decision of W01 Colin Symons to retire and
in Aug 65 T/SGT D. (Don) Sharp was made a substantive SGT.
Again NCO training occupied
the end of year training. 1965 also saw
the resumption of National Service Training with re-implementation of the
National Service Act of 1951 but with different conditions of service compared
to the scheme of the 1950s.
As 1965 closed the unit
began to notice the beginning of an upsurge in numbers as the ranks increased
with those seeking the alternative clauses of the NS Act to running the gauntlet
of a marble from a barrel leading to two years full time service. The alternative was a 6 year CMF
commitment entered into before the marbles went into the barrel. It was the choice of this alternative
condition which caused rapid expansion not only in the MP Unit but others as
well.
1966
The reliable volunteer group
of 35 all ranks began to swell rapidly and it became obvious the establishment
of I HQ Sect and 4 Pro Sects would be insufficient for the numbers seeking
enlistment. An application to add one
more Pro Sect was made after camp but unfortunately approval took until 1967
before being granted.
Camp was back to the
saltbush of Cultana and the usual assistance to 9 TF for the move to and
from. unit training prevailed once
there.
CPL A. (Tony) C.I. Woodcook
was granted six months leave for secondment from the State Police to the
Commonwealth Police for duty at World Expo in Montreal, Canada on the
Australian Government Stand.
July saw the successful
completion of OCTU by CPLB D. Whittington and L. Peisley as the first MPs to
graduate from OCTU. They chose to
return to our Corps and were subsequently posted to the unit as 2LTs (both were
members of the State Police - 2LT Preisley a clerk in Personnel and 2LT
Whittington, a field policeman, as a solo motorcycle patrolman working with LT
Ward who had left the Training Division for General Duties followed by solo
motorcycle duty). Their arrival saw the
departure of CPL Anthony (Tony) D. Hughes for the next intake to OCTU.
During the year LT R.C.
Hannaford was also discharged.
August saw the return of LT
Ward from duties at UNFICYP. In October he was seconded to Central Command (C
Comd), Command and Staff Training Unit (CSTU) for a period of twelve months on
a course programmed for promotion to Captain.
August also saw the posting
to the unit of WOI H. (Harold) Andrews from RSM at C Comd Pro Det to become the
ARA ADJT at 2 L of C Pro Coy. After such a long association as a seconded
member on many occasions since raising of the Unit he certainly needed no
introduction nor orientation at the unit.
His posting was welcomed by all.
1966 Closed off with
Transport and NCO Courses.
Dec 66 saw CPL M- (Mick)
Heseltine being discharged - he had enlisted at the unit in Apr 63, and had
volunteered to enter National Service which was to occur in Feb 67.
1967
The year opened with a dark
cloud hovering over the unit - CAPT Cliff Brebner OC since the raising of the
unit did not resume parading. He had been inflicted with that dreaded terminal
disease of cancer. He was formally
discharged on 28 Feb 67 and he passed away on 24 Apr 67.
Although given a formal
Police Funeral (which all police commissioned officers are entitled even if
death does not result from service on duty), members of the State Police in the
MP Unit, chose to don their military uniforms in preference to the Police
uniform to march as a
body from his unit.
With his passing came a name
change - to reflect the role of the unit it became 2nd Communications Zone Provost
Company (2 Comm Z Pro Coy).
LT H.E.W. Smith, who had
been lucky enough to qualify under the old scheme of only four subjects being
required for qualification for promotion to CAPT, was promoted CAPT and
appointed the new OC. In the Civilian Police
he was an Assistant Police Prosecutor with the rank of First Class Constable.
Once again the unit went to
El Alemein for Annual Camp in support to 9 TF.
The additional Pro Sect had been authorized and so CPL W. (Warren) F.
March was able to be promoted to SGT However the pressure of enlistment in 1966
was again repeating itself in 1967, despite now being 1 HQ Sect and 5 Pro
Sects, authority to expand by one more Pro Sect was sought.
Enthusiasm was no doubt
sparked by the Australian Army involvement in the war in South Vietnam - it was
to mean the unit would enjoy full strength for years to come. In fact it was almost an embarrassment to
have so many Military Policemen in one area on some occasions.
In Jul 67 CPL A.D. Hughes
completed his OCTU Course and was promoted 2LT on graduation (2LT Hughes was a
clerk in the State Public Service). He
then sought to be returned to the unit, this being possible as 2LT Whittington
had gone onto Full Time Duty (FTD) at HQ C Comd as the S03 (Housing). He later became Camp Commandant, Woodside,
but chose to return to England after those duties in 1971.
In Sep 67 LT Ward cut short
his time at CSTU in order to go with CAPT Smith, 2LT Hughes, SGTs Black, March
and Donaghey and attended the 1/67 Offr, WO's and SGTs Pro Cse, at the Pro
School, still located within HMAS Watson, South Head, Sydney. All acquitted themselves in a creditable
manner - the course was intense but extremely informative and everyone on
course agreed that it should be not less than a bi-annual event (the SI was MAJ
E. ((Ted or Dinger)) Bell a powerhouse behind its function - he later became
Provost Marshall but much to everyone's dismay he died in office, which
saddened the hearts of all who had had the pleasure to meet him).
When not working hard in the
classroom one could enjoy the pleasures of the sights of Sydney Harbour from
the Offs/SGTs Mess, not to forget that secluded little beach - Camp Cove. All viewable through permanently mounted
binoculars to allow perfect sights.
Those who had had the
pleasure of being at that location were particularly disappointed when news of
its closure and transfer of facilities to the Navy was made.
Hardly had the students
returned from the course in Oct than LT Harold Andrews was posted to Singapore to
replace CAPT D. (Doug) C. Whiting who had been posted to the unit as 21C - the
ARA officer posting having been upgraded to a CAPT as 21C. Due to accrued leave from overseas duty,
although posted to the unit in Oct he was not seen at the unit until 1968. Oct
67 also saw SGT O'Donaghey being promoted to W02.
General training was the
format in the latter portion of the year due to the increased numbers of
recruits incurred through the National Service situation, and LT Ward had not
returned from CSTU fully qualified for CAPT due to a change in qualification
subjects requirements which increased the requirement from four to seven. Three remained from the old system, however
one paper was split into three separate subjects and the all new subject of
Current Affairs was introduced. However with four of the five AHQ subjects
passed in the one exam it represented the best performance of a CMF candidate
for Captain in C Comd. The missing one
was Current Affairs and with only one of forty two qualifying in SA he could
probably be
excused.
In Aug 67, SGT Barry
Presgrave with one other CMF member went to Lae, New Guinea, to assist with
training of School Cadets in 35 Cadet Brigade - all native people from Church
Missions located around the country. However unlike School Cadets in Australia
these "lads" all seemed to be 6'3" and were generally around 23
years of age - they would eventually find their way into the regular defence
force. SGT Presgrave relates how on the day of departure, snow had fallen on Mt
Lofty (the highest peak in the Mount Lofty Ranges which overlook the city of
Adelaide and rarely has snow fallen upon it - and if it does, causes traffic
jams brought about by curious spectators), and that afternoon when they arrived
in Port Moresby it was a stifling humid 105 F (25 )C. The variation was
staggering. Once recovered, over the
three week training programme a trek along a substantial part of the Kokoda
Trail was of great interest, whilst discovering a World War II Dukw hidden
beneath the undergrowth on the banks of the Bitebum River was to be their
contribution to history, for it was subsequently recovered to the museum at
Lae. It had suffered hull damage and had a complete 60' 70' tree trunk growing
through the hole. Items like spent rounds, smashed weapon parts and pistol,
helmet and compass were recovered.
Aug 67 also saw the arrival
of SSGT K. (Keith) Durman as RQMS from Sydney. By Christmas he had been promoted to W02.
1968
The size of the unit had
grown so much that for camp requirements in 1968 it easily met the operational
demand to split into two groups, HQ Sect and 3 Pro Sects under the command of
the OC, CAPT H.E.W. Smith were airlifted by RAAF Hercules to Singleton, NSW for
major exercises in that area, whilst a smaller element of one and a half
section strength provided MP support to the 9 TF on exercise in the El Alamein
area. This element was commanded by LT
Ward with SGT J. (John) C. Hornibrook as his 21C. Amidst duties in the 9 TF area,
training commenced in the first on the newly arrived Army Model BSA 350 cc solo
motorcycle. Almost at the end of that
camp SGT Hornibrook sustained a broken leg on motorcycle training, however
prompt action by the Det Comd ensured he arrived for treatment at the RAP in
rapid time and without any adverse effect - in fact 20 years later he was still
riding a solo motorcycle in the SA Police Traffic Division - and without any
complaints. WO1 Hornibrook talks about
more than the weather when or wherever - Military scene or civil scene - he
meets COL P. (Peter) Byrne, RFD, ED for it was he as CAPT P. Byrne, who set the
broken leg. COL P. Byrne, RDF, ED is
one of Adelaide's leading orthopaedic surgeons, who shortly after the leg
incident performed creditably in South Vietnam.
In May 68 CPL John Keogh was
given leave following his selection as a member of the 4th Contingent of
Australian Civilian Police to serve at UNFICYP, thereby becoming the second
unit member to perform peace keeping duties in Cyprus, with the United Nations.
CPL John Patterson,
volunteered for and was accepted for full time duty in South Vietnam in Mar 68.
He remained with the Corps during that service which totalled one and a half
years, covering training at Jungle Training Centre (JTC) Canungra, Qld with service
in all three Australian locations at Saigon, Vung Tau and Vui Dat. His own
story is attached and describes very effectively the mood of the day Annex A to
1968).
The solo motorcycle course
in the later half of the year saw a mixture of Harley Davidsons and BSA's. Harleys had been in service with the corps
since the Second World War and their inevitable passing brought a lump to the
throat of those who had used them over many years. They were however far too big and cumbersome for use off road and
their age did little to help their reputation. They could be best assessed as a machine which you either loved
or hated. Despite this all eight
students qualified on both machines.
Jun 68 saw W02 Donaghey
Beeking discharge.
Jul 68 saw CPLs C- (Colin)
Fox and Sullivan entering OCTU for an 18 month course. After a short time CPL Sullivan Bought to
return to the unit whilst CPL Fox persevered with the strenuous course. CPL Fox had enlisted in the unit in Jun 64.
LT Ward added one more
subject to his qualification for CAPT by passing Current Affairs - one of six
from thirty five candidates (CMF) in South Australia to qualify. For many years Current Affairs in both CAPT
and MAJ promotion exams were to be the bane of many a candidate - probably requiring
more return sittings than any other AHQ subject.
CPL P. (Paul) Stein was
selected as a member of a 200 man contingent to represent Australia in
Versailles, France during a parade and service t commemorate the 50th
anniversary signing of the Versailles Treaty on 11 Nov 18. He had come to the unit after completing his
NS obligation which included service in South Vietnam. This had been one of the criteria in making
the selection.
Nov 68 also saw the transfer
of W02 Durman the RQMS back to Sydney with SGT J.D. Sullivan being promoted to
W02 and into that position from the Orderly Room. Also SGTs Presgrave and Sharp
completed qualification for W02.
(445632 CPL John Patterson
served from 1964 - 1981 and this is his story of volunteering for Full Time
Duty - FTD - CMF service in order to serve in South Vietnam)
I joined 2 L of C Pro Coy at
Keswick Barracks in 1964. The unit was
then under command of CAPT C.L. Brebner.
I attended many camps at El Alamein, south of Port Augusta with others
as far afield as Tea Gardens (north of Newcastle).
In 1966, the Vietnam
conflict was worsening as Australian troops were despatched to the war
zone. The government of the day
re-instituted conscription, preparing young men for duty at home and overseas.
I was six months over-age for registering for Conscription and at 2 Comm Z Pro
Coy (the unit's title had been changed) our ranks swelled with many wishing to
avoid Conscription by serving in the CMF.
At this time I became
restless because of our out-dated training doctrine which was based on World
War 2 manuals trying to simulate S-E Asian conditions. Training was based on hearsay and reports of
what was happening in Vietnam.
A document came to the CMF
calling for volunteers, SGT and above, to be selected for service in Vietnam as
Training Team members to work with the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN).
Following the untimely death
of the OC, CAPT Brebner, I spoke to the ARA 21C, CAPT Doug Whiting about
volunteering for CMF Full Time Duty (FTD) to serve as a Military Policeman in
South Vietnam, and with his full support the wheels were put into motion.
Over a period of nearly 12
months and after many interviews, psychology tests and even to the point of the
Army flying me to Melbourne for the day, for an interview before a panel of
Colonels' Majors and others, just wanting to know why I wanted to volunteer for
FTD.
At this time, selected
officers in the CMF were flown to Vietnam for a fortnight to view the position
first hand - but a mere CMF CPL volunteering for FTD!!!
Finally in Mar 68, 1
commenced 18 months FTD - Conscription was two years, but six months was waived
because of my CMF training. I
commenced at Ingleburn Infantry Centre in a group of eight (one Major, two
Captains, one Lieutenant, three Warrant officers and one Staff Sergeant). They
were all Regular Army and we were to commence a three month training course for
"Training Team", just imagine how I felt, junior in rank and CMF to
boot!! However, we worked as a team,
all of us forgetting rank, and working as one.
The course was fabulous,
with unrelenting fitness programmes and training on every imaginable weapon available. Full infantry training. In fact at the end
of the course, if they had said,
‘Do you want to go as an
Infanteer?’
I would have not hesitated
in saying ‘Yes’
At the end of this course
(only six Of us passed) I was marched out to South Head Sydney, to the then MP
School, where I was required to sit in on a W08/SGTs Course for three weeks,
again which I passed. After a short
stint of duty in Sydney, and at this time things were pretty hectic, as Sydney
was the Australian Rest and Recreation (R&R) depot for thousands of US
servicemen.
I was then despatched to
Canungra, Queensland, the Jungle Training Centre, the last leg before
servicemen went to Vietnam. The "bastardisation" at that place was
incredible to see how much pressure you could take. If they thought you were "swinging the lead", you were
back- squadded, and had to start the course all over again!
September 1968, and I was
winging my way to South Vietnam aboard a Qantas 707. Eight hours later, including a brief stop in Singapore, we landed
in Saigon (now Ho Chi Mihn City). I'll
never forget the oppressive heat and humidity, the foul smell in the air of
rotting garbage, all this at a military air base. Everything bristled with weapons - the buildings - the vehicles -
the people.
I was then choppered to Vung
Tau, a "safe" coastal town on the China Sea approximately 100 kms
from Saigon. Vung Tau was well known as
the Australian Logistic Base and the "leave town" for all Australian
and United States personnel.
The Australian Military
Police Headquarters was located there with Major Tom Parvin as the OC with 40
MPs and the "Stockade" - the prisoners cell block. Duties were town patrols, SIB Detachment,
Traffic Accident Investigation and Prisoner Compound Duties. Initially I was attached to Patrols, and
subsequently to Traffic Accident Investigation for three months.
It was then onto Nui Dat,
approx 32 kms inland where the Task Force Headquarters was located. BRIG Donald Dunstan who was subsequently to
become the Governor of South Australia was the Commander. At that time two Infantry Battalions with
an Armoured Cavalry Squadron, some special Air Service and a Workshop Company
were around an airfield, which also had a very busy helipad alongside the
hospital.
The MP Detachment totalled
ten - one WO, one SGT and eight CPLs, who were to do road convoy escorts from
Vung Tau to Nui Dat daily, control any prisoners of war captured by the
battalions, and general patrols around the Nui Dat area. It was a fully wired compound approximately
the same area as Adelaide city.
I really did enjoy that
Posting - as everytime a battalion went out on operations two MPs had to
accompany them. In the three months I
was at Nui Dat I went out on field operations with a battalion on four occasions.
It was then onto Saigon - a
city approximately the size of Adelaide with 300,000 people. Ten Australian MPs were detached there,
primarily to guard Commonwealth Embassies, and their staff. Other duties were to escort VIPs through the
city with general patrol work on a 24 hr coverage basis. This involved working with United States MPs
and it was very much a spit and polish turnout for a very busy three
months. We were part of a 200 strong
Australian strength in Saigon. Finally
it was back to Vung Tau for my last two weeks before departing the
country. My sole duties were on the
Prisoner Compound - recognised as a safe duty to be allocated to for the
closing days of service in Vietnam.
As I flew home I looked back
on my 12 months in Vietnam as a part of my life that would be indelible in my
mind forever.
I was discharged from FTD in
October 1969 and returned to my old unit - 2 Comm Z Pro Coy - still located at
Keswick Barracks. The unit relocated
at Prospect and finally to Somerton when in 1981 1 decided to call it quits.
Of my 17 years service, all
I can say is
‘MF FTD, 18 months I will never forget!!!’
1969
This year was probably to be
the most embarrassing of all years at camp time. No alternative locations to diversify our activities, meant an
incorrect picture was formed when over 100 MPs went to camp at El Alemein - '
Cultana. It created an impression that
there would be an abundance of MPs in an area at one time - a poor and incorrect
image. In fact it created a problem within our own resources - insufficient
available equipment and suitable instructors to conduct courses. It could not be described as a morale or
enthusiasm building period - if it were not for their NS Trg obligation, it
certainly would have resulted in many leaving after return from that camp. Despite this problem field examinations had
been approved to be conducted and LT Ward gained the two subjects required for
completion of qualification for CAPT and 2LT Hughes likewise for LT.
In Feb 69 CPL M. (Mick)
Heseltine completed his 2 years voluntary NS activity and immediately on
discharge rejoined the CMF at his old unit. During his 2 year absence after
completing basic training he sought duty in the RAA Pro and after completing
Corps training at South Head, Sydney saw MP duty at the Sydney, Singleton and
SME detachments before in May 68 being posted to South Vietnam as a member of
the MP unit attached to the Australian Force Vietnam. In Vung Tau he was
attached to the SIB.
May 69 saw CPL Glen Lawrie
being given leave following his selection as a member of the 5th Contingent of
the Australian Civilian Police Element in UNFICYP for peace keeping duties in
Cyprus. This meant he became the third member of the unit to be selected for
these volunteer duties.
When in Jun 69 the unit was
informed that the Royal Adelaide Show Committee had requested the return of the
MP Motor Cycle display team we were faced with a dilemma - only 6 Harleys
remained - insufficient to repeat the type of presentations of 1961 and 1962.
It then became a mad
scramble to bring in enough BSAs and quit the Harleys very quickly so that
training could commence as soon as possible. LT Ward was in charge of the
display team with the RSM, W01 L.T.H. Jackson as his able assistant. It was quickly decided that considering
the availability of equipment and the time constraint that a precision riding
display would be the course of action.
We were to have three night performances and we were determined to
ensure it presented our newly acquired BSAs in a creditable manner on their
first public appearance. LT Ward
took to the commentary stand at the showgrounds whilst WO1 Jackson directed
operations on the oval. The first two
displays went without any problems on the arena and drew terrific accolades
from the crowd. However Saturday night,
our final night and in the prime time of the evening, had to be cancelled. Drenching rains combined with continuing the
Horse Events over those two days of rain, had converted the arena from a smooth
green grassed surface into a total quagmire of more than ankle deep black mud -
it would have been a disaster to even try and ride onto the arena let alone
attempt split second timing precision motorcycling. Indeed a great disappointment for all.
Sep also saw the return of
CPL John Keogh from UNFICYP duties in Cyprus, and CAPT Smith qualified in one
subject for Major, whilst SGT A.(Alan) Webber transferred to 3/9 South
Australian Mounted Rifles (SAMR) at the end of Aug - the first of an exodus from
the unit.
It was a constant battle to
conduct NCO Training with solo motorcycle and landrover plus truck driving
courses as well in conjunction with the huge number in the unit to
administer. CPL Jock Holmes was
promoted SGT in Sep 69.
Those in the old brigade
began to feel how much we achieved in the earlier days with less than a third
the numbers - we had grown too quickly and really were tripping over each
other.
The prospects for Annual
Camp were a repeat of the previous year - an over abundant quantity of
personnel and XQ chance to diversify through having alternative camps - or even
using alternative duties - the lack of flexible thinking by those who should be
exercising it, started to have a detrimental effect on the unit morale. The unit in almost full strength followed a
programme of again supporting 9 TF for the move to and from camp with all units
involving themselves in unit training.
CAPT H.E.W. Smith was
appointed a Temporary Major in late Feb 70.
Apr 70 saw LT Ward transfer
to 43 (The Bushmans' Rifle) Royal South Australia Regiment (RSAR).
SGTs Black and Hornibrook,
with service in 43 Bn (Hindmarsh Regt) and SGT B. (Barry) Presgrave with
service in 27 SASR, prior to transferring to Provost service were awarded their
Efficiency Medal (EM). They became
the first members of the unit to receive medals for Service in the CMF - the
bulk of the 12 years unbroken service requirement having been served in the CMF
Provost Company.
May 70 then saw SGT Black,
the hard working Transport SGT - and the builder of the bar in the unit club
(although a Civilian Police Officer his trade qualification was as a Cabinet
Maker) transfer to 10 Counter Intelligence Section (10 CI Sect).
CPL C. (Colin) Fox graduated
from OCTU on 30 Jun 70, but could not return to the unit due to the lack of
vacancies for LTs. Reluctantly he
went to 3/9 SAMR where he eventually attained the rank of CAPT before
retirement.
In Jul 70, SGT Warren March,
followed also to 10 CI Sect, as was also CPL John Keough some months
later. Meanwhile his brother CPL
Peter Keough, a volunteer CMF enlistee since Nov 67 went off to NS in Jul 70.
CPL Allan Reynolds, who had
been the Tpt CPL for several years attended the RAASC Centre, MT Wing at
Puckapunyal, Vic on a VTO's Course. He
qualified and on return was promoted to SGT to become the Tpt SGT. CPL R. (Dick) J. Bubner became the new Tpt
CPL.
Sep 70 saw the return of CPL
Glen Lawrie from his Civil Police duties at UNFICYP in Cyprus.
In Oct 70 CAPT Whiting was
transferred to New Guinea on promotion and so ended the exiting of key
personnel from the unit. On his
departure LT Peisley came onto FTD the following month and was appointed T/CAPT
to perform 21C duties. Meanwhile LT
Ward whilst at 43 RSAR also came into FTD for 14 1/2 months to perform duties
overseas as a Military observer in the United Nations Military Observer Group
India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), also as T/CAPT.
The year had seen
significant changes in what had been previously • steady CMF personnel
situation.
Problems had also loomed up
with the news that spare parts for the BSA motorcycles were virtually
unprocurable. Rumour had it that they had all been entombed in a freighter
sitting in the Great Lakes of the Suez Canal since the 6 day Mini War in Jun 67
between Israel and Egypt. Activities in the Sinai Desert and Suez Canal had
confined many ships, with their cargoes tightly locked up in their holds, not
to be released for many years to come. (By that time the unit would be riding
Suzuki motorcycles with 400 cc capacity).
In Dec 70 CPL D. (Daryl)
Stopp entered the Orderly Room as the CPL Clerk little did he realise that this
"short term" posting was to see him there for almost 16 years. He had joined the unit in Apr 68.
1971
The year opened again with
prospects of no alternative camps and the only planned camp would be in the
somewhat repetitious pilgrimage to El Alemein - Cultana area in support of the
9 TF. Again assistance was for the move
to and from camp, and once there unit training by individual units became the
order of the day. The continual
struggle to train motorcyclists became even harder due to the spare parts
problem. Particularly when it was a
requirement for promotion to CPL that the member hold a licence to ride a solo
motorcycle.
In Mar 71, PTE B. (Barry)
Willoughby attended OCTU - he had enlisted into the unit in Aug 66.
In May 71, W02 Presgrave,
CPLs Fitzsimmons, Heseltine, Shepherd and Stevens attended a course at the MP
School, Holsworthy for CMF Junior NCOs.
W02 Presgrave was to be an instructor but his first approach to the SGTs
Mess saw him impaled on a low fence post - for this effort he broke a bone in
the leg which resulted in being hospitalized for several days and with leg in
plaster returned to the school to hobble around for the remainder of the
intensive course - it took a lot of convincing back home that the incident
occurred on the way to the Me8B11 once again our students acquitted themselves
in a successful manner and like the participants of the 1967 course recommended
it should be available for more to attend - but not at four year intervals.
Despite the logistics of
keeping the 'beastleys' (BSAs) going, in Sep 71, CPLs Bubner, Jellie and
Sullivan slugged their way around the rigorous course set by the organisers of
"The News" 24 hour Motorcycle Reliability Trial. Their effort
resulted in winning the Services Teams Section Prize. The other unit team
consisted of CPLs O'Brien, Heseltine and Stevens. It was indeed a major morale
booster for the unit - much needed at that time. Other competitors marvelled at
their tenacity - the BSAs were a much heavier machine that the trail bikes used
by the general section competitors - many of whom trailed the MP team.
CAPT Ward returned from
Military observers duties at UNMOGIP in Dec 71 and whilst on de-briefing at AHQ
was persuaded by the PM to transfer back to the MP unit from 43 RSAR in lieu of
going on the Reserve of Officers (R of 0).
In Dec 71 he also was awarded the Efficiency Decoration (ED) - awarded
to CMF officers completing 12 years of calculated service. The period as on Other Rank counted at a
rate of 50% in the calculation of the time.
All service was to be continuous.
The bulk of his service had been in the Provost Unit in South Australia
and he became the first member with service of the unit to be awarded the
decoration.
When it closed for Christmas
it was again with a sigh of relief for the overburdened administrative and
instructional staff because it should be remembered that with all this increase
in personnel there was no change in the strength of the HQ Sect.
Although not at this unit,
CPL Peter Keogh left Australia in Nov 71 for duty in South Vietnam - attached
to the MP Unit - as an aspect of his NS.
1972
The year opened with yet
another prospect of an Annual Camp to be held in the El Alamein - Cultana area
in support of 9 TF - this repetitive attendance at the same location was not
building enthusiasm.
In Feb 72, CPL R. (Bob)
O'Brien - who had gained notoriety for his motorcycling performances in the
1971 24 Hour Reliability Trial had been selected for OCTU. When he graduated on 21 Oct 73, he chose to
try his luck as a 2LT at 3/9 South Australian Mounted Rifles (3/9 SAMR).
Mar 72 transfer back to the
unit of T/CAPT A.A. Ward ED from 43 RSAR was effected enabling him to become a
substantive CAPT in the RAA PRO. He simultaneously went on extended leave until
Oct to attend to civil police exams.
CPL Peter Keough meanwhile
was to be one of the last Australian (apart from the Aust Army Training Team
members) left in South Vietnam - all Infantry, Artillery and most Armoured
personnel had been withdrawn in the previous fortnight - Military Police
remaining for security of the area to be the last evacuated by air.
He left South Vietnam on 29
Feb 72, and on 31 Mar 72 sought discharge - in Apr 77 he rejoined 4 MP Coy.
The camp at El Alamein in
Apr suffered similar problems as the year previous - too many MPs in the one
location, insufficient training staff and of course functional equipment - a
moderate trickle of spares for the BSAs meant more were mobile for longer
periods, which certainly helped in this area.
Jun 72 saw CPL A. (Tony) Van
Rhoda transferring to 10 RSAR to gain promotion to SGT. He had been a very
active member of the unit since enlistment in Feb 66. At 10 RSAR he was involved in Recruit and NCO training until
leaving in Feb 73. The attraction of
khaki was still strong and he became an Officer of Cadets at the Australian
Cadet Corps Open Unit based at Warradale for a further two years.
When the invitation was
received to again participate in "The News" 24 Hour Reliability Motor
Cycle Trial two teams were formed each of three riders. The previous year's winning team had their chance
of winning the teams prize thwarted when illness caused CPL Dick Bubner to
withdraw at the end of the second of three laps. The previous year had been like a cruise compared to the 1972
Run, which had become one of the wettest on record becoming worse as it
progressed - the trial was run in July in order to have plenty of mud - and
that year they certainly had it. Even
amongst the civilian competitors the withdrawal rate was high. Torrential downpours had turned the route
into almost one continuous quagmire. Breakdowns were common but at last the
BSAs had started to almost revel in the hard work - they really did survive.
When the unit celebrated its
12th birthday on 6 Sep 72, it was also time for the RSM, WO1 L.T.H. Jackson and
SGT D. (Don) Sharp to celebrate 12 years continuous service - all of it in the
MP Company. They were the first members
to qualify for an EM based on entire service within the company.
CAPT A.A. Ward ED, returned
to active duty at the unit in Oct 72 and 2LT B. (Barry) Willoughby returned to
the unit on graduation from OCTU as a Regimental Officer.
CPL M. Heseltine with nine
and a half years of service in the Corps, transferred Corps and Unit in Oct 72
to 10 RSAR where he was immediately promoted to SGT and became the unit’s RP
SGT (Regimental Police) for six months before becoming an Instructor in their
NCO Trg Wing.
This action was probably a
reflection on the stability of the Senior NCO structure of the unit - many
other CPLs were also qualified as SGTs but could not foresee promotion within
the unit because few WOs and SGTs had hitherto left the unit and no one was at
any Non-Corps posting to even allow rotation.
His move was like that several others made in similar attempts to gain
promotion. Due to the high standard to
training in the company these members were readily accepted and even actively
sought after by other units.
Nov 72 saw T/MAJ H.E.W.
Smith attached to 4 Trg Gp, Hampstead Barracks, Greenacres, as a student in the
Command and Staff Training Unit (CSTU), and simultaneously CAPT A.A. Ward ED
was appointed Administering Command.
On 2 Dec 72 a change in
Federal Government brought with it instantaneous abolition of all NS Trg
obligations (vide The National Service Termination of Obligation Act assented
to in Oct 73). With only 2 parades to
closing down for Christmas this showed no effect at the MP Unit at this point,
although the inherited Non-Effectives were discharged immediately. CAPT Ward had commenced Administering
Command in Nov 72. This helped 1 year later when counting was done on all units
to ascertain the loss from the NS out flow after 2 Dec 72, which put us as
being the unit with the second best retention rate in C Comd/4 MD (4th
Military District).
1973
On resumption of training only
3 members sought discharge, availing themselves of release from their NS
obligation - this was the second best retention rate in C Comd and remained so
until the end of the year. Most other
units suffered immense losses, almost to the point of decimation (not one
complete Inf Bn could be formed).
Undoubtedly the stimulus for
soldiering on in the MP Unit was that for the first time in many years, annual
camp was not to be the annual pilgrimage to the salt bushes of El Alamein. Some of the unit would be fortunate to cross
the border to assist 1 Comm Z Pro Coy on their annual camp in the Puckapunyal,
Victoria area. SGT J.E. Hornibrook commanded the Sect who moved by unit
transport to and from Keswick Barracks.
One week later the remainder
of the unit under CAPT A.A. Ward ED moved to the C Comd Range Complex at Murray
Bridge some 58 miles (93 km) east of Adelaide. CPL Jellie who had by now
established some notoriety in the civilian solo motorcycle competition area (to
the extent of trade support) was in charge of an intensive solo motorcycle
training programme of ten members - never were so many BSAs mobile - whilst SGT
Reynolds commenced a landrover course.
MP support for the move to and from also occurred as two other units
camped there simultaneously once again being camped with a RAEME unit - 107 Inf
Wksps - allowed an air of co-operation to develop which was to assist for many
years to come. At mid point the section
returning from Victoria remained overnight and morale was undoubtedly at the
highest for many years. An interstate exercise and a venue away from El Alamein
were an enormous boost to enthusiasm and morale.
In the midst of all this
effervescence we were informed of a change in the title of the unit. In keeping
with a policy to move away from the term "Provost" the unit became 2
Comm Z MP Coy. Whichever way one
looked at it though it was
quite a misnomer as over the entire existence of the Company its active role
had been in the vein of a Divisional MP Coy rather than a L of C of Comm Z coy.
The Tpt SGT, SGT Alan
Reynolds had accepted promotion in his civil employment at South Australia's
daily newspaper "The Advertiser" and with due warning the unit
arranged that on his discharge CPL R. (Dick) Bubner was promoted to SGT and
attended an ARA MT Supervisors Course at the Royal Australian Corps of
Transport (RACT) Centre Driver Training School. The Course was of six weeks duration, and it was vital that the
unit have a currently qualified VTO, because responsibility for solo motorcycle
training (and testing) had been vested only in the MP Coy - it was not to be
done by any other unit in SA. Once more
the news was good - SGT Bubner not only qualified on the ARA only course - he
topped it.
After camp in May T/CAPT L. Paisley
came off FTD and sought immediate discharge which then effectively left the
unit without any ARA officer at the unit, until in Oct LT P. (Phil) Warwick, OC
of C Comd MP Det, was promoted T/CAPT and transferred in as the 21C.
May 73 also saw CPLs John
Shepherd, and Fitzsimmons posted to Keswick into what was shortly to become the
Trade Training Wing 4 Trg Gp as Driving Instructors. Initially located at Keswick they moved to Hampstead Barracks a
year later. CPL Shepherd then attended
the last VTOs Cse to be conducted in SA (in future all qualification would
require attendance at the RAASC School Puckapunyal).
In Nov 76 all three left the
Army amidst a Ministerial Enquiry which finally brought about a change in
attitude in training circles of the ability of the CM7 member. It was unfortunate that to prove their point
it was necessary to go to that extreme - the Army would be the poorer for the
loss of their expertise and enthusiasm was the Minister's comment.
Sep saw SGT L. (Lec) Major
transfer to 3/9 South Australian Mounted Rifles (3/9 SAMR), CPL G. (Graham)
Pittaway declined a second time to take promotion and BO CPL Alex Stevens was
promoted SGT. An aspect of this
promotion was secondment for one year as an Instructor to the Recruit Training
Wing of 4 Trg Gp then located at Torrens Training Depot.
Oct also saw the closing
down of Central Command as the Army Headquarters in South Australia and
re-named 4th Military District (4 MD), but still retaining its HQ base at
Keswick Barracks. It also saw an
inspection of our own buildings in the Keswick Barracks area. It had been our home since about three
weeks after raising and after some time we had
also acquired a comfortable
smaller building to its rear which had become 2 classrooms '(the main building
did not have suitable outer rooms for this type of activity) and of course the
MP Club - which was unique in the Command because it was the only social venue
authorized for socializing between all ranks in a unit.
Our building had been re-painted
to allow us to occupy it and once again it was in line for attention, however a
preliminary inspection revealed that the building erected during World War 2.
had been white-anted in several places.
The combined costing being considered too much meant the building was
condemned. Where to go? Initially it
was thought we could squeeze into a few of the end bays of the brick Artillery
Building immediately to our west. A
closer study revealed that this was impossible. We would have become sardines in
a brick building.
The next alternative offered
was a detached Battery location at Labrina Ave, Prospect. The premises were quite expansive and had a
reasonable amount of open space. The
Admin COMD had to reluctantly agree to accepting it for occupation early in the
new year. It would mean disassociating
ourselves from the Headquarters location which had to date been to our
advantage he also predicted that the added distance to go to the north Bide of
the city would result in a loss of those members from the south - from where
the majority originated - the extra travelling time to squeeze in before parade
time must have a detrimental effect eventually. and with the then current
attitude towards military service the gap could not be anticipated to be filled
by voluntary enlistment.
Late Nov T/MAJ H.E.W. Smith
returned from CSTU and in Dec CAPT A.A. Ward ED was seconded to 4 Trg Gp,
CSTU his second time to that unit.
At Close of training it was
with a touch of sadness that we celebrated Christmas for next year much of what
was the heart of the unit would be destroyed.
1974
When the unit resumed
training it was a relief to confirm that annual training would be somewhat
different although after 1973'B change of venue enthusiasm was still high only one
Sect would be committed to the 9 TF exercise at El Alamein the remainder would
fulfil camp obligations by attendance at School Cadet Camps as Instructors or
attachment to the ARA MP Det at the newly named 4 MD MP Pl, on a rostered,
staggered basis to supplement their recently reduced strength. Duties included patrols, investigations,
escorts of prisoners to Sydney and Melbourne and Duty NCO taskings - it gave an
insight to MP operations not previously touched on by CMF MP and was probably
the best learning period that many had had.
All those who participated in this aspect recommended that (to do a camp
at the ARA unit) should be adopted as a phase of training.
T/CAPT P. Warwick's stay at
the unit was short lived - end of Feb 74 saw him being posted to Melbourne, he
was replaced by CAPT W. (Bill) T. Tyrie, who was to arrive just in time to be
caught up with the move from Keswick Barracks to Labrina Ave, Prospect. Hardly had the task been completed than he
was promoted T/MAJ and transferred to OC 4 MD DSU (formerly called the Camp
Commandant's Office).
He was replaced by MAJ D.C.
Whiting who had liked Adelaide so much on his previous posting he nominated it
as his terminal posting for subsequent retirement. He had come from Papua New Guinea to be 21C pending the
re-structuring of MP units throughout the Army.
During that year CAPT A.A.
Ward ED had qualified in 2 subjects for MAJ and in Dec 74 became an Instructor
in the Staff Duties and Training, and the Administration wing of the CSTU.
In Dec 74 T/MAJ H.E.W. Smith
was attached to 4 Trg Gp, CSTU, as a student, and on his departure MAJ D.C.
Whiting was appointed OC.
1974 had been an eventful
year and with a constant changing scene which helped the year to pass quickly -
a lot of effort had been put into making the new location a little more
presentable - included in this effort was complete re-building of the unit club
- it became once again a comfortable retreat particularly after those cold
wintry nights on which Army depots always seem particularly bleak.
1975
1975 became the year of the
reformation MP units were organised on a standard organisation (with minor
modifications to suit local requirements) and most significantly they became
integrated units having both ARA and CMF under the same command. Unfortunately for the CMF component it
meant the OC's posting was no longer a CMF officer's Position and here in SA
there was no Position created anywhere for a MAJ CMF MP. Despite this CAPT Ward
still pursued the exam scene by being one of five of 26 candidates (CMF) in SA
who passed that foreboding subject of Current Affairs.
Although the unit had begun
1974 with one of the largest retention factors when just over one year after
the cessation of National Service it entered 1975 already with a significant
decline in strength, so when the prospect of only a camp at Cultana which
included half of it doing Infantry training only, it generated a reduction in
morale with a subsequent exodus of personnel.
This factor plus that outlined as a foreseeable problem back in 1973 had
finally occurred.
The re-structuring of MP
units saw the concept of a HQ Sect just having Pro Sects added on and on
without any increase in the HQ strength was replaced with a standard concept of
a Coy HQ which included the Ops Sect, and an Admin Pl, and now five MP Pls each
consisting of a HQ and two MP Sects. It certainly was a much tidier
organization than previously. In SA the Coy HQ and Admin P1 were to have a
joint ARA and CMF configuration, whilst 41 MP P1 would be CMF entirely, 42 MP
P1 would be CMF entirely, 42 MP P1 although on the Order of Battle was not
raised and 43 MP PI was also raised as a CMF sub-unit. 44 MP P1 was to be the ARA component in SA,
but functioning with only one section, it came from those who comprised the
former C Comd Pro Unit/Det which then became 4 MD MP Unit for a short time. It
remained at Keswick Barracks and under the command of DSU Adelaide until 1978
when it finally came under the control of 4 MP Coy.
The fifth MP Pl was located
in 5 MD Perth, WA. Listed as 55 MP Pl
on the organisation of 4 MP Coy, its first numeral indicated the Military
District in which it was located, as Western Australia was not to have a
company of Military Police. Similarly
to 44 MP Pl it was structured on a half platoon strength and it also was
completely an ARA sub-unit.
Late Jan 75 saw W02 J. (Jim)
D. Sullivan retiring from his posting as RQMS. His face had been a familiar sight to members even before he had
contact with the unit from Day One - Jim had seen service in World War 2 in
Africa and the Pacific then with the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces
(BCOF) in Japan afterwards and rounded it off with service in Korea as a member
of the United Nations Force policing type operation before returning to
Australia. As a QM he almost always
had a smiling face not a usual
attribute of QMs. He was replaced by W02 W. (Wally) Van Dam.
Feb 75 saw the cessation of
Imperial Awards to be replaced by awards under the Order of Australia, however
W02 B.E. Presgrave and SGT J.C. Hornibrook managed to squeeze in 18 year of
continuous service just before the cut off date. This secured them the honour of being the only members in the
unit to qualify for the award of a bar to their EM.
Whilst at 4 Trg Gp CSTU,
T/MAJ H.E.W. Smith managed to just qualify, by a margin of 2 months, for his ED
and would be the last member of this unit to receive an Imperial Award.
From Mar - Jun SGTs
Bator, Hornirook and Holmes attended a
3 month part time W02 Course for Subjects A, B and C at 4 Trg Gp, Keswick
Barracks all qualified on what was to be the last of these courses in South
Australia.
Another history making event
occurred with the retirement of WO1 L. (Les) T.H. Jackson, RSM to the unit for
many years, on the basis of age in Nov 75.
He had been with the unit since it had been raised and had clocked up 15
years and 2 months. His replacement was W01 R.F. (Blue) Thompson, an ARA
member.
75 also saw the change of
title of the Corps from RAA Pro to Royal Australian Corps of Military Police
(RACMP) the reverence with "Provost Bloody Provost" was complete.
Although motorcycles were
available a solo course was not conducted and routine classroom activity saw
out the remainder of 1975, together with a small course for Subject 2 for SGT
CPL W. (Bill) Fielke gaining qualification on this course it was to be some
time before he could gain promotion.
1976
Major changes of staff
occurred with the commencement of the New Year. T/MAJ H.E.W. Smith ED was reverted to CAPT on return from CSTU
where he had been a student, and became Admin PI COMD. CAPT A.A. Ward ED returned from duties at
CSTU as a student and then an instructor to become the Operations Officer.
On the unit’s second parade
for the New Year RAJ D. Whiting announced his immediate retirement thereby
implementing his intention to retire in South Australia. He introduced T/MAJ W. (Bill) Tyrie who was
really no stranger to the unit having been 21C of the unit for a short period
when it re-located from Keswick to Prospect in 1974. He had come from being OC 4th Military District Support Unit (4
MD DSU).
LT B. (Barry) Willoughby was
posted as COMD, 41 MP Pl and LT A. (Tony) D. Hughes became COMD 43 MP Pl, with
2LT R. (Ron or Bluey) Smith being the Supernumerary officer, having transferred
in from 10 RSAR. CPL D. (Darryl) W. Stopp's service in the orderly Room was
acknowledged by promotion to Orderly Room SGT.
This apparent grand parade
of officers, the number of which this unit had never seen before, and most
certainly would have been appreciated back in the days of 118 all ranks plus a
waiting list, was to be relatively short lived. Early March had LT Hughes seeking leave to be placed on the
Reserve of Officers (R of 0) with 2LT R. (Bluey) Smith requesting discharge in
late March.
Despite these immediate
setbacks the unit returned with a good reputation after its duties in camp at
Cultana - Cariwerloo area in a support role for the advance and attack phases
of war practised by 9 TF that year.
Strange as it may seem, the
unit had done a full circle, in that it again found that the band of resolute
volunteers hovered around the 35 mark - a number reminiscent of the early
1960's when the unit was initially raised.
CAPT A.A. Ward ED
Administered Command during the absence of T/MAJ W.T. Tyrie on leave in Jun/Jul
so was not at camp in Apr.
Unit training after camp
revolved around NCO Training Courses and solo motorcycle courses until the
close of training for Christmas.
In Sep 76 an examination
board was assembled for Officer Promotion Exams for Special to Corps
(Practical) subjects. These were
subjects conducted in the field related to a practical situation for the exam
material. CAPT A.A. Ward ED qualified
in that subject leaving now only one AHQ written subject to complete
qualification for MAJ. LT B. Willoughby qualified in the subject for CAPT
making that qualification almost complete. T/LT G. (Geoffrey) Haberfeld
substantiated his posting having qualified in the written corps subject at the
AHQ July Officer Promotion Exams and then the Field Exam subjects - he
previously had been an infantry officer and needed to requalify on transfer of
Corps.
This also became the first
year that direct enlistment of females into the corps was instituted. This was brought about by the abolition of
the Women's Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC). The three WRAAC personnel attached to the unit transferred into
the unit.
On the overnight stop to
Puckapunyal the unit had a mid camp dinner at the Avoca Hotel - at the
completion of the main course the OC MAJ Tyrie called all to order - he called
CPL G. (Graham) Pittaway forward and suggested he be prepared for a shock - he
then announced his promotion to SGT and presented him with stripes. Pitt as he had been known to all, was
almost a foundation member and had rejected promotion on 2 previous occasions.
This being a good reason for a celebration ensured a very sustained gathering
for the remainder of the late evening.
Then it was on to
Puckapunyal to work with our Victorian counterparts. The main feature of this phase was to assist at an incredible
fire power display - an absolute eye opener for our people - it made anything
presented at El Alamein over the previous years look like an insignificant
apology for a fire power display.
Navy and Air Force strike aircraft displaying weaponry and delivery
techniques. Mobility displays with grass field landings of Caribou and Chinook,
drops from Hercules, fire power on the move from Leopard tanks - the efforts of
the poor little rifleman on the SLR paled into insignificance.
As usual for MP duties, it
was a very early start - pointsmen out directing early movement of traffic
which probably even Puckapunyal hadn't seen since National Service days. Pointsmen started the day absolutely spick
and span but after several hours on the job had been converted to a uniform
dust colour from top to bottom.
Tracked load barriers Used to transfer the spectators and participants
churned up the dry soil in an unbelievable manner whilst they ferried an
international array of overseas officers from the Staff College, cadets from
Duntroon and Portsea plus what seemed an endless stream of other people seeking
a glimpse of the action.
After all of that day's
excitement it was then time for a friendly competition of Military Police
skills against the Victorians. How
embarrassing to be beaten on one's home ground, and particularly when you had
organised the competition. The South
Australians accepted the winning prize and conveyed it back home with pride.
It was then time to head
home and with a reasonable quantity of qualified drivers movement was swift
across Victoria and the home state. Principles learnt back in 1965 were again applied. Swift rotation of drivers at halts, large
multipots for a quick brew and Land Rover manifolds used to heat cans of
food. Long range fuel tanks on the Land
Rovers meant a jerry can supplement on each vehicle enabled us to move back to
Adelaide without garage fuel points.
our only problem areas were the two International Mk 3, 4 x 4
trucks. Both had radiator problems
and could only move back home by cannibalizing radiators in the Victorian units
Mk 3s and re-fitting them to ours. One
must question a supply system which does not have spare radiator cores in a
country like Australia - particularly when it is summer time and it is that
period when failure is most likely. Alternatively perhaps it is a good case to
seriously consider the viability of air-cooled engines in trucks, for they are
available - it is not a technology that needs to be developed!!
Once again moral was high -
an interstate exercise is without any doubt the best way to raise enthusiasm
and morale - the stay at home syndrome killed even the most enthusiastic or
ambitious home training programme. It
had been 5 years since the unit had moved interstate, and it became rather
obvious that at about the 3 year mark it is the ideal time span between
interstate exercises.
Another history making event
occurred with the retirement of WO1 L. (Les) T.H. Jackson, RSM to the unit for
many years, on the basis of age in Nov 75.
He had been with the unit since it had been raised and had clocked up 15
years and 2 months. His replacement was
WO1. RF. (Blue) Thompson, an ARA member.
75 also saw the change of
title of the Corps from RAA Pro to Royal Australian Corps of Military Police
(RACMP) - the severance with ‘Provost - Bloody Provost’ was complete.
Although motorcycles were
available a sole course was not conducted and routine classroom activity saw
out the remainder of 1975, together with a small course for Subject 2 for SGT -
CPL W. (Bill) Fielke gaining qualification on this course - it was to be some
time before he could gin promotion.
No sooner had the dust
settled from the interstate exercise than MAJ W. (Bill) G.Tyrie announced his
intention to retire - it would be in Mar 78 and his replacement would be an
ARes Major on FTD.
Late Mar 78 T/MAJ G.
(Gordon) Maulday arrived from being S02 MP (ARes) from HQ 3 MD in
Melbourne. He was not a complete
stranger as he had visited us during our brief stay at Puckapunyal a little
over a month previously.
Apr 78 saw the arrival of a
new RSM. W01 B. (Barry) Smith arrived
from Queensland - the change in climate was a bit of a shock to the system.
In Jun 78, SGT D. (Don)
Sharp was promoted to W02 - being qualified for many years, he had almost given
up hope of being put into the position left vacant by W02 B. (Barry) Presgrave
in Aug 77. It also meant that CPL J.
(John) Marshall could then be promoted to T/SGT.
The home training continued
during the year with attention to Junior NCO training and towards the end of
the year it had been planned to conduct a solo motorcycle course on the BSAs -
not only did they prove again how temperamental they could be, but W02
Hornibrook suddenly was given attachment to NORFORCE in Darwin (further threw
into confusion the ability to conduct a motorcycle course). He was away for 6 weeks assisting with the
training of ARes personnel in this newly raised aspect of the Australian Army.
Nov 78 also saw T/SGT J.
Marshall attending 4 Trg Gp for Subj 1 qualification which allowed his rank to
become substantive. Also regaining
substantive rank - back to what it had been following service in Vietnam in Feb
72, was CPL P. (Peter) Keogh. It had
certainly been a case of patience on his behalf.
Normal Officer Promotion
Exams in the AHQ Written Corps paper had been cancelled in Jul with only 3
weeks notice - subsequently LT Willoughby had been promoted so was able to sit
at the revised scheduling in Dec 78. He qualified in the Corps subject for
Major - the first in South Australia since 1969 when CAPT H.E.W. Smith was
successful. Other officers could not
attend due to work and personal restrictions.
1978 had been a year of
variety and it was a very satisfied unit at its close for the Christmas break
in Dec.
1979
When the unit resumed
parading in Feb 79, the OC announced he would be shortly returning to Melbourne
as he could not have any more leave from Road Traffic Authority of Victoria,
his civil employer where he was a Traffic Inspector. As CAPT Ward was about to travel overseas with his family for
over 6 months, CAPT Willoughby was Admin COMD until the arrival of the next OC
who was expected to arrive whilst the unit would be at annual camp. CAPT Ward had sought attachment to the Royal
Corps of Military Police in the British Army On the Rhine (BAOR) but was unlucky
enough to be thwarted by a change in policy for overseas attachments which
became effective just one week before his departure - indeed a fantastic
opportunity lost at the stroke of a pen.
CAPT Willoughby became Operations Officer and CAPT Ward moved to Admin
Pl COMD - his first appointment in this area having been involved in only
Regimental duties since the raising of the unit.
The unit returned to the
policy of an annual pilgrimage to the saltbushes of El Alamein in support of 9 Task
Force for the move to and from and with a solo motorcycle course being the
dominating facet of camp training. As
was usual - by the end of camp the BSAs were going better than when they began
the training. It certainly supported the course for the introduction into home
training of a rigid policy of regular use of the solo motorcycles - even to the
point that perhaps a small group have no other duties than to run them each
parade.
Also the location of the
unit at Prospect with the repair workshops at Warradale did create a problem
when repairs are needed. Generally the ARes Workshop was located in close
proximity to the MP Unit during camps which undoubtedly increased the
efficiency with regard to turn round time.
During mid-camp LT M.
(Murray) Jonas, Promoted to T/CAPT arrived to fill the Position of OC. He was really no stranger - he began his
working life as a Junior Constable in the South Australia Police Department and
after a short time as a Constable enlisted in the ARA with almost immediate
posting to the RAA Pro. He had served
at C Comd Pro Unit as a CPL, left
for Vietnam in Mar 69 and
served at Vung Tau and Nui Dat and with promotion to SGT spent just over 7
months in Saigon. At completion of his tour of duty overseas he returned to South
Australia as a SGT. Adelaide was
indeed a home coming in 1979 after 8 years absence.
Unfortunately his arrival
back in South Australia had him confronted with probably the most devastating
incident to occur in the unit. The solo motorcycles course begun during the
recent camp still needed a little extra time to complete training. In the closing phase CPL Hartley ran off
the road into a large and unforgiving gum tree in the Adelaide Hills. He was killed instantly.
This unfortunate occurrence
stunned the unit, however even a serious incident such as that cannot bring
operations to a stand still. In May 79 CPL P. (Peter) Keogh was promoted a
T/SGT whilst Jun 78 saw W02 J. (John). C. Hornibrook returning from 4 Trg Gp
and being promoted to WO1 as the Training WO (ARes).
Jul 79 saw the arrival of
new Suzuki 400 cc solo motorcycles to replace the "beastleys". Their fickleness, peculiar electrical
system and low availability of spare parts had not endeared them to many people,
however as usual on the change over of equipment phase for some time the unit
had both motorcycles in use. However slowly but surely W01 Hornibrook
persevered in getting a conversion course off the ground in Aug 79 a little
slow with initially 3 new motorcycles.
WO1 Hornibrook's efforts at
NORFORCE in 1978 were recognised by seeking his return to that location again
so in Oct 79 he again headed north to Darwin.
The unit closed down with
mixed feelings at Christmas time it had certainly been a different year to that
usually experienced.
1980
When training resumed the
OC, who was himself keenly interested in riding solo motorcycles realized the
request for a small group to work in keeping the solo motorcycles readily
available at an instant's notice was realistic. This was to be desirable as when the unit attended the 9 Task
Force Annual camp in Mar 80 no motorcycles would be taken to camp.
Traffic control for the move
up and back was the familiar format, however new roads and railway crossings
meant past information could not be taken for granted. Camp consisted of a small detachment at El
Alamein camp under SGT J. Marshall with the remainder at Cultana split into
Airfield Security and 9 TF Security, whilst the bulk of Coy HQ and two Sects
were at a Check Point on the main road to Pt Lowly. Due to artillery firing, prevention. of civil and military
traffic using the road had a constant requirement apart from involvement in the
general training within 9 TF. In camp
that year was a New Zealand Infantry Battalion and liaison was effected with
its RP's who spent some time on attachment to the MP Coy.
Shortly after return from
camp SGT J. (John) Marshall was posted to 4 Training Group for duties as a SGT
Instructor in the other Ranks Training Wing for 1 year. Hardly in the place he was a student on the
course for Subject 1, WO, in his own wing in May 80. After 1 year in that wing he became an Instructor to the Officer
Cadet Training Unit for 9 months. May
also saw T/SGT P. Keogh gaining substantive rank.
The efforts of the OC to
have an ARes component for SIB finally came to fruition when in Jun 80 SGT M.
(Fred) Bator became the first appointee to the ARes component. SGT Bator was a South Australian Police
Detective SGT with a background of investigative duties in Accident
Investigation Squad, (Uniform Traffic) to plain clothes duties in general CIB,
Major Crime Squad, Homicide Squad and then as a CIB Administrative SGT whose
duties included supervising all detectives in a suburban CIB office.
Although posted to 4 Trg Gp,
SGT Marshall attended the Subject 4 for WO at the MP School in Aug 88 and
thereby became qualified for appointment to WO.
When the unit paraded after
6 Sep 80 it passed a significant milestone.
The ARes military police had covered 20 years in South Australia. On the
Saturday following, the Director of Military Police and Provost Marshal-Army
came back to the unit to be the Inspecting Officer on the 20 year Celebration
Parade. LTCOL K.G. Peterson had been
the unit’s first ARA Cadre Officer when as Adjutant he had a distinct influence
on the path of the unit in its formation years. The parade was held on the Parade Ground at Keswick Barracks and
was attended by a large crowd of past members and families of past and then
present serving members. From that
point we could look over the tennis courts to where our old depot building of
wood and iron formerly stood. The relatively
new brick building of the 4 MD DSU Q Store in its stead did absolutely nothing
for sentiment and memories - ‘Damn the white ants’.
That evening around 250
members, ex-members, friends and partners assembled for a memorable formal ball
with a sumptuous supper - which had been arranged by SGT Ron Ryan - although in
the Orderly Room he probably had a better reputation for organising social
functions.
The day had indeed been a
very memorable one with talk of let’s do it again in 10 years time and amongst
many who had not met for years a promise to meet again one day in the not too
distant future.
When all the furore of
celebration had disappeared the serious aspect of our future location had again
hung over our heads. Again ‘Damn the
white ants’. A small infestation expedited
the already mooted shift from Prospect.
It was considered better if
we moved forthwith to Somerton, whilst repairs were effected in an empty depot
before being re-occupied. So once
again the unit had to pack up and re-locate.
This meant going from one the north side of Adelaide to Somerton Park a
beachside suburb to the South west.
Immediately south of Glenelg, South Australia's birthplace, it also
meant being close to Warradale and workshop facilities.
Having accomplished the move
the RSM, WO1 B. (Barry) Smith decided to retire and return to better climes in
Queensland. CAPT Ward had not moved
with the unit as he had been posted to 4 Training Group as an Instructor in the
Reserve Command and Staff College in early Oct.
1980 had been a busy and
eventful year despite its problems.
1981
The year opened with a rush,
for shortly after parading the new RSM W01 Bat Onley arrived in Feb. Almost simultaneously SGTs Pittaway and
Marshall attended the 1/81 WOs Course at the MP School, with CPLs P. (Peter)
Benier, Y. (Yvonne) Weiman & M. (Mary) Ross on the 1/81 SGTs Course, both
courses being for the corps subject.
By now it had become policy to conduct these at the MP School.
Feb 81 also had the unit
presenting a very impressive solo motorcycle precision riding display at the
Adelaide Tattoo on the Adelaide Oval under the skilful direction of W02 J.
(John) C. Hornibrook, ably assisted by W02 D. (Don) Sharp. The gasps and applause for the MP Display
equalled that of the top bill attraction - the British Army's Ghurkha Rifles
Band from Hong Kong.
On completion of the Tattoo,
the OC was again on the move this time it was to 3 MP Coy, in Melbourne, which
also meant his rank was substantiated.
With his family remaining here it meant he still had some contact with
the unit occasionally - they had suffered from that complaint that besets so
many regular Army families - almost as many addresses as there were years of
service. One's own home became very
attractive at that time.
A change of civil occupation
for LT G. (Geoff) Haberfeld meant he could no longer continue with the unit and
in Mar 81 transferred to the Reserve of Officers (R of 0) . His departure
enabled 2LT R. (Bob) Daly to transfer in from Adelaide University Regiment
(AUR) to be Pl COMD, 43 Pl. He came with a background of enlisting in the AUR
in Aug 76 and then graduating as a 2LT through their own in unit OCTU (a
situation peculiar to University Regiments).
Additionally he completed a Mortar Safety Officers Course at the
Infantry Centre and a Regimental Officers Course which qualified him as a
Safety Officer for all infantry battalion weapons and included parachute
jumps. Immediately prior to
transferring in he had been the Anti-Armour Pl COMD. He was a member of the SA
Police Force in Technical Services where he was the Force's only handwriting
expert.
Mar 81 also saw a former
member from as far back as 1965 re- enlist.
Watching the superb motorcycle display at the Tattoo stirred the latent
embers of Ken Cocks to re-enlist. He
was by now a Senior SGT in the State Police Traffic Region, who in Oct 61 came
to the Unit from 1 Ordnance Maintenance Park after seeing the unit's first
motorcycle display at the Adelaide Royal Show in 1961. At the time he was a Bank Officer in the
Commonwealth Bank. His contact with
state police officers in the CMF unit very quickly enticed him to join the
Police Force from Jan 62. He became a
keen solo motorcyclist, so very soon after completing Basic Training and Corps
subjects, he was a CPL engaged on B010 motorcycle training at the unit and in
the State Police.
Another past member also
decided in Mar 81 to re-enlist. Mick Heseltine found the lure of the reserve
was still strong. Since leaving the
unit in Oct 72 for promotion to SGT as a RP in 10 RSAR, he had then been discharged
in Oct 78 to become an Officer of Cadets in the Australian Army Cadet Corps -
more familiarly known as School Cadets at Warradale Camp. In his case Recruit Training was waived as
was Corps Training and he was re- instated as a CPL upon completion of his Subj
1 for CPL at 4 Trg Gp. He immediately
was to work with the newly appointed ARA Training WO - W02 P. (Phil) Mortimer.
Prior to departure for camp
CPL W. (Bill) Fielke was promoted SGT - he had been qualified since 1975. Again it indicated the slow turn over of Snr
NCOs and WOs which required a lot of patience to achieve those
appointments. Significant also was that
he had not been a civilian police officer so law and procedure and working as
an MP in the field was a vivid contrast to being a Compositor and Typesetter at
one of Adelaide's larger and well established private printing houses. He had been in the ARes since Jun 73 and
transferred to MP in Dec of that year.
As usual assistance was given
to 9 TF for its move to annual camp. However it was not to El Alamein - the
bulk of the task force was to escape that area - instead it was to be a very
ambitious and full of action type camp at Holowoliena, close to Craddock, a
sleepy little hamlet on the edge of the state's northern wheatbelt. Set in a TFMA atmosphere the unit was
co-located with 3 Fd Sqn, 144 Sig Sqn, 4 Int Unit, 8 Tpt Sqn, 3 Fd Amb, 3 Gen
Hosp, 4 Ord Pl, 107 Inf Wksp B Coy plus the B echelons of 3/9 SAMR and the Inf
Bns. It had been a long time in South
Australia since this approach to camp had been implemented.
Helicopter support was on a
scale never experienced before in South Australia. RAAF Iraqois helicopters operated from a heli-pad which in
addition to familiarization flights, taught winching procedure to those daring
enough to volunteer. Even the end of camp Payroll Duties were in the form of
the Escort moving around per helicopter.
During the camp a Section
carried out a 5 day Navigation Exercise to the Wilpena Pound area. A small detachment was located at El
Alamein where contact was continuous with 156 Tpt Sqn - and ARA, low loader
equipped unit from Puckapunyal, which was utilized for long distance deployment
of APCs from 3/9 SAMR. So active and
varied was the format of this camp that it almost created as much fervour and
interest with a subsequent boost to morale as a camp interstate. If local camps were to be so active and
interesting, retention of personnel would not be a problem.
The end of camp also drew to
a Close the service life of the RQMS, SSGT E. (Ted) Jordan. His wry comments could always bring a smile
to anyone's face - he'd had plenty of background to draw upon having enlisted
at an early age into the British Army for service in World War 2. He was the last member to serve at the unit
with ribbons for World War 2 service (which certainly indicated his wide travel
experience) and for his retirement the unit was to be sadder for the loss of
his background experience and wry humour.
His departure was to Bee a
change in policy implemented. His
replacement arrived before retirement to enable the usual handover stock- take
procedure to be followed, but unlike he and his predecessors who were RAA Pro or
RACMP QM's he was replaced by SSGT R. (Rodney) Stone, a Royal Australian Army
Ordnance Corps member. The reasoning
being this was to free up RACMP members from Administrative Posts and to be
available as Military Policemen.
The ARes had been suffering
a shortage of officers and the MPs were no exception. civilians with specialist civilian qualifications were being
enlisted as Direct Entry Officers (DEOs) and posted direct to units as either
LTs or CAPTs.
Four years since his
discharge in Aug 77, former W02 B. (Barry) Presgrave was to re-enlist as a DEO,
on the basis of his specialist qualification of being a civilian senior
Sergeant of Police - his previous Army background being less that 5 years he
was not required to attend the DEO Entry Course at 4 Trg Gp. On return to the unit he was given the rank
of CAPT. Aug 81 also saw CAPT B.
(Barry) Willoughby become eligible for a National Medal.
Being in a new financial
year by then meant that despite a camp being in Mar - Apr, it was possible to
allow members to proceed to Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, and participate in the
joint ANZUS exercise, Kangaroo 81, held in the Shaggy Ridge area. As the exercise was almost a 2 month
continuous operation over Aug - Sep, it meant that the unit needed to maintain
its Section strength support by a system of rotation. 4 MP Coy members were first on the scene of a fatal helicopter
accident involving a RAAF Iroquois.
Their prompt action enabled extraction of the injured before it caught
fire.
Oct 81 saw SGT G. Pittaway
being posted to 4 Trg Gp as an Instructor in the ORTW. He was to replace SGT J. Marshall who should
have returned to the unit but was retained at OCTU to assist with the closing
phase of a course about to graduate.
Oct 81 also saw CPL R. (Ron)
Ryan go into retirement. He had had a long
association with the unit for many years.
He had initially enlisted almost at the time the unit had been
raised. After a short time he became a
CMF - FTD member, but attached to the ARA unit at Keswick. On the basis of his Orderly Room clerical
qualifications he returned to 2 L of C Pro Coy as the Ord Rm SGT, replacing SGT
J. (Jim) D. Sullivan. He had an ARA
posting in New Guinea, and subsequently returned to 4 MP Coy in the mid 708,
remaining as Ord Rm SGT. After he was
unsuccessful in Corps exams for SGT at the MP School, he was reverted to his
substantive rank of CPL but continued his duties in the Orderly Room as Chief
Clerk. He was replaced by SGT B.
(Bruce) Thompson (RAAOC) under the same policy as outlined for the RQMS
becoming a RAAOC posting.
Nov 81 saw SGT P. (Peter)
Keogh being promoted T/W02 to be SM of 41 MP PI and on return from 4 Trg Gp in
Dec, SGT J. (John) Marshall was promoted to W02 and posted as SM of 43 MP Pl.
1981 had certainly been a
year of action and personnel were as keen as mustard when the unit closed for
the Christmas break.
1982
The year opened with another
former member returning to the unit also under the DEO scheme. In his early time in the unit Jock Riach's
ever grinning face was to upset the RSM more than once. His other attribute was
his ability to present skilful renditions on the bagpipes. There was a heavily weighted influence of
former 27 SASR members in the unit's initial days and the sound of pipes to
break the day either turned your head or your stomach. He had just been promoted an Inspector in
the SA Police Force having been away from the CMF since 1969. His CMF service started 10 years previously
as a Piper in the 27 SASR Band - he put his age up to enable early
enlistment. After attendance at the
DEO'B Course at 4 Trg Gp he was posted as PI Comd, 41 MP PI in Feb 82.
Annual Camp for many had
already been accomplished by attendance at Kangaroo 81. This considerably reduced the numbers available
for what would normally be Annual Camp in the first half of 1982. It meant that only Instructors and Students
went to the Murray Bridge Range Complex in Mar 82, where the Annual Field
Exercise (AFX), as Annual Camp had now become, was conducted. The only activity was the Initial Employment
Training (IET) - or corps Training Course was conducted. It was almost an anti-climax to all the
activity of 1981, however it did allow concentration of effort to have members
qualify in the Corps subject. . It was a change to be able to attend to Corps
training continuously without interruptions to perform other tasks.
At the end of May 82, W01 J.
(John) C. Hornibrook was posted to 4 Trg Gp again. This time it was to the Driver Trg Sect of the Trade Training
wing where he remained until 1986 when he became the RSM (ARes) to 4 Trg Gp.
His movement enabled WO2 D.
(Don) Sharp to be promoted to WO1 in the Training WO (ARes) position at the
unit. It had been a long hard grind and
once again indicated the dedication of ARes members. He had spent his entire service since enlistment in Sep 60 at the
Provost/Military Police Coy.
Sep 82 hailed a new
experience for those at the MP Company.
It was to be to the unit’s credit that it was sought by the organisers of
the Bay to Birdwood Veteran Car Rally to assist with the conduct of operations
of the Rally. The members assisted in
the marshalling area at Glenelg and in ‘The Mill’ area at Birdwood. The rally even in its first year generated
enormous interest from both within South Australia and from interstate,
bringing out some magnificently prepared old veteran and vintage cars - only
vehicles over 22 years of age may enter the rally - it is not just cars but
includes motorcycles, utilities, trucks and even a special section for war
vehicles. So successful was this rally
that it was decided to make it a bi-annual event. It was a case of getting into
the theme for the occasion and many participants donned period costume and several
MPs were able to present themselves in the uniform of World War II. The whole exercise was to act as a stimulus
for many people to restore old vehicles for future rallies. Included in that group was WO1 J. (John) C.
Hornibrook who after much seeking around managed to acquire a World War II
Willys Jeep, which was to become an absolutely impeccable presentation of that
category of vehicle. Not satisfied with
that he, one year later, acquired a rare Willya-Ford Jeep with a genuine two
wheeled trailer.
On 30 Oct 82, CPL K. (Ken)
Cocks was presented with the prize for Student of Merit on the Subject 1 for
SGT Course at 4 Trg Gp. Against severe
odds of students from the Arms and to their chagrin, he had topped the course.
In Nov 82, W02 P. (Peter)
Keogh attended Subject 4 for WO at the MP School, whilst CPL Mik attended
Subject 2 for SGT. Qualification for
W02 Keogh meant he was able to substantiate his rank.
During the year training had
begun to become more formalized to prepare members for their subsequent
attendance at the MP School. However
the Command Post Exercise held at the Somerton Depot over 48 hours was not a
successful closing for what had generally been a dull year, taking into account
that most of the senior members of the unit had in fact done two annual camps
in 1981 with nothing in 1982, unless they had been Instructors at Murray Bridge
on the IET Course.
1983
The year opened to see CAPT
B. (Barry) Presgrave, moving to the AUR as an Instructor, and later as
Recruiting officer. This enabled W01 D.
(Don) Sharp to be given a Prescribed Service Officer (PSO) commission with the
rank of CAPT. This was a new approach
to commissioning for the ARes and as it did not require an exam qualification
but relied on an intensive interview, it could probably best be related to the
old system in the ARA of granting Quartermaster Commissions to long serving
members with Warrant rank.
During Mar 83, CPL A. (Tony)
Mik attended 4 Trg Gp and qualified for Subject I for SGT, and so on his return
was promoted to SGT. He had enlisted
in Jun 80, and had just become a Customs officer after a fairly long period of
being unable to obtain regular employment - which was to his advantage in the
ARes as one can readily calculate 2 3/4 years from enlistment to SGT in the MPs
was almost meteoric. Then it was time
for the RSM, W01 Bat Onley to be posted to Sydney at 2 MP Coy, replaced by WO1
C.R. (Ray) Weiley who had already arrived in late Feb 83.
Early Apr 83, saw that man
of unflappable patience, who had Been almost his entire service in the Orderly
Room, SGT D. (Darryl) Stopp, awarded his National Medal, and then CPL K. (Ken)
Cocks was promoted T/SGT before the unit was to head for camp at Chowilla near
Renmark in the State's Murray-lands Wine District. Although held in Apr-May when temperatures in the area should
normally be pleasant in the day down to very crisp and dewy nights, daytime
temperatures at the Station Homestead hovered around 50 C (for three
consecutive days) - the hottest in the memory of the Station Manager. There was a 50% loss of troops in the
training area due to the heat which brought about a total cancellation of
training for several days. It was almost impossible to sit in the cabin of the
helicopter under the great expanse of plexi-glass which covers the front of the
cabin. The excessive heat also
considerably reduced the lift off capability of the helicopter, due to the thin
air, thereby reducing its reliability as a casualty evacuation unit to Renmark
for serious cases. The hot weather
had brought the snakes out from their hides and presented a real danger.
Another hazard which existed over the entire camp as it never really became
cold, was an abundance of flies, the quantity of which was beyond
comprehension. How could BO many flies
assemble in one area at the same time.
It reflected on unit hygiene training that usual flyborne health
problems did not cause health casualties in the MP unit.
On return from camp LT
Riach, through the State Police posting him to Kadina, some 150 km north of
Adelaide, from Jun 83, became the Depot Comd of the Infantry sub-unit located
there. He was to remain there until a replacement arrived just over 5 years
later. His movement enabled 2LT M.
(Matt) Bengel who graduated from OCTU that month to be posted into 4 MP Coy as
the Pl COMD of 41 MP Pl. CPLB M. (Mick) Heseltine, A. (Adrian) Ransom and M.
(Mike) Richardson also attended 4 Trg Gp to become qualified in Subject 1 for
SGT. When the financial year closed
it was also the time that W02 J. (John) Marshall decided that it was time to
call it a day. He had been in uniform
for a large part of his life - in 1953 he had enlisted in the RAF, and after
service in the United Kingdom saw extended periods of duty in France, Denmark,
West Germany, Malaya and finally in Australia. The last posting resulted in him
becoming married - and not only that, he decided he liked the place that much
that he returned to the United Kingdom for discharge in Jun 62, and was back
here as a migrant by Dec of the same year.
The following year he enlisted in the SA Police Force and remained there
for 2 years before becoming a Customs Officer, initially field and then
clerical, followed by appointment as an Admin Offr in the Dept of Civil
Aviation. It was then in Mar 72 he decided to enlist in the CMF, transferring
to MPB in Sep 72. Shortly after he left
the Reserve he was promoted civilly to a post at the Defence Research Centre,
Salisbury (DRCS) probably more familiarly known under its old name of Weapons
Research Establishment (WRE). With all
that background the unit was certainly the loser.
The movement of people
continued in Jul 83. SGT G. (Pitt)
Pittaway was transferred to 4 Trg Gp as an Instructor in the ORTW, with SGT P.
(Peter) Benier seeking discharge. SGT
Benier had come to the unit some two years previous from an ARA background of
service in Vietnam as an Infanteer followed by MP service. His ARA qualification enabled immediate
promotion to SGT when he joined the ARes following his ARA service. He had secured a very responsible position
with Chubbs - a highly reputable world wide security system company. He was
still in touch with those grass roots from service days.
All this movement of Snr
NCOs - an unusual situation in the MPs - meant that CPLs Ransom and Richardson
were to be promoted to T/SGT, only one month after qualifying in their first
subject.
In Oct 83 came news from 4
Trg Gp that SGT G. (Pitt) Pittaway was to seek discharge. After all these years it would seem hard
to believe that that steady, reliable character would no longer be around. He had been almost a foundation member,
which had been preceded by 6 years in the ARA as a Gunner from May 53 - 59
which included two years in Malaya during the "Emergency" operations
against Communist Terrorist insurgents.
He was the only member in the unit to ever wear a British General
Service Medal (Malaya). His move to Hampstead was in conflict with his civil
work in the transport industry where 0400 hr and 0500 hr starts meant that the
extra travelling time to Hampstead just became too much compared to just a
stone's throw from the MP Depot at Somerton.
The corps would be the sadder for his departure.
Nov 83 had CPL M. (Mick)
Heseltine attending the MP School for SGT Subject 4. He qualified and on return
was promoted SGT.
In Dec 83 2LT I. (Irene)
Eerden arrived having just graduated from OCTU. The first female officer to be appointed to the Corps in South
Australia. Women had been attached as WRAAC personnel almost from the first parade
to assist in administration duties, and then they were enlisted as general duty
personnel after the WRAAC ceased to operate for ARes in South Australia.
The year opened with a
little different slant on the forthcoming annual camp. Although the format was to be another one
of those camps at El Alamein with 9 TF in the field, the major difference was
attachment of interstate ARA personnel to work with the ARA and ARes in the
dust and saltbush country of Cultana. A section came from 1 MP Coy in Brisbane
and three came from 55 MP Pl in Perth.
No doubt the un-ending sand and dust took considerable time to get out
of their hair. The camp was in early
Mar 84 and the temperatures were fairly high and of course the climate was very
dry - a little different to Brisbane's humidity.
Earlier to all this
preparation, Jan 84 had W02 Hall posted as the ARA Trg WO and W02 Mortimer
moved to be SM of 44 Pl, and then in Apr 84 T/SGTs Cocks, Ransom and Richardson
with CPLs Farmer, Haynes and Swann attended the MP School, Ingleburn for a SGT
Subject 4 Course.
In Jun 84 SGT W. (Bill)
Fielke attended a Subject 1 for WO at 4 Trg Gp and IT R. (Bob) Daly was
seconded to RCSC for a 12 months course to prepare him for his Captain's
qualification which was now in a transitional phase of passing from formal AHQ
exams to qualification by attendance at an approved course such as that
conducted at RCSC.
Sep 84 and W02 P. (Peter)
Keogh was transferred to the ORTW of 4 Trg Gp as an Instructor for 2 years.
Once again the unit was to be involved in that massive exercise of moving all
those veteran, vintage and post war motorcycles, cars and trucks in the Bay to
Birdwood Rally. Once again control of the Assembly Area at Glenelg was a major
aspect of the exercise and the area where the unit gave assistance. on this
occasion it was to be considered a 'dry run' for the 1986 Bay to Birdwood - in
that year it would be a recognized event for South Australia's Sesqu-centennial
(150 year) celebration. Already the
size of the 'exercise could be assessed in that it was now only eclipsed by
that most famous of all Veteran and Vintage Car Rallies - the London to
Brighton.
In Oct 84 CPLs A. (Adrian)
Ranson and M. (Mick) Richardson were promoted to SGT. Both were members of the South Australia Police Force and after
service in the General Duties Areas of General Patrols, Station Duties and
Enquiries had recently become plain clothes members in suburban CIBs.
In Nov 84, LT I. (Ian) Gully
came to the unit as another DEO, based on his civilian qualification as a SGT
in the South Australian Police Force.
However he had had quite a significant Army background as well. He carried out his NS obligations between
Apr 66 and Apr 68 which included 1 year in South Vietnam as a signaller in 104
Sig Sqn, with detachments to 161 Indep Recce Flt and 7 RAR. In 1970 he re-enlisted in the 13 Fd Regt
(Artillery) at Keswick Barracks, which subsequently became 48 Field Battery
when CMF units generally were decimated with the cessation of NS in Dec 72. He
was discharged as a SGT in 1978 from Artillery but was re-enlisted as a SGT
(Infantry) in 1980 to be an Instructor at the OCTU of 4 Trg Gp. He was then simultaneously discharged and
re-enlisted to be a MP officer. His
initial posting was as Admin Pl COMD.
In Nov 84 CPL K. (Ken) Cocks
was able to be promoted to SGT due to the resignation of SGT W. (Bill) Fielke
who had to break his 11 1/2 years of service because of his civil occupation
requirements.
At the close of year SGT A.
(Tony) Mik who had been parading with the Pt Pirie Infantry Unit was
transferred to Berri (in the Riverlands wine growing and Brandy distillery are
of SA) through his civil occupation in the Customs Service.
Training wise the year had
been a very ordinary year but movement of personnel had certainly taken up much
of the year's work, for whilst key personnel have been mentioned it should not
be forgotten that there were always ARA CPLs and SGTs moving in and out, not to
forget that ARes CPLs also moved in and out of the unit continuously which
always meant a continual workload in the Administrative and Logistics areas.
Training as usual was always an ongoing exercise.
1985
The year opened with SGT A.
(Adrian) Ransom being attached to the SIB for this camp - the year's activities
were to see fragmentation of camp training for Most members.
In relation to the
introduction of the new, and common to all services Disciplinary Code several
members attended an introductory course of the Defence Forces Disciplinary Act (DFDA)
held at the RAAF Base, Edinburgh Field in Feb 85.
Camp was to be a split
exercise with Corps training being conducted in the first camp, held at El
Alamein during Mar 85. The main feature
being a solo motorcycle course conducted by SGT K. (Ken) Cocks.
Late Apr - May 85 the second
aspect of camp training was implemented which 'included working with 16 AD Regt
(16th Air Defence Regiment) which was the only ARA Arms unit now located in
South Australia. One RP from the visiting New Zealand Infantry Battalion was
attached to the MP in what was a scaled down Task Force exercise in the Hawker
area. Whilst not as ambitious as AFX 81 it did stir up memories of those who
participated in that very vigorous camp.
The earlier AFX was to be
the last camp for SGT A. (Tony) Mik, who found his new location at Berri
impractical to continue soldiering. So
by May 85 he was discharged and 2LT I. (Irene) Eerden, also sought discharge
from the ARes. However she was to
change her green uniform for a blue issue.
In Jun 85 she entered the regular RAAF officer Training Unit and
graduated a Pilot officer and was also Dux of her course.
In Jul 85 LT R. (Bob) Daly
completed his course at 4 Trg Gp but did not return to the unit. He was posted to AUR as the Transport Officer
until the end of the year where upon he moved to HQ 4 MD in Plans Branch.
This month also saw W02 Hall
being Posted to 23 MP P1 in Sydney and W02 R.R. (Dick) Tomkins becoming the Trg
WO (ARA).
In Sep 85 CAPT A. (Allan)
Ward passed his remaining exam for Major thereby completing qualification, but
in addition to that he had passed the Current Affairs subject which was now no
longer a requirement subject.
During Nov - Dec 85, CPLs
Lyons, Mollier, Papps, Swann and Walter-Smith attending a Subject 4 for SGT at
the MP School. It is interesting to
note that the five from South Australia passed the course and the other five
students did not pass. Nov 85 also
saw SSGT B. (Bruce) Thompson leave the orderly Room on posting to Melbourne.
The year closed with the
QMS, W02 R. (Rod) Stone being posted after four and a half years at the unit.
He was succeeded by W02 F. (Frank) Swiderski who was also a RAAOC member
continuing the policy of not utilizing a RACMP in those specialist posting
areas. Dec 85 also saw SGT D. (Debbie) Mutch leaving the unit. She had been the first female in the unit
above the rank of CPL. Her position was filled by CPL J. (Jan) Webster being
promoted to SGT who had come onto FTD to cover the gap following the departure
of SSGT Thompson. SGT Webster performed
Ord Rm SGT duties until the arrival of the replacement ARA Ord Rm SGT.
1986
The year opened with several
members assisting with the movement of the ARes Recruiting Display to Pt Pirie
over the holiday weekend. This was a
major presentation involving many military vehicles from various units, with a
large activity aimed at the local population. The end of Jan 86 also saw SGT I. (Ian) B. Reschke arrive to
take up his duties in the Orderly Room.
once again he was not an RACMP member but from RAAOC. SGT J. (Jan) Webster ceased FTD on his
arrival.
1986 was the year that South
Australia was to celebrate its sesqui-centenary (150 yrs) since being
proclaimed a colony on 28 Dec 1836. (So in mid Feb 86 a group of 16 motorcycle
riders attended camp to do only precision solo motorcycle riding).
Under the keen eye of SGT K.
(Ken) Cocks they practised many hours each day and of course each machine was
running absolutely correctly (bringing to mind that usage is better than storage
with motorcycles), the culmination of the training was presentation of a superb
demonstration of precision riding at the 1986 SA Military Tattoo. The oohs, aahs, gasps and applause indicated
how well they performed. Without any
doubt they would have been once gain the top interest performance, had it not
been for the attendance at the Tattoo of the Rutgers University Drill Team from
the United States of America. Their
precision in footwork and manipulation of rifles with fixed bayonets had the massive
audience spell bound. When one
considers that this item was world class (they have performed several times at
the Edinburgh Tattoo) and the performance of our team was almost level pegging
in audience appeal, the motorcycle team can feel justly proud of their effort
and any one who witnessed the display could join them in their feelings. SGT Cocks had done a superb effort in
welding the team together. It might be added that the dryness of the season on
the Adelaide Oval coupled with the move responsive motors of the current Suzuki
400 cc motorcycle made for more spectacular speeds and closeness of machines,
compared to efforts in previous years on slower machines travelling on damp or
wet grass at the Wayville Showgrounds. .
In Mar 86 it was only a
small group who headed to the Murray Bridge Range Complex to be engaged in an
IET Course. It was also the time that SGT M. (Fred) Baton chose to complete his
ARes service. He had joined the CMF
in Dec 63 in the RSAR and in Dec 65 transferred to the CMF MP unit. He had been
promoted SGT in Jun 73 and became qualified for WO before transferring to the
SIB Section co-located with 4 MP Coy.
Although a position existed for a W02 (ARes) he was not promoted into
that position despite his extensive investigation experience in the SA Police
as outlined a little earlier.
The remainder of the unit
headed for the Shaggy Ridge area in the Flinders Ranges in May 86 to
participate in a scaled down TF/Brigade exercise (South Australia was to become
a Brigade base in lieu of the previous Task Force terminology - for those who
had been around since the early sixties, 9 Bde was not a new term). MP numbers amounted to an under strength
Platoon which equated well with the size of the exercise. It included three ARA
members from 55 MP Pl in Perth. A
highlight of the exercise was use of the Chinook helicopter in the training
exercise, a newcomer to the ARes in South Australia.
After return from camp, SGT Cocks
decided to seek discharge - his contribution in the early sixties and on his
return to the ARes in the eighties has to be worthy of acknowledgment. His expertise in training motorcyclists
would be sadly missed and his contribution to planning and training of the
motorcycle display teams was superb.
Even though he chose to give up the ARes his expertise in the motorcycle
display area was to be utilized in the State Police in Oct 86 when the State
Police performed the first ever Police Tattoo. Held to coincide with the International Police Association
first ever Annual International Convention held in the Southern Hemisphere. The
majority of the civilian police who participated were in fact also members of
the Military Police Motorcycle Display Team.
Viewed by a large crowd including well over 600 International Police and
families, the team was again one of the highlights of the show (even more
creditable due to the absolutely foul weather on the wet grounds of the
Wayville Showgrounds).
In Jun 86, CPLB Papps and
Lyons attended a Subject 1 for SGT Course at the ORTW, 4 Trg Gp. CPL Papps
performed creditably and by topping the course won the coveted Student of Merit
Award. This month also saw W02 Crompton
transferring to Townsville.
Aug 86 saw the arrival of
W02 F. (Fred) R. Bull from 3 MP Coy, Melbourne to be SM 44 Pl. CPL M. (Mike) Papps was promoted SGT and
become a Sect COMD in 41 Pl and simultaneously CPL M. (Mick) Lyons was also
upgraded to SGT as Sect COMD in 43 Pl.
SGT Papps had been a civilian police officer on General Duties Patrols
from Jan 75 to Mar 86, when he resigned to become a private investigator with
one of Adelaide's larger private investigation companies. SGT Lyons had enlisted in the State Police
in Jan 69 and had a background of General Duties Patrols in the metropolitan
area, country police duties and was presently attached to the Port Adelaide
CIB. RAJ B. (Barry) Willoughby moved
from S02 MP (ARes) on the HQ 4 MD to become the OC of the re-named 4th Army Reserve
Recruiting Unit (4 ARRU) located at Keswick Barracks. Unfortunately the policy to run down HQ ARes positions to allow
the raising of HQ 9 Bde, meant that his position was not filled, thereby
effectively eliminating the chance of ARes MP officers from attaining the rank
of Major.
Sep 86 saw W02 P. (Peter)
Keogh return from duty at ORTW, 4 Trg Gp. His return enabled him to be promoted
to W01 in the Trg WO (ARes) posting, a creditable achievement. His position as a member of the State
Police Force elite Star Force group ensured he was constantly involved in the
training scene. Sep 86 saw that
unflappable Ord Rm personality of SGT D. (Darryl) Stopp transfer to 4 Royal
Australian Army Pay Corp Unit at Keswick - he subsequently sought discharge in
Mar 87 after completing almost 19 years service in the CMF/ARes. In civil life he was a line technician in
the Electricity Trust of South Australia.
Once again Sep also saw the
unit assisting with that impressive bi-annual event the Bay-Birdwood Run for all
vehicles whose age exceeded 28 yrs. As
this was one of the premier events on the 150 yr celebration calendar it
attracted enough veteran, vintage and classic cars, trucks and motorcycles to
make it even larger that the most famous of all these runs, the London-Brighton
Veterans Rally.
Never had so many old
vehicles congregated simultaneously, and the crew assigned to the marshalling
area at Glenelg commenced duty at 0430 hr. Vehicles were still leaving at
midday with the parade including many interstate visitors. Indeed a long, but very rewarding day. Nov
86 and SGT A. (Adrian) Ransom transferred to 4 ARRU as a Sect SGT in the
Recruit and Counsellor Section and the year closed with 2LT M. (Mat) Bengel
being promoted to LT. In keeping with the atmosphere in the state in 1986 it
was a year of events within the unit.
1987
This year opened with a
change of OCs (ARA). It saw the
return to South Australia of MAJ J. (Murray) Jonas after an absence of almost
six years. He came from 1 Recruit Training
Battalion (1 RTB) at Kapooka where he had been a Coy COMD - staff structuring
was now such that the instructional staff consisted of representatives from all
Corps within the Army and not only Infantry as was past practise. MAJ D. (Don) MacKenzie moved to Keswick
Barracks to become the COMD 4th District Support Unit (4 DSU). In former
terminology he was the Camp Commandant - the posting was to be his terminal
posting.
Because there was not to be
a TF/Bde camp in 1987, once again units would be left to their own devices; so
it was that in Mar - Apr 87, for those not already qualified in their IET, a
course was conducted in an intensive manner at the Somerton Depot and El
Alamein. Once again without the
necessity to work in with a field MP requirement it meant the entire effort was
to be able to be devoted to Corps training - indeed a very effective way of
achieving maximum satisfaction for both Student and Instructor. As compared to stop, go features of home training
the maintenance of momentum in training on a continuous basis has an immense
advantage.
Between 4 - 15 May 87 4 MD
conducted a patrol exercise/competition in the Barmera - Berri area. Whilst it
was generally considered an ARes exercise, several ARA units did
participate. Patrols were generally
15 in strength, however in the case of the 4 MP contribution it combined with
41 Supply Battalion to form a full patrol.
Not satisfied with a mix of units, it should be also pointed out that
from both units it was a mix of male and female members and to complete the
mixture both units had sent ARA and ARes. CAPT Ward who had not been with 4 MP
Coy since Oct 80, teamed with the RSM of 10 Bn RSAR as the Instructors to this
rather odd mixed up group. Whilst there
was a handicap aspect of the competition, based on factors revealed during the
training phase, it did not stop the patrol welding themselves into a high
performance little outfit under the command of CPL M. Luttrell. During the
competition members had to carry all they needed for the four days of the
rigorous and continuous competition phase.
Special mention should be made of the efforts of the females who kept up
with their male counterparts. Not
only did they act as an inspiration but their example of performance up-staged
many others. The winning patrol, came
from the local depot at Berri, however before claiming they had an obvious
advantage it would be correct to Bay that their performance was absolutely head
and shoulders above everyone else, ARA or ARes - once again blowing the
advantage of people working together as a close knit team for extended
periods. So when the MP/Ordnance
Patrol came second it really stunned the crowd gathered at the massive end of
camp barbecue which acted as the wind down for the exercise. Without doubt the
second team's effort was startling and brought great credit to themselves and
their units and quite a degree of pride to the two Instructors who turned them
into an award winning team.
SGT M. (Mike) Richardson
assisted as an Instructor at the ORTW, 4 Trg Gp on a Subject I for SGT Course.
In Aug 87, CAPT B. (Barry)
Presgrave attached to the Adelaide University Regiment (AUR) retired on the
basis of age. He had had a long
association with the CMF/ARes commencing in May 56 with his attendance at 16th
National Service Training Battalion (16 NS Trg Bn), at Woodside, followed by
service in 27 Battalion South Australian Scottish Regiment (27 SASR). He was almost a foundation member when the
CMF Provost unit was raised in Sep 60.
In the CMF/ARes Provost/MP Unit he rose to W02 before seeking discharge
in Aug 77. He resumed ARes duties in
Aug 81 when he returned to the unit as a CAPT under the DEO scheme. In Jan 83
he moved to AUR where he remained until completion of service. During this service he had been awarded
the Efficiency Medal and the Reserve Forces Medal and Bar, with a National
Medal and Bar for his State Police Force service where he had, by now, become
an Inspector.
Aug 87 also saw MAJ B.
(Barry) Willoughby having to relinquish his Post as OC 4 ARRU when the State
Police posted him to the position of officer in Charge Pt Lincoln Police
District - an area extending in responsibility out to the West Australia -
South Australia border.
On 29 Aug 87 the OC led a
party of 12 on Exercise "State Limits". Representing HQ 4 MD was CAPT
P. (Peter) May and travelling with the party of ARA members were the RSM, W01
J. (Jeff) Moss with W02 F. (Fred) R. Bull and SGT N. (Norm) Ogden controlling
the welfare of the seven CPLs and the CFN, Vehicle Mechanic from Adelaide
Workshops Company who tendered the Landrover, three Unimogs (the Army's new 4 x
4 GS truck), together with 4 x 400 cc Suzuki solo motorcycles and 3 x 250 cc
solo trail bikes. Without question the
effort of CPL G. (Garry) Durrington had to be recognised - he rode a 400 cc
motorcycle around the entire route, which was around 3000 kms in 12 days.
The staggering effort
involved is understood if one considers the overnight stops in order:-
a. Woomera;
b.
Coober Pedy;
c.
Oodnadatta;
d. Pedirka Railway Station (on the old
Ghan narrow gauge rail track);
e. A night in the desert;
f.
Poeppel's Corner - the point where SA, NT and Qld meet;
g.
Birdsville;
h.
Innamincka;
i.
Wilpena Pound;
j.
Hawker, and
k.
Adelaide.
Other points of interest
were the crossing of the infamous Simpson Desert on the French Track, the
Strazelecki Track, witnessing the annual Woomera Cockroach Races, swimming in
hot artesian water at Purni Springs, visiting the ruins of the Dalhousie Springs
Homestead and the Pedirka Railway Station now a crumbling ruin suffering from
the removal of the old Ghan narrow gauge railway line. At Poeppel's Corner if your rear end was
large enough you could claim to be seated in three states. Then there was the daunting task of
crossing "Big Reg" - the longest sandhill in the desert (is that why
they took two Unimog tippers along) - and the final obstacle to reach
Birdsville.
Birdsville was a night to
remember - the party arrived on the Thursday night before the famous Birdsville
Race Meeting on the Friday and Saturday - how could you be in Birdsville at
that time of the year and pull out on the Friday that the race meeting
began? However the intrepid group then
made a major thrust southwards to head for home, with a quick visit to Wilpena
Pound. The efforts of CPL Knibbs as
the chef de cuisine helped round off what was truly a memorable exercise. All were agreed that although South
Australia may be the driest state in the world's driest continent it had a
flood of colour and interest in the scenery that beheld one as the exercise
moved from location to location.
Perhaps one day one should go over the same route at a more leisurely
pace to be able to enjoy it at a slow peaceful rate, and in particular enjoy
the deafening quiet of the night. Despite the darkness it was amazing how
visibility almost appeared to increase at night, with movements being very
obvious.
Oct 87 became retirement
month for the OC and the Ord Rm SGT, SGT Ian) Reschke. MAJ Murray Jonas was originally a South
Australian and after a short time in the State Police, joined the Army with the
intention of becoming a Military Policeman.
In that capacity he served as a CPL and a SGT in the Central Command
Provost Unit interspersed with service in the MP Unit in South Vietnam. After commissioning he returned to South
Australia as a LT (T/CAPT) to be OC of 4 MP Coy and had finally returned as a
Major. His total service was 24 1/2 yrs - he retired to take up being the
proprietor of the Bow Hill General Store, a small village on the banks of the
River Murray, and a popular staging point for river boats, house boats and the
hub of a large river shack community.
Nov is the month Adelaide
comes alive - well that is what the claims are from Australia Formula one Grand
Prix people. Well it certainly does
change the nature of this generally placid city when those speedy machines
arrive and begin their roar of ultimate power. Associated with the activity is a whole host of wide line
activities. The Defence Department being well represented with displays by all
services. Whilst this year saw the display of the RAAF's new Hornet fighter
aircraft - the USAF gave a superb display with a Starlifter Transport on many
fly-pasts. The Navy turned on its Wessen Helicopters - so the Army not to be
outdone turned on a display with Leopard Tanks and Armoured Personnel barriers
being led through the city streets by a Military Police motorcycle escort - the
payment shook as these monsters rumbled along achieving a right of way which
was without question.
Once the tour of city
streets was complete they harboured at the Victoria Park Racecourse (normally a
horse racing venue) the hub of the Grand Prix. Indeed an excellent way to
obtain a great vantage point.
Hardly had the smell of
racing fuel dissipated than SGT N. (Norm) Ogden retired after 20 yrs regular
service and although SGT R. (Bob) Van Galen (RAAOC) had been posted to be the
new Ord Rm SGT his arrival was delayed and the gap filled by SSGT J. (Jan)
Webster being on FTD, having just been on attachment at 4 ARRU as their
CQMS. It also was time for another OC
to arrive to replace MAJ M. (Murray) Jonas.
CAPT C. (Chris) Ostapenkc, arrived from HQ Trg COMD Sydney to fill the
vacancy.
The following month saw the
RSM W01 J. (Jeff) Moss moving out and W01 A. (Alan) Porter moving in from 1 MP
Coy and in the Q Store there was also a change of management with W02 F.
(Frank) Swiderski transferring out to be replaced by SGT B. (Barry) Goodwin (RAAOC),
who was to be subsequently promoted to W02.
1987 was certainly a year
full of events that kept all on their toes and so the Christmas break was very
welcome.
1988
Jan 88 and after interrupted
service W01 P. (Peter) Keogh finally became eligible for his RFM. It also
heralded the commencement of the Australian Bi-Centennial Celebrations, and as
if to celebrate simultaneously the re-birth of 9 Bde as a viable new unit the
annual camp for ARes over Apr - May 88 was an incredibly active field exercise. The recently arrived OC became T/MAJ C.
(Chris) Ostapenko on 1 Feb 88.
A new concept of Vital Asset
Protection (VAP) Teams was practised with massive movements by HMAS Tobruk of
600 soldiers for Anzac Day Parade with an 0500 hr beach landing at El Alamein,
then movement to Woomera for Counter Insurgency and Close Protection of VIPs
being practised, which included airlifts by C130 Hercules Transport aircraft
from Leigh Creek and to culminate it all, supervision of the return to Adelaide
by rail transport of the bulk of the infantry troops, coupled with convoy
control of vehicles returning to Adelaide it contrasted immensely with the
activities Of the MP Pl attached to the Logistic Support Force (LSF) at El
Alamein. It was an incredibly busy
camp and no doubt will be remembered for a long time by those who participated.
On 2 May 88 CAPT A. (Allan)
A. Ward RFD, ED, returned to the unit after being at 4 Trg Gp, initially posted
as an Instructor in the Reserve Command and Staff College, civil police shifts
forced his training programme to be only available on a continuous basis, and
with this he became the Admin Offr of the Trade Trading Wing, where all courses
were held simultaneously and on a continuous training basis. His immediate task on return was that of
drafting the history of the RAA Pro and RACMP in South Australia since the
raising of the CMF Provost Unit on 6 Sep 60.
As he had actually started and subsequently shelved this activity in the
late seventies he was able to draw on this as a firm basis to draft the
history. Approaching it with the requirement that firstly whatever is written
must be accurate and secondly anyone or any activity which a member or the unit
was involved in over the years should be mentioned, it became quite an exercise
chasing up and talking to many people not contacted for many years to glean any
bit of information from them and then sometimes to verify or correct it from
another source.
At end it could be said to
have been a very rewarding exercise albeit exhaustive.
Late in May 88 LT Gully
swapped his position as Admin Pl COMD with LT Phillips posting as Pl COMD 43 MP
PI which led to SGT M. Lyons being posted to A/SM, 41 MP Pl and SGT M. Papps as
A/SM 43 MP Pl in Jun 88.Whilst he was no longer an RACMP active member, it is
worthy of note that in the Queen's Birthday Honours List CAPT B. (Barry)
Presgrave, RE, was awarded an AOM for service to the community in relation to
his involvement in early days with the Royal Lifesaving Society of South
Australia and in more recent times in the SA Police Blue Light Disco activity
run in conjunction with the Lions Club in South Australia. To close off the month W02 R.R. (Dick)
Tomkins retired to move into security at the new Convention Centre complex - a
major city development zone of multi million dollar proportions. It also saw CAPT I.D. (Don) Sharp making
his first move out from the unit since he enlisted as a foundation member in
Sep 60. His progress from being a Pro
NCO to Ops Offr had seen him progress through each rank to W01 and then with
the introduction of Prescribed Service Officer conditions of appointment he was
able to succeed in attaining Commissioner Rank. He moved to 4 ARRU to become a Recruiting Sectior COMD.
With the opening of the new
financial year it saw SGT M. (Mike) Richardson being successful in being
selected to attend OCTU, 4 Trg Gp at Hampstead Barracks for a one year course,
and subsequently CAPT R. (Bob) J. Daly returned from his posting at OR
Management, in HQ 4 MD, Keswick Barracks to become the new ops Offr. With all
this movement of personnel it meant CPLs D. (David) Bevan and W. (Bill) Mollier
could be promoted to SGT, and be posted as Sect SGTs in 41 MP Pl.
Aug 88 and SGT K. (Kerry)
McComb transferred from being the Sect SGT in 44 MP Pl and on promotion to W02
became the Trg WO (ARes) whilst at 4 DSU MAJ D. (Don) McKenzie decided it was
time to call it a day. He was to
retire from the stress of being the OC 4 DSU to the quietness and lack of
stress as a Court orderly in the State's Courts Department.
Sep 88 and on the last
weekend it was time for that massive bi-annual event - the Bay to Birdwood Run
and for the second time it would be an officially listed event. In 1986 it was a major event on South
Australia's 150 yr Celebration Calendar and now in 1988 it was an official
event on the Australian Bi-Centenary Calendar.
0430 hr was the start time
for the platoon allocated duties at the assembly area in Glenelg. What a task co-ordinating 1500 of those old
chugging horseless buggies and motorcycles.
It was to be the largest ever gathering in Australia and rivalled its
British counterpart. Effort at the Bay
culminated in the first being flagged off at 0930 hr.
Meanwhile at the late hour
of 0730 hr LT Gully took his platoon to Birdwood to organise the massive task
of parking these vehicles as they roared into the normally peaceful little
village. Once the first arrival occurred around 1030 hr, pointsmen, including
the Pl COMD, spent three and a half hours on point without relief. A change in format for parking
arrangements, which whilst in itself made for easier and quicker parking,
created unplanned traffic control points leaving no reserve personnel. Although
hectic those three and a half hours went quickly and with no bent machinery one
could only say it was a marvellous success and once again brought praiseworthy
note to 4 MP Coy.
Once the fumes and fervour
of September had settled it was time to consider the unit's involvement with
Navy Week. The Navy being of very
small proportion in Adelaide, during the visit to Adelaide Port between 18 - 25
Oct 88 of one Italian, three French, two New Zealand, three Royal Navy and six
Royal Australian Navy ships simultaneously with some 5000 sailors being in town
at the one time, 4 MP Coy was called upon to provide assistance with both
manpower (to link up with Shore Patrol personnel) and vehicles to enable
adequate coverage of shore base disciplinary requirements. Use of State Police facilities at Bank
Street Police Station in the city and State Police Handsets enabled the MP/SP
personnel to be available for instant response. Using handsets operating on the Police Net enabled the Patrols to
maintain a listening watch so as to enable monitoring of the overall situation.