15 December 2005 Mick Ryan

Sappers

I am sad to have to advise the passing of Major Paul (Porky) Baker (rtd). Paul died from complicatations during an operation for bowel cancer. Paul was a larger than life character and a great source of fun. Many Sappers will remember him from SME. His funeral will beheld at the RAE Chapel SME Steele Barracks Moorebank. NSW. A fellowship will be held after. We hope all his mates that can turn up and give him a good send off.

Mick Ryan
RAEA WA

14 December 2005 Mick Ryan

Sappers

Ron Gomboc has just given me the bronze Sappers slouch hat (No1) to hold till we place it on the new plinth at the RAE Memorial Karrakatta. The hat is valued at $2200 and is made full size.

The RAEAWA thanks Ron for this magnificent gesture.

Mick Ryan

05 December 2005 Russell P Martin.

8 Lincoln Street
West Croydon, South Australia, 5008

05 December 2005 Bob Evennett

2nd Lt (Nasho) 1 Fd Sqn 1969 - 70. Would like to get contact addresses for David Dufall and Denis Pegg (ex 18 Fd Sqn Tsv 1969)

01 December 2005 Michael Ryan OAM RAEA WA

I know all members will join me in sending our condolences to the family of Warwick Broomfield our senior vice president RAEA WA. Warwick was a rock for us for many years as the Snr VP . He designed our memorial for us. He wrote our constitution. He served his country long and well.
Facimus et Frangimus .
He will be missed.
Ubique Rest in peace Warwick
Mick Ryan

30 November 2005 Doug (pop) Rivett

Great site keep it up.
Cheers to all the old boys from 21 Const Sqn and any still alive from 1 FER from 1974

30 November 2005 John Williams

11 Royal James Court
Quinns Rocks WA 6030

30 November 2005 Jim Weston

1 Tp 1 Fld Sqn 70-71, 18 Fld Sqn and 3FER Townsville 71-74
Great site you have, recognised a few names on your member list. Cheers to old and new Sappers.

27 November 2005 Brian [Gus] Angus

Like to hear from old mates GOOD TO HEAR from Dickie Ducket. Up the Old Red Roosters.

Regards
Peter Millard

19 November 2005 Peter Millard

21 Construction Squadron 77-81. Be good to hear from anyone. Currently living in Wollongong.

18 November 2005 Brian [Gus] Angus

Great site Mick, has put me in touch with several old timers, if I dare call them old. Keep up the good work.

03 November 2005 Mick Ryan

LOCSTAT
Mick Ryan is now back in loc at Ocean Reef after a great 5 weeks in Hobart. Thanks to all who gave me a call. The RAEA TAS boys are in prime shape and out looking for any Sappers that are now down in Tasmania. Their Sec Micho Michalowski is the contact. I joined them for a visit to 22 Const Regt (Vic) who were working at Buckland (and Stoney Head) Training Areas. Also had a Steyr Family shoot organised by Rip Kirby.
I managed to smuggle 1 dozen only bottles of Barilla Bay Oyster Stout back from Tasmania. The best I've ever tried and only available in Hobart. Has oysters incl.
Get down to Tasmania if you can, great lifestyle and much cheaper to live than the mainland.
Graeme Westerway has emigrated to Tasmania from Mullaloo as have a number of other Sappers. Had a beer with Denis Pegg ex 2IC 3 FER now relocated to Kingston from Townsville.
Regards
Sappers Ubique
Mick Ryan

14 October 2005 Ross L (Drac) Grant. REG #18721

Ex 16th VM Appy, WO1, Maj. RAEME. Retired to Cairns since 1990. Served with Dapper Sappers in 21 Const Sqn Wksp in Borneo 65/66, 1 Fd Sqn Wksp in SVN 69/70, ASM of 1 FER Wksp in Holsworthy 79/80. Arte et Marte.

13 October 2005 Mick Ryan

You are doing a fantastic job Darryl Westrup with the website. I owe you one!!
Mick

13 October 2005 Mick Ryan

Curently enjoying Tasmania and the company of the RAEA TAS, a fine bunch. 0407446666 if anyone needs to contact me. For Doddsy should be dropping in to see your partner in crime Peter Dorrell today if I can climb the hill to Anglesea Barracks.
Visiting 22 Const Regt from Victoria this saturday at Buckland Training Area where they are having their annula camp reworking the range etc.
Regards to all. Same message from Jan Riordan .
Mick Ryan
Pres RAEA WA

08 October 2005 R Morton

Great site.. here's a site that might interest anyone who was or is in the forces. http://militaryscreensavers.zoomshare.com.

07 October 2005 Ron Nash

Congratulations on an excellent site, Mick .. one of the better Vets sites.
Too many of the other Vets websites are full of the "flashing GIF" crap.

I was only a poor old Nasho .. a Plantie with 17 Const. - Aug 1970 - Aug 1971.
I have never found any of the W.A. blokes I went in with, and most blokes I worked with were Eastern Staters. I found a handful at the '87 re-union in Sydney.

I have about 130, 35mm pics of my time in the Army, including SVN, with many pertaining to 17's operations (many of LCT), the plant yard, equipment, personnel, etc.
Having some difficulty getting them transferred to print, or digital format, without incurring exorbitant cost.
I'd suggest, that many others, like me, have important pics hidden away, that need to be hunted down with a major effort.
There are two problems with leaving the pic hunt for too much longer .. we are all getting long in the tooth (stunned to see how many blokes I worked with, are gone) .. and I have found that the colour is going off, in my slides, as they do, after nearly 35 years.

Also .. I'd like to make a suggestion, that you could put some descriptions with the pics you already have up, to help explain them.

Regards, Ron Nash.

27 September 2005 Ross Kember

21 EST 1969/70 First time visiotr to this website. I must admit with some embarrisment that I have not tried to keep contact with anyone from the unit. Time and distance is just an excuse not a reason.

However time is a great leveller and I now have the urge to check in on old sappers.

27 September 2005 Ross O'Grady

In sunny QLD and a Sapper Association Member. Just looking over your site and kicking the memory along. I'll visit later for a closer 'perusal'.

Regards

Rossco 18th Plumber to Const Spvr 63/83

21 September 2005 Glenn R Dodds

I browse this site about once a fortnight to see who has been by. Occasionally see names that ring a bell or two. Its a great way to try and stay in touch. The web site is great, keep up the great work.

05 September 2005 SGT "Rev" Watson

A belated thanks to Mick and all those that provided their memories and recollections to help me put together a history of the old SME CPL's Club. Have managed to compile a comprehensive yet somewhat disjointed history of the club. Thanks again all involved.
Rev Watson

01 September 2005 Laurie Nelms

40 Year End of Confrontation Memorial Day To be now held at the SANZAC School, Kota Kinabalu ( Formally Jesselton ) at 9am the 18th of August 2006 The reason for the change is that those attending should not miss Sandakan Memorial Day held on the 15th.

30 August 2005 Slawes

If you are trying to trace old pals try www.nsrafa.com they have got a great site going there - and it's easy to register and find people (lots of great info about NS days to!. They are also trying to develop sites for the ARMY NS and NAVY NS, if you can help them get in touch with them, we need to keep our memories ALIVE!

29 August 2005 John Spencer

Electrician with 21 Engr Spt Troop Nui Dat March 68-69.Great web site.

24 August 2005 Kerry J Phelan

Great site I served in 17 Const Sqn Mar 67 to Feb 68 SVN .I noted an entry on 7/5/04 from Des Smith my troop SGT If this note gets through would like get in touch My contact No 029488734.

19 August 2005 John Montgomery

Long time no fleas.
Wondered what the rest of you did to fill in time?
Look forward to best, thinking better, Monty

28 July 2005 John Brock

5 Hoddle Place
Diamond Creek
Victoria 3089

24 July 2005 Phil Hurren

As usual Mick you the W.A. mob are ahead of the rest of us with this site please keep up the great job.

04 July 2005 Ron Johnson

Anybody remember me. Sgt Cook with 17 Consruction Sqn Vung Tau 66-67. Like to contact a few of my old mates.

03 July 2005 Nick Weir

Looking for any details regarding the locating and destruction of two unexploded 10,000 pound bombs at the Long Hais during Operation Massey Harris (late Sept-early Aug 1970) Would have been attached to a large pallet and dropped from a C130. 2 Troop 3 Cav were tasked to locate the pallet which they successfully did. Details needed for a book being written by Bruce Cameron of the history of 1AR in Vietnam. We have a report of two 1000 pounders being found which Charlie had started to empty, could this be a mistake in reporting. Any assistance much appreciated.
Nick Weir (3 Cav 1969-70)

25 June 2005 John Brock

Great site for the "Sappers", hope to hear from anyone who remebers me. Vietnam 68 - 69.
1 Fld Sqn, 17 Construction, 21 Support Troop and 1 ATF HQ. I had a go at every thing.

25 May 2005 Marty Miles

I would like to thank everyone connected with your site who helped me provide evidence for my hearing with the VRB.

Delighted to say that my conditions have now been accepted as service related.

The support and suggestions offered by many individuals whom I have never met has truly amazed me.

The journey is not over but I am well on the way.

Again thank you
Marty Miles

15 May 2005 Len Bibby

Post: Hello I hope I am in the right place, I had a great time serving with the Royal Austrailian Engineers in Nabimbia I was the guy who drew the Anzac pic on the tent Am I in the right place

23 April 2005 Warrick Williams

A Member of 18 fld sqd in Vic, along with brother Noel, now deceased.

12 April 2005 Brian Lamb

Still a great site. Have put together a photo album of 130 odd photos of 1Troop 1 Fd Sqn 1969. If anybody wants to view them send me your email.

April 03 2005 Terry Perren

Served with 21 Support Troop Nui-Dat August 67 - August 68.

30 March 2005 Peter Ryan

Thanks for the oportunity to, at long last, catch up with old mates and re-new my friendships. Drop us a line. Well done on a great site, Mick & Co.

22 March 2005 Laurie Nelms

Just like to let everyone know who served in Malaysia 1957 to 1966 that a 40 year end of Confrontation "Thank You" Parade and Memorial Plaque Dedication is planned to be held in Kota Kinablu (formly Jesellton) on the 16th September 2006.

22 March 2005 Mick Ryan RAE WA Pres

All sappers be advised,
Each ANZAC day here in Perth since 1982, an engineer dawn service has been conducted at the engineer unit in Karrakatta's Irwin Bks.
All Sappers and those that served in RAE units along side them, families or relatives are most welcome to attend the service and the breakfast after.
The service is a full one with coffee royale first, a memorial service conducted by 13 Field Sqn (always excellent) with catafalque party, bugler, padre and an Anzac address by the colonel commandant RAE WR - this year by colonel Geoff Simpson Rtd. Official wreaths are laid for the corps, associations and the royal engineers and royal NZ engineers. Personal wreaths may be laid towards the end of the service and details are read out of the names of those being accorded a tribute.
A fine and very moving service attended by a large group of sappers each year. Breakfast in the Ryan club is usually around $ 2. A bus leaves at 0800hrs for the Perth Anzac march from the 13 Field Sqn, all allowed on.
If you are visiting Perth and wish to attend contact the RAE WA we'll look after you.
While the service in town is excellent its good to share Anzac day with sappers.
Mick Ryan

18 March 2005 Steve Sheen

Post: The annual ex-22 Construction reunion this year (15 April) will be graced by the presence of ...
Bill Parsons (SA)
Laurie Nelms (NSW)
Peter Taylor (SA)
Alyn Evans (SA)
Geoff Rogers (SA)
Jim Nicholson (SA)
John Lehman (NSW)

... who will be crossing the Nullarbor in a transport of delight (also planes, trains and automobiles) at the prospect of meeting fellow members of the 1965-67 era. They are particularly keen to meet other 1/65 and 2/65 intake National Servicemen to whom they don't owe money or who have forgotten if they do. Anyone who can make it will be rewarded with Laurie and John's account of their recent return to Sabah - and preliminary detail of the Malaysian government's "thank you" parade in Kota Kinabalu, September 2006 (it will be huge).

Paul Morris (NSW) can't make it to the reunion but will be joining the rest for the 13 Fd Sqn Anzac day dawn service followed by the march in Perth. RAE(WA), 13 Field and the ex-22 Association have all gone out of their way to extend a welcome, come to one or both events if you can. 13 Field will need to know numbers for the dawn service and whether seats are needed for the bus to the march - let me know and I will pass it on to SSM Shawn Goodbody or tell him yourself (but not both).

Those who have been out of touch will be gratified to find they are not alone in failing to to defy the ageing process. If you're not presently on the ex-22 books and/or haven't received notification of the reunion, download the form on the intro page here (www.wasappers.com/intro.htm) and return it to Nev Clarke (also on the intro page). Nev is currently Sec. of both the ex-22 Association as well as of RAE(WA).

See you there ... Steve

17 March 2005 Kevin Botterill

27 Pacific Promenade
Craignish. (Hervey Bay)
Queensland 4655

15 March 2005 Lloyd (Bluey) Morey

Post: 22Const. Sqn. Karrakatta (Borneo June to December 1966). 21 Const. Sqn. (Borneo April to June 1966)

15 March 2005 Dave Dufall

Congratulations on a first-class web-site and thanks Mick for bringing me to it. Have been away from the West a long time but you don't forget your heritage just as you don't forget what it means to be a Sapper. Should anyone be passing through or wish to stay, I think I can steer you straight (if that's the direction in which you're interested!). Best wishes to all at the Re-union. Resources & Plant Tps in 65/66.

03 March 2005 Marty Miles

Does anyone remember seeing trucks loaded with supplies, delivering aid to villagers of Binh Ba immediately after the battle concluded (Operation Hammer, June 1969)?

Thanks
Marty Miles
(SVN 1969 - 1970)

27 February 2005 Lou Butera

3 Manna Way
Mill Park VIC 3082

25 February 2005 John Ingersoll

I am trying to track the 18th Aust Field Coy RAE Association in Syndey, my father served in WWII with them and he is willing to march on ANZAC day in Sydney. I would appreciate a contact no, if you have one. Thankyou

20 February 2005 James Fitzroy

Great website and "Follow the Sapper"

16 February 2005 Danny Blanchet

Looking for a australian engineer named eddie. Met him and the unit in 1983 when the us army in hawaii and australian engineers traded locations for thirty days. The engineering unit is near brisbane. Eddis was a good and funny man. Has a sister who works at a sheep farm somewhere. Eddie may have seen war in vietnam too. Hes a good mate, and I hung with him for that month. I'm looking to say hello to him, and catch up on the years. Please assist me if you can. Thanks in advance.

03 February 2005 Creagh BRAMLEY (Possum) RASigs - SASR

A great site and a very good source of info on what is going in the world of not only you Engineers but of some other Corps. Always good to hear from Mick Ryan.

25 January 2005 Charlie Manych

I am looking for any member of 22 cont sqn who served at PANDAWON in 1966. I was the radio op there.

20 January 2005 Harry LeBusque

71 Fortis Creek
Fortis Creek 2160

20 January 2005 Mick Ryan

All Sappers go to the ADF website at http://www.defence.gov.au check on operation tsunami assist and view the fine images of sappers doing what they do best.

1 Combat Engineer Regt/21 Const Sqn Det and 1 Topo Svy Det are literally up to their guts in mud. Makes you proud.
Well done to the medics as always and the RAAF/NAVY.

If you want to pass on an 'attaboy' send messages to COPRS RSM RAE WO1 Graham Toll. Graham.Toll@defence.gov.au.
Get behind our family.

Mick Ryan
President
RAEA WA

17 January 2005 Darren Meuron

G'day all, just found this site. Good to see. keep it goin.

Darren Meuron ex 22

07 January 2005 Ole Maga

The RAEA WA wishes all sappers everywhere & their mates a fine Christmas and an excellent new year.

For those coming to Perth next Anzac day for the 3 Sappers reunions .............we are looking forward to showing you some sandgroper Sapper hospitality......... the planning is under way.
May the wind be always at your back. i dey hereoooooo I beg no come closerooo

01 January 2005 Darryl Westrup (Westy)

Welcome to 2005 - I would like to wish all the RAEWA members, WA Sapper website readers and all Sappers a fantastic new year and may 2005 be filled with prosperity for all.

It's great to see how many people have caught up with each other in the last year thanks to aid of WA Sappers, this year will be another fun packed year with plenty to read and see, don't forget to tell your mates WA Sappers is here.

Take care and no doubt I will see some of you through the year.

Ubique

Darryl
WA Sappers Webmaster