On the 4th April 2017 one of our members, Robert Lewis passed away.

His memorial service is tomorrow at Redcliffe RSL.

Bob was one of those members of ALSC who was transferred to the books of 87 Tpt Pl, but was snavelled up by HQ and as a result, never did leave Saigon. Some who did any time in Saigon may have come across Bob, especially if you were a smoker.

Hi to all of 87

The Forgotten Heroes of the Vietnam War

A submission to Australian Army Headquarters requesting all units involved in the Battles of Coral & Balmoral be awarded the AUSTRALIAN UNIT CITATION FOR GALLANTRY has been REJECTED !!

During the War in Vietnam, a large group of Australian military units (including a Detachment fron 1OFP) were involved in the biggest series of battles to be fought by the Australian Army since World War Two. It involved a Brigade of two Australian Battalions with their combat support units, logistic units, plus New Zealand soldiers and American combat support units.

The battles raged for 26 days between 12 May and 6 June 1968 and ended with an Australian success that was as close to a miracle as you can get. In 2016, a group of Australian diggers who fought at those battles wrote up a submission for the Australian Army to recognize the courage and determination of the Australian units by granting them the Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry. Australian Army Headquarters knocked them back.

The diggers now turn to the Minister for Defence Personnel to launch an inquiry into the battle. A short VIDEO is attached to this petition for you to see for yourself what happened to these diggers in May and June 1968.

Please support your Mates who served at FSB Coral and sign the PETITION asking the Minister for Defence Personnel to launch an Inquiry into this battle.

Every digger matters. Every voice counts.
Thank you.

Pity they couldn’t find a RAASC badge at the end instead of the RACT one!!

First off, Ted Baulch is now home, came home today and Dot tells me that she is now in a slightly more stable position and welcomes phone calls. Ted ate with the family, is walking around but still very frustrated because his speech has not yet returned. DVA has organised a speech therapist to attend home tomorrow.

Second.

Jim Thomson has told me that recently he received a phone call from Jim White’s daughter stating that Jim passed away in January this year.  Many will not know Jim (James on the 87 roll) as he was one of the 3 Platoon boys who served in Bien Hoa and although he was posted to 87 along with a number of others, he was purloined and remained in Saigon.

RIP Jim White.

Ted is slowly recovering to the stage where they have now moved him to a rehab unit. He can manage one or two words and is slowly getting a bit of use back in his hand and legs. They have removed the feeding tubes which is a bit of a relief to him.

Will keep all posted as time goes on. Dot still requests her privacy but is happy to pass on information as it comes to hand. I have passed on the best wishes from us all.

Ted Baulch suffered a stroke earlier this month and at this moment is in hospital undergoing intensive care. Hopefully in the near future he will be transferred to rehab, but not just yet.

He has a blood clot close to the brain that is at this moment inoperable and he has lost his ability to talk and a high percentage of his mobility.

Dot and the family would like us to know the situation but strongly request that we all respect their privacy in this trying time, and do not attempt to contact them just yet. Dot will keep us updated as things progress.

I can only reiterate that Dot and the family have requested their privacy not be interrupted at this time and I guess it should be understood that this information is for the benefit of 87 and ATA members only at this time and not for general conversation.

If you wish to add comments here I will ensure that they are passed on when the time arises to do so. Ed.

Watch this space as it is sure to grow steadily over the next few weeks.

All members, spouses and families,

Have a great Christmas and a happy New Year.

Pom and Sue Adcock;  Wishing all of 87 a merry Xmas and a happy and safe New Year. Regards Pom and Sue

Ken and Marg Sceney;

Wishing all the members, wives, partners and families a very merry Xmas and a happy and healthy 2017.

All the best for the festive season and have a great New Year.

Ken & Marg

Ron and Mardi Wicks..

Merry christmas 87 in 2016
Ron and Mardi

John and Jenny Pigeon

With our best wishes to all for a great Christmas and happy, healthy New Year – Pidge and Jenny

Maureen Thomas

Hi to all of 87 I would like to wish you all a very merry Xmas and a safe and happy new year

Regards Maureen Thomas

Anna Marcelino

A very *warm* and fun Christmas and a blessed 2017 to all
Regards Chris anna and family

Jim and Marie Thomson

Cheers

The Bloo and Wendy Dennis Saga

click…well-here-we-go-again

John and Janet Neenan

To every member of our 87 family, Janet and I send our warmest best wishes for the festive season, and for health and happiness for 2017.  Thinking of you fondly,

John and Janet.

Yvonne England sent this photo up just to remind us how the raffle tickets get folded.