For Militarists this is a unique documentary and compelling story about the amazing success of Australia’s wartime top secret commando folboats and their crew. In parts, it reads like a good novel but is 100% factual. The craft had been developed from pre-war sports kayaks proven in raging white waters of Switzerland. At the start of the Pacific War, the military version was tested by Australia’s Z Special Force Command off the Queensland coast and in New Guinea. Two were rushed to a secret camp to train commandos for Operation JAYWICK. Those same commandos later paddled in compete darkness to sink 7 enemy ships in Singapore Harbour in 1943.

Every paddle stroke is there. Accounts from actual top brass personalities include the use folboats in surf conditions and Australian Commandos’ perfection of the deployment and recovery from submarines in 1972. 87’500 words, 77 illustrations including graphic images of the sports and military versions, full A4 pages of the original folboat plans plus copies of formerly top-secret National and private archived documents tell the story.

The Australian MKIII was highly regarded, having the longest run of any military folboat during WWII. A total of 1024 were ordered by the Defence Department, vastly outnumbering those brought in and used from overseas – a fact that was not generally known until now. One of the very first of these original military MKIII folboats will be on display at the Australian War Museum soon.

The book includes 33 of accounts of over 36 Special Operations in the Pacific, including RIMAU (Book: Heroes of Rimau), MOSSTROOPS, NADZAB, PYTHON, MENZIES, POLITICIAN, PLATYPUS, COPPER (Book: The Guns of Muschu), SEMUT IVB & CROCODILE - all documented.

Merely for the price of one book, this is a valuable indexed reference for military personnel and all kayak enthusiasts.

Australian Artillery Association member John Hoehn is offering a 20% discount to all Australian Artillery Association members.

Instead of the regular $36,  you pay only $28.80 plus the $7.00 p&p. Total $35.80.

Make cheque payable to the distributor: Frank Isbister and send it to him at 54 Volitans Avenue, Mt. Eliza, Vic 3930.

Also enclose your address and mark it 'member AAA'. The book will then be despatched to you within two days.

If you do not have a cheque facility, contact John on john.hoehn@bluewin.ch for other means of payment.

"THE LAST KNIGHT"

General Sir Phillip Bennett is a good example of what makes a great leader. With a good combination of innate personal qualities, education, broad experience and the hardening that comes with survival on the battlefield he prospered. As a young officer he survived the first and most perilous year of the Korean War, including the Battle of Kapyong. He also withstood the rigours of battalion command in South Vietnam in 1968-69, including the Battle of Coral, one of the most intense operations of the war in South Vietnam for the Australian forces.

Available from Big Sky Publishing

Authored by:

Christopher Jobson
Royal Australian Artillery

"LOOKING FORWARD LOOKING BACK"
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY

“Every Army marches to the tune of its customs and traditions. The customs and traditions of the Australian Army reflect the often glorious legacies that define the Army of today. They are visible acknowledgements of the history that has shaped the character, the values and the pride of Australia’s modern Army and those who serve in its ranks.”

Lieutenant General D.J. Hurley, AO, DSC, Vice Chief of the Defence Force

Looking Forward, Looking Back – Customs and Traditions of the Australian Army explores the Australian Army’s rich and proud history. Our Army’s customs and traditions are far from static; they are dynamic as they evolve and adapt just like the Army itself. More than anything, they instill a strong sense of belonging in our Diggers. The teamwork, pride, discipline and respect of the past continue to inspire our present modern day Army.

The Australian Army boasts a broad variety of traditions, some of which belong to the Service as a whole, others to a particular corps, regiment or rank. These customs and traditions vary: some are solemn, others are humorous and still others incorporate the rules of social etiquette, manners and style.

Many of the Australian Army’s customs and traditions are derived from the battle tactics and fighting attire of old. Some of the drill movements seen on today’s parade ground, for example, were originally practiced by soldiers in battle. Various parts of the Aussie soldier’s uniform had practical uses in combat and some customs retain their original use as they did hundreds of years ago.

While the ever-changing modern military environment means that soldiers continue to look forward, looking back to the Australian Army’s customs and traditions serves as a constant and reassuring reminder of past victories and how far we have traveled so far.

Looking Forward, Looking Back, will ensure that some of the military heritage that created the foundations of the fighting force of today is not lost over time.

DVD
"THEY'LL COME LOOKING FOR YOU"
The Battle of Fire Support Base CORAL, Vietnam 1968

A “must have” story of Australian Artillery in the front line in South Vietnam.

Whether you are a Gunner, a military aficionado or just someone who appreciates the stories of men fighting for their lives and their country, you must have a copy of this DVD.

Real time footage and photos from 1968 and today – each man telling their own personal stories.  Includes interviews with a senior North Vietnamese Army officer who fought at Coral!

Available from selected stockists or direct from the Regiment Association – order one today! To purchase your copy visit the 12 Field Regiment (Vietnam) Association website.

"THE GUNNER'S DOCTOR" VIETNAM LETTERS By David Bradford

I am informed that this book has been written by the Regimental Medical Officer (RMO) for the 106th Field Battery, Royal Australian Artillery during their first tour of Vietnam, David Bradford.   This book would of course be of significant interest to all those Vietnam Veterans' who served in the 106th Field Battery RAA on their 1st Tour and to those with an interest not only in the period/conflict but also those with a keen interest in Artillery.

The book is available from Dymocks Book Stores throughout Australia.

"4th Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery - Historical Guide

ARTHUR BURKE, OAM, Colonel Commandant RAA Northern Region and Honorary Historian, 4th Field Regiment RAA has authored a book that outlines the Historical events of the 4th Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery, from its inception in 1856 in Victoria up to today's unit in the Ready Deployment Force in Townsville.
All proceeds from the books sale go directly to the development of the 4th Field Regiment Historical Collection.

The Curator

4th Field Regiment RAA Historical Collection

Chau Pha Lines

Lavarack Barracks

TOWNSVILLE  Q  4813

Available in Australia
in 2009

Click Image Above
For link to Bookstore

Royal Artillery Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
Philip Jobson

Since its creation in 1716, the Royal Artillery has been a cornerstone of the British Armed Forces, as their motto Ubique, ‘Everywhere’, implies. In this book Philip Jobson has collated the enormous and complex artillery lexicon which has accumulated since that day, as dynamic as its subject to keep pace with technical and tactical innovation. The development of indirect fire, counter-battery, anti-tank and anti-aircraft fire all required a novel vocabulary, as did advances in survey and locating. Changes in communication from shouts, to flags, to line, to radio, to compressed data transmission all left their mark on the language.

*   The only available glossary of Royal Artillery terms.
*   Includes illustrations and photos.
*   Tracks the changes in the language of calculation and fire orders.

Philip Jobson is Chairman of South London District Royal Artillery Association, Secretary of the South East Region Royal Artillery Association, Secretary of Woolwich and Plumstead Branch Royal Artillery Association and Secretary of the Friends of Firepower, the Royal Artillery Museum in Woolwich. He has been researching this book for the past twenty years.